AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 3 of 170 ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ ˵ Rabbi Mendel was one day walking along a very narrow street, when he came face to face with a rival Rabbi. The street was too narrow for the two to pass. The rival, pulling himself up to his full height, said haughtily:. “I never make way for fools” Smiling, Rabbi Mendel stepped aside and said, … “I always do.” Meeting Gone By - “An Impression” by Wg Cdr Ravi Mani It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. ~ Chinese Proverb 3. At the risk of sounding clichéd and repetitive, this year’s annual AFVOA picnic was, if that is possible, even better than the one last year – thus proving the old saying that there is always room for improvement!. That this was so (and such was the opinion of the participants) was entirely due to the combined efforts of the organisers and the participants. It was a 30:70 effort as between the organising committee and the members who turned up that day, most certainly, and people had determined that they would enjoy themselves thoroughly. Since we have gotten far ahead of the narration, it would be good for those who missed this wonderful gathering if we retrace our steps, back to the beginning, so that they can share the enchantment as well as the enjoyment in almost as much detail as we did. It is sad that those who couldn’t make it to the picnic missed out having the time of their lives, but we hope that they will make it up by ensuring that they DO make it for the next one! 4. Take off from the Indira Nagar Youth Hostel was almost on the dot at 0830, as planned (are we in India?). This was due to the serendipitous decision to serve breakfast at the venue, and not – as planned earlier - “in-flight”! So, gentle folks, there are obvious advantages of adding a motivating factor or two to the usual exhortations to be on time, and if the motivational factor relates to breaking one’s fast after a long interregnum, what better! The journey was smooth, as much due to the courtesy of the Area Headquarters, which had kindly provided two coaches, as also due to the silky ECR (after Thiruvanmiyur). Arrival at the point on the ECR where the road leading to Camp Gloria (our destination) takes off at right angles to the expressway, was highlighted, in true FAUJI style, by two markers, only, here the markers were living beings, namely Cdr S Mohan & Wg Cdr Ravi Mani, who had “volunteered” for the task, and had the pleasant privilege of being driven there in advance by Gp Capt Sivaraman as much as 40 minutes ahead of the rest, the idea being to ensure that the breakfast was ready, for the organisers well knew the problems that could be encountered with nearly a hundred assorted “faujis” (on empty stomachs - albeit unarmed), and their families, if breakfast was not there on arrival. However, things worked without a hitch, for our regular caterer - Naresh Maharaj was there even when the advance party arrived, and not only this, Lt Col Ranganathan, a septuagenarian veteran, who had also accompanied the advance party, was able to ensure that the fare was up to mark as soon as the scouts reached (he tasted the breakfast!). Breakfast (Q & Q) assured, the road “markers” were happy to absorb the sun on what was a nippy morning leaving Lt Col Ranganathan and Gp Capt Sivaraman to exchange notes on the wonderful lawns of the venue.