Issue No. 122 I October 2011

EDITORIAL

The Navratri festival had women and girls trooping in and out of houses in beautiful kanjeevarams. It made for a very pretty picture. How I wish these days would never end. Alas! one will have to wait for another year.

The dandiya dance which was moved from the earlier scheduled date of 1^st October, 2011 seemed like a godsend. There was renewed enthusiasm for the event. The number of women, men and children who showed up to dance in traditional attire exceeded all expectations. A stall selling puri-chole, masala dosa and sabudana wada did brisk business. Kunal’s meagre preparation of pasta disappeared as soon as it appeared and had people asking for more. The dancers didn’t want to stop and kept going merrily, well past the curfew hour of 10 pm. It made for a fabulous evening. I would like to thank the ladies who lent their dupattas to drape the stage. Srikanth was the DJ and official photographer, when he got time off from whetting his insatiable appetite! Photos taken by Srikanth can be viewed on the Yamuna Photo Album.

The countless imploring metronomes assaulting ones eardrums suddenly ceased late last month, much to my relief, when TRAI put a stop to bulk messaging. The sheer volume of messages careening down the information superhighway often fell prey to the delete button, but their annoying frequency peddling anything from insurance policies to 3-bedroom flats must have been big business for mobile phone companies. I am so chuffed by the verdict that I am tempted to write the epitaph of bulk messaging.

Crippling inflation has only one bogeyman for the RBI. They have increased the interest rates thirteen times in the last one year, thereby dampening sentiment and demand for goods and services. That the prices of oil and commodities are not governed by domestic factors and are a consequence of historically low interest rates globally seems not to register with the wise men of RBI. Keynesian economic theory, which they seem to be applying, was relevant more than 100 years ago when the price of goods and services were determined only by local demand and supply factors. In a globalised economy this bears little or no relevance. As a consequence of low demand the collection of excise, sales tax and income tax has fallen thereby increasing deficit financing. Everybody knows deficit financing is inflationary. In the end RBI is ending up doing just the opposite of what they are intending to do. They seem to be suffering from the tyranny of anticipated consequences from the wrong assumptions.

Diwali Mela on 22^nd October, 2011 was full of verve, vitality and gaiety. The milling throng was a tribute to the popularity of Yamuna’s melas. Even the flies which were attracted by the lights found the mela hard to resist, much to everybody’s annoyance. However, the bonhomie did not translate to the cash registers. The people who had taken stalls were a tad disappointed at the lack of will amongst the guests to open their purse strings. Nevertheless, everybody had a whale of a time. The irrepressible Prashant Senior and his junior namesake regaled the crowd with some nostalgic Bollywood hits. The dress competition for the retro Bollywood theme was won by Nalin Rastogi for his Pran lookalike. Sujata Sundaresan took the ladies prize. I must confess that there were several others including the aforementioned DJ’s who could have taken the bite of the cherry. Radha Mani, Deepa Rastogi, Malu, Aditi Rastogi, Shanta Varma and Sudha Easwaran amongst others, were all in contention. Mrs. Seetha Venkataraman donated gift coupons to the winners. The grand finale jam session had the crowd on their feet. There was not a body part not in motion. The sheer energy was kinetic. Alas! It had to finally come to an end. I would like to thank Thomas Abraham for the posters he made which helped spread the word about our Mela. Thanks are also due to Sujata Sundaresan, Mr. P.K. K. Nair and Srikanth Murthy who arranged for the sale of stalls. I am indebted to Deepak Varma for arranging sponsorship from Kotak Mahindra which helped defray part of the expenses. I would also like to thank all the others who did their bit to make the Mela a resounding success. Photos can be viewed in the Yamuna blog.

The result of the Diwali rangoli and illumination competition upset the applecart. A&B blocks, who were in the doldrums for a number of years, finally got their act together and in the opinion of all the judges turned out to be unanimous winners. The only reason one could fault A&B was the lack of walking space around their designs. Besides, their theme was not awe inspiring. G&H blocks, who have been a thorn in the flesh of all the other blocks, finally bit the dust. While G&H did not do enough this year to crown themselves winners for the n^th time, they certainly didn’t deserve to come last. It was a blip in their glorious history of wins. I am sure they will come back strongly next year.

If one were to dissect the verdict of the judges, criteria wise, the following is what emerges. On theme and originality C&D and E&F shared the top spot with A&B following close behind and G&H bringing up the rear. On illumination, A&B were runaway winners, followed by C&D with G&H and E&F sharing the last spot. As far as rangoli was concerned A&B and G&H were joint winners with C&D and E&F following behind. On overall impact C&D came on top followed by A&B, E&F and G&H respectively.

