AFVOA Newsletter of Year 2021

Section 6 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 01 / 2021 Page 87 of 123 has changed. Only standing space is available and whatever you ask for is served to you on a piece of newspaper. No chutneys or sauces etc. While a variety of bhajji’s are available here, the much preferred items of the public are Masal Vada, Medhu Vada and Cutlet. I have also of seen a lady setting up shop in East Mada Street, Mylaopre (near Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan) literally on the road (no hand cart, tables etc.) and her shop does occupy a lot of space. (I pity the poor guys looking for space to park their vehicles). I have not had the opportunity to eat Bhajji’s at this place but from the crowed that I see around I am sure they must be good. Pakoda may not find a mention in Wikipedia.com or Webster’s dictionary but it is omni present in this country as a wonderful snack which is loved by all Indians. It’s high time we patented this recipe lest it meets the same fate as the Basmati rice at the hands of the Americans. Bottom Line – Pakoda a k a Bhajii may not have any nutritional value and they may be against all good health practices. BUT they are a class of their own – They tingle everyone’s taste bud – Be it with the young or the old, Be it with the rich or the poor, Be it with a hot piping cup of tea or Scotch on the rocks. About the Author Wg Cdr S Harshavardhan was commissioned in the Accounts Branch of IAF in June 1976. He has mostly served in front base flying stations and other postings include Instructor at Air Force Academy and Air Hq – IG’s Branch. He took premature retirement in Mar 2004 and has been part of the Corporate World since then. He worked as Head of Facility and Administration in IT Sector (M/s Xansa India and M/s U S Technology), Country Head – Security with Tube Investments of India (Murugappa Group) and is presently the CEO of a Chennai based Security service company. He is an avid blogger and Bridge player.