AFVOA Newletters of Year 2002

Page 50 of 84 introduction – which was expected to last around ten minutes – have a short violin recital by two upcoming artistes followed by a party game specially created for the evening by Mrs Chikala Govindaswamy. And in keeping with the saying that Man proposes and He disposes - just as the introductions got over, the heavens opened up and the rain Gods tried to chip in and put a damper (literally) on the proceedings. But then, this is not the first time that members of the AFVOA have been instrumental in bringing down water from the heavens to this parched metropolis – only the timing went a little awry – it would have been more helpful, if the rains had come down after the people had reached their homes. But then our prayers to Lord Vigneswara – the remover of difficulties - right at the commencement of the meeting suddenly came in handy for the rains stopped just as suddenly as it came. In the few intervening minutes that it was raining, everyone hastily scurried inside the Youth Hostel. As they shook off the raindrops from their clothes, a pleasant surprise greeted them. The members, who entered the lobby, were welcomed by the rich aroma of the tasty dishes that Shri Narendra Maharaj, our caterer had prepared for all of us. This had been done thanks to the foresight shown by the Committee and the graciousness of Col Raju, who allowed the laying out of the fare in the enclosed dining area of the Youth Hostel. As the dinner was piping hot, a few of the elderly members readily availed of the opportunity to commence dinner. Undaunted, the organisers readied the covered area inside so that the two young musicians could exhibit their talent. Luckily, the clouds cleared and it was decided to go back into the great outdoors and dry the chairs by sitting on them! The young duo comprising of Master Gautham Ganesh and Kumari Durga Ganesh took their positions along with their mother and guru Smt Nalini Ganesh. Though the recital was planned for about half hour, it was pruned down considerably. Nevertheless in the short time that the two youngsters wielded the bows, they quite enthralled the audience. But the other two planned items – that is the party game that had been specially planned for the evening by Mrs Chitkala Govindaswamy and the customary round of Tambola had to be called off. Dinner was announced, and what a sumptuous fare it was, with poori, chana, aloo gobi, malai paneer, raita, salad, pulao, carrot halwa, pappad, pickles etc being laid out attractively and tastefully over two separate counters, with adequate plates etc for the very large gathering much beyond the expected numbers. Food was excellent, and was roundly appreciated by everyone. Hats off to Col Viswanathan for his imaginative menu, and to the Maharaj for a job well done! New Members Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified. ~ Dr Samuel Johnson ~(1709 – 1784; British Author) We welcome the following officers who have joined the Association: a) *Capt G S Bhaskaran, Madras b) Lt Col G Devarajan, Signals. c) Maj A Giri, EME, d) Brig K Mahadevan, SM, Arty