My take on the competition is that C&D over the years have been the most innovative with both the theme and materials used. Their Optical Illusion theme one year was absolutely brilliant in both concept and execution. Their use of fruits and grains in the rangoli another year, albeit a little controversial, was again very innovative. This year their economy of colours and expense was both noticeable and admirable. E&F have always raised the bar with their innovative themes. G&H have been head and shoulders above the rest with their rangoli, but their illustrations of late have become too predictable. A&B barring this year, have been middle roaders. The good thing is that the change of baton will keep the competitive spirit alive. At the end of the day, rivalry apart, we are all friends.

We have a busy month ahead with badminton and TT tournaments, quiz competition, sports day and Annual Day. Every participant will have to hone his or her skills to take the lolly at the Annual Day prize distribution. A separate circular has been sent to inform participants whom to contact for participating in the various events. Please don’t waste time and get in touch with the respective individuals, lest you lose out on the opportunity to participate.

The grill work on the front boundary wall, the concertina wire security fence in other areas and pipeline work will get completed by the end of November 2011. The C-Block access control with smart cards will also get implemented during the month of November, 2011. Residents will then have free access through this gate any time between 6 am and 10 pm. A separate circular will be sent to residents when the same gets implemented.

SNIPPETS

I wonder how many of you know that we have a famous author in our midst. Mr. P. A. Krishnan’s new novel, Muddy River has been published by Westland Tranquebar-a very prestigious publishing house. They have also come out with a revised edition of the earlier Penguin original, Tigerclaw Tree. Please have a look at the website http://www.westlandbooks.in. Mr. Krishnan lives with his wife Revathi in H-205. The Yamuna directory lists his name as P. Ananthakrishnan.


Read the books to know him better.


M. Anand of C-001 does not believe in small measures. For his second daughter Ananditha’s marriage to Ganesh he pulled out all the stops! In wedding festivities spanning four days (from 16^th to 19^th October, 2011) and three different venues which brought out influences of south, north, east and west with music, cocktails, dinner, janavasam, wedding and reception, everybody got their eyeballs worth. Ganesh looked dapper and with his charming bride by his side, they seemed ‘made for each other’. May their future together bloom.

The legal fraternity in Yamuna got more heft with two more lawyers moving into G-305. Ana Chandy is a lawyer working with a law firm in Greater Kailash. Anukriti Yadav is a lawyer with ICICI Bank. Both have interests in playing basketball, TT and tennis with a bit of movie-going thrown in. Ana can be reached on 98732315 and Anukriti can be reached on 9654915208. We welcome them to Yamuna and hope that they are able to integrate into the cultural milieu of the colony soon and participate in all the events.

MIRTH CORNER

Rajnikanth Jokes – Mind it!

When Rajnikant was studying in Class III....someone stole his rough note-book....and
Now they call it .............Wikipedia
Crazy people!!!! ;)
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When Rajnikant was a student, teachers use to bunk classes!!!
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Rajnikant started a college. All students were confused while taking admission because the name of the college is "Rajnikant's Medical College of Engineering for Commerce".
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THE MOST NEGLECTED FACT OF THE ENTIRE DECADE!!!!
Sachin Tendulkar's mother’s name is RAJNI Tendulkar.
And his coach's name is RamaKANT
Need we say more ???
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Rajinikant got 150 questions in an exam paper asking - "Solve any 100 questions"
He solved all 150 and wrote, " Rascalla!, CHECK ANY 100!"
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One day Rajni felt like playing cricket in the monsoon and rain stopped due to play.
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Rajnikanth's next project is Titanic in Tamil. However, Rajni has twisted the climax. Both the lead actors survive. Rajni swims across the Atlantic Ocean with the heroine in one hand and... the Titanic in the other .
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Who says the world will be destroyed in Dec 2012 ? Rajnikant just bought a laptop with three years warranty.
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Rajni’s Law of Conservation
All scientists failed to answer this but Rajnikanth did...
Ques: Which liquid turns solid on heating?
Ans: Dosa... mind it!!!
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Once a photo of Rajnikant was given for Xerox. Don't even try to guess what happened. 

We got two copies of the Xerox machine.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2011

DATE	TIME	EVENT	VENUE
6.11.11	6.30 PM	QUIZ COMPETITION WITH SUMATHI	BADMINTON COURT
13.11.11	9.00 AM	SPORTS DAY	MAIN LAWN
26.11.11	4.30 PM	ANNUAL DAY-REFRESHMENTS,PRIZE	MAIN LAWN
		DISTRIBUTION, VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT,
		FOOD STALLS

Issue No. 121 I September 2011

Editorial

The festive season is upon us and we in Yamuna know how to make the most of it. If there is one thing that stands between Yamuna and the neighbouring apartments, it is the cultural deficit around our borders. While we do not count ourselves as cultural imperialists, the rich tradition we have built over time to dot our calendar with a plethora of cultural activities is often viewed with envy by our neighbours. Although, we never began with all the cultural trappings, over time, we have assiduously built a rich cultural tapestry that even a newcomer finds himself or herself as a cultural ambassador. We may be unique in some of things we do like Rangoli and illumination competition, the likes of which many have said they haven’t seen anywhere else. Rejoice while you are here, we are history in the making!

Speaking of Rangoli and illumination competition, there has been a some calls for toning down the rigour and spread of the competition owing to burgeoning costs and the time and effort that needs to be put on a festival day at the cost of attending to guests etc. Blame it on G&H blocks. Over the years they have upped the ante to such an extent that the other blocks need to spare no expense and effort just to measure up. Even then, more often than not they end up second best. Would it be prudent to be judged on just one rangoli per set of Blocks? While many may be relieved at the thought, there are others who believe that such a unique tradition which has all the hallmarks of becoming an internet sensation or even Discovery channel coverage, should not be given short shrift. The jury is out on this.

The reluctance to abide by timelines sees no bounds. Although sufficient notice was given to residents to buy the coupons for the Onam feast by a given date, there were only three coupons sold. Seeing a lack of interest, a notice was put up that the feast was being cancelled owing to poor response. No sooner than this was done, I was deluged with phone calls requesting me to alter the decision. Eventually eighty people partook in the feast. Nobody visualises the nightmare it is for organisers who have to make last minute arrangements. As a consequence of this lackadaisical approach, the Secretary came up with a brilliant suggestion, that, whenever such events are organised, there should an early bird price for those responding within a given time and a penal rate which keeps mounting as the D day approaches.

Be that as it may, the Onam feast was enjoyed by all those who had the privilege to sample the fare. Sujata Sundaresan who made arrangements with Ayyapan the caterer, deserves kudos. Mrs. Latha Narayanan of C-007, alongwith Anjali of C-108 and Geetha of D-002 did a great a job in making a pretty pookolam outside the Community Hall.

The menace of dogs in the colony took a sinister turn on the 11^th when an unsuspecting presswali rang the door bell of a flat in G Block. An alsation dog pushed the door and leapt at her and brought her down and savagely attacked her. While the bystanders froze at the ferocity of the attack, the dog would not let-go even at the command of the residents of the flat. Mr. Hariharan of G-302 had the presence of mind to put an end to the brutality by raining several blows on the dog with a truncheon. Apart from the victim herself, the attack traumatised all those who were witness to the incident including the owners of the dog. Dogs especially large ones, are not meant to be confined to the small space in a flat. They are meant to run around. They are ideal for farm houses or houses with gardens. Even human beings, if always confined to closed quarters would go crazy. Besides, alsations are single master guard dogs who take command from only one master. At that particular instance the master was not present. The presswali was rushed to the hospital by Hari and is undergoing treatment. The import of the incident cannot be overemphasised. The dog owners were profusely apologetic and promptly send the dog away to rehab.

The term of the old Managing Committee came to an end at the AGM on the 25^th of September, 2011. Under very trying circumstances the committee achieved a lot during its tenure. The ground rent issue which was pending for many years with DDA was resolved by making several representations whereby the committee could get the pending dues and interest penalty substantially reduced. The underside of staircases, the beams and spouts on the facade of the apartments which were in a dilapidated and dangerous condition have been rectified and weather coat paint applied to them. The restored blocks have a new look. The work on the remaining blocks will be completed by December, 2011. Waste paper bins were installed in several places to prevent littering. In order to reduce the maintenance burden on members, the bye-laws were amended to increase the admission charge to Rs. 25,000 and shifting charges was introduced at Rs. 2,500. The money so collected helps us in reducing the impact of the increase in maintenance costs. The water pipeline work has commenced to replace the old, corroded and leaking pipes which run under the flats. This work when completed will help us conserve water and prevent further damage to the structure of the building. Substantial cost savings have been achieved by procuring the material in bulk from the manufacturers and doing the work departmentally instead of awarding a contract to an outside agency. Sponsorship money was collected for conducting events which are reflected under other income in the accounts, which again helped us contain the impacts of inflation and Delhi governments’ annual increase of minimum wages. Because of laying of the durable paver blocks on the road, instead putting another layer of bitumen the road maintenance fund could be converted to parking charges and taken under income whereby an amount of Rs. 76 per flat per month is saved in terms of maintenance charges. This has helped us contain the impact of increase in electricity charges, water charges and security charges to a very modest increase of Rs. 30 per month per flat for 2012-13. Besides, as we all have experienced bitumen roads do not survive even one monsoon without creating potholes and after two years it becomes imperative to resurface. The paver blocks on the contrary not only give a very neat look but after one monsoon it still looks as good as new. Since bitumen roads now cost almost as much as paved roads the payback is less than two years. The work on concertina wire, raising of grill on the front boundary wall among other things were approved in the SGM. The awarding of contracts has got delayed for getting lower prices from contractors and freeze on the design and scope. This will now be undertaken soon. There may have been lapses and delays in attending to various issues, but since most of the MC members have other occupations, devoting adequate time to Society work becomes very difficult. The outgoing Managing Committee wish to express their gratitude for the support they got from the residents.

The Committee also introduced lot of formal systems for applying for car parking space, booking of spaces for functions, procedure and processes for awarding contracts and in other areas which has brought about greater transparency. I would like to thank all the outgoing MC members for making this possible. I would like to express my special thanks to the outgoing secretary, Mr. Krishnamurthy who set right many lacunae in the system.

It is travesty of justice that out of the 195 members in the Society nobody wishes to take up the office bearers positions. It is not possible for the same people to sacrifice their personal time at the cost of family and their profession to do this honorary job ad-infinitum. There were no nominations for the positions of President and Vice-President. Ultimately, the same were thrust on me and Seetha Venkataraman. There is a dire need for younger people to throw their hat in the ring. This cannot go on indefinitely.

Alas! Kashu, the genial cook who served delicious idlis and vadas from the canteen had to close shop and depart to Kerala due to ill health. The Society is looking for members to undertake running of the canteen for residents.

The quiz competition earlier scheduled for the 19^th of November, 2011 has now been advanced to the 5^th of November, 2011as the quiz master will not be available on the 19^th. This year the theme will be “Delhi”. I can visualise the contestants rub their hands in glee at the thought of narrowing down of the scope. If you think it is going to be mighty easy, you don’t know Sumathi. She is quite capable of bringing in esoteric subjects and conjuring enough twists to keep your brain ticking over.

Mr. K. V. N. Swamy has been gracious enough to offer to fund part of Society’s improvement programmes through his brokerage business. He has paid for the aluminium cover over the DJB valve pit between A & H block gate and also for installing the grill on top of the boundary wall adjoining E block and St. George’s school. The residents are grateful to Mr. Swamy.

SNIPPETS

Hyderabad has been a common ground as far as E-205 is concerned. After the departure of Ganesh Ponnuswamy to Hyderabad, Mr. V. Sivaramakrishnan has moved into the flat from Hyderabad. Mr. Sivaramakrishnan works with BHEL. His wife, Rajalakshmi, is a housewife. Their daughter Sneha is doing MS in Chicago. They can be reached on 9717888782. We welcome this couple to Yamuna.

Even 24 years cannot separate Srichand and his home in A-005. He has moved back with his wife Kirti. S. Balani. While Srichand has retired from Foreign Affairs, Kirti is still working in the same Ministry. Srichand wouldn’t mind chancing his arm at badminton and TT, Kirti is quite content reading and listening to music.

Ashwani Aggarwal of E-003 and Aman Thakur of G-305 did not trouble the scorers as they failed to open their account. They didn’t even notch one year in the colony. They have now moved out.

A-210 has seen a person with rare attributes move in. Pramod Kumar K. G. runs a firm called EKA Cultural Resources. He is a museologist. This Malayali creates archives and museums. He curates exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art. If that wasn’t enough he is the Founder and Director of Jaipur Literature Festival. For those who are familiar with the literary world, nothing comes bigger. Hail the celebrity in our midst! Visit his website www.ekaresources.com. He can be reached on 9818683040.

MIRTH CORNER

Mathematician:  How to write 4 in between 5?
China: Don’t Joke
Japan: Impossible
America: Question wrong
UK: Not found on Internet
NOW INDIA:
India: F(IV)E

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR OCTOBER. 2011

DATE	TIME	EVENT	VENUE
5.10.11	6.30 PM	DANDIA, MUSIC AND DINNER	BADMINTON COURT
22.10.11	5.30 PM	DIWALI MELA	BADMINTON COURT AND ADJOINING QUADRANGLE
26.10.11	7.00 PM	DIWALI ILLUMINATION COMPETITION	BETWEEN BLOCKS