Issue No85 September 2008

Editorial

Terrorists have struck in Delhi once again like an attack of flu, highlighting the vulnerability of our existence. This time, one of the blasts was closer home in GK1. I am a firm believer in destiny and we all have our date with the Maker and nobody can change that. Hence, it is my suggestion that people should lead their normal lives and not get cowed down by such mindless acts of violence.

It’s final! The badshah of Bollywood, Mollywood, Tollywood and sundry other woods, is going to perform on the Yamuna stage, at the Annual Day function on 15th November 2008. We are talking about none other than our own KK who grew up in our colony from a scrawny young kid, to hit the big times in Bollywood. The rest as they say is history.

Peering over his veranda in E Block, Mr. Ramabhadran used to see Narayan toil in the hot sun for 3-4 days at a stretch, to mow the lawn. He thought there ought to be a better way of doing it. He made enquiries on his trip to the US, for a more user-friendly lawnmower. He did find many that fitted the bill, but the logistics of bringing it to India and the attendant maintenance issues stymied this idea. On his return, he came upon an Italian-make, electrically operated lawn mower that was being sold here. He bought that for Rs. 22,000 and gifted to the Society. Not only can this mower reduce the mowing time for the lawn to a few hours but with its adjustable blades, one could make patterns like the ones you see on TV, in overseas cricket and soccer fields. This will come in particularly handy in the monsoon season, when the grass grows about a centimetre a day. We wish there were more good Samaritans who could take up individual projects. On behalf of all the residents, I wish to thank Mr. Ramabhadran of E-202 immensely for this good gesture.

A matter concerning all the residents is the expectancy of the level of service and amenities that the Society can provide to residents. Many of the retirees would be quite satisfied with the status quo on these issues. In fact if one were to look at our neighbouring complexes, what we are achieving with the low maintenance charges is amazing. But the generation-next has aspirational needs that have been culled from exposure to developed countries as also from visits to the various condominium complexes that dot the NCR. These are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, well-appointed gyms, manicured and landscaped lawns, beautifully paved roads and walking paths and 100% back-up power generation, to name a few. They are also charging an arm and a leg as maintenance charge to provide these services. While we do not aspire to reach these levels of, there is of course a middle ground, whereby much can be achieved by marginally raising the maintenance charges. I have been approached by a number of these residents, who desire more amenities and better level of service and do not mind paying more as maintenance charge for this privilege.

Long-term residents will confirm that from two electricians on our rolls to take care of electrical work, we now have one; from two gardeners, we now have one, in spite of the increase in the green cover. Nobody wants deterioration in the quality of service, but the cracks are beginning to show. Many of the hexagonal blocks used for paving between the blocks are broken, many street lights and lights in the mini stage and between the blocks are not working, the ramps between the blocks are in a state of disrepair, the metal covers for cable access have rusted and are giving way, the tin covers in the staircases to hide the cable TV outlets are either missing or hanging off their moorings. The exposed concrete beams on the exterior of the Apartments are stained with soot and grime. There are no trash bins in the colony and there is no Internet connection in the office.

The road that was paved with bitumen a year ago is giving way in many places. In fact Mr. Venkataraman ( B-206 ) suggested that we should pave it with interlocking bricks, with separate colours for the road and parking areas. This would have been more aesthetically pleasing and lasted for ten years. Although it would have cost twice as much, a trade-off between 10 years and one year is a no-brainer. Unfortunately, Mr. Venkataraman’s proposal did not have the majority backing in the Managing Committee. Another proposal of Mr. Venkataraman, which involved harvesting of kitchen wastewater for use in the lawns and flowerbeds, also did not find the required backing.

As we all know, one of our tube wells is almost dry, in spite of the excellent rains this season. Had the rains been not so good we would certainly have had serious water problems. Currently, our kitchen wastewater is not hooked to the water harvesting system of the Society, as this water needs to be treated before being put to use for the lawns.

I am part of the Managing Committee and hold myself equally responsible for this malaise. The constraint has always been cited as that of funding these projects. We should however, not be perceived as an insensitive, self-centred gang of gargoyles, out of sync with the basic needs and expectations of the members. We can set it right and we should by seeking higher maintenance charges. I can well empathise with residents who are meeting their living expenses through savings and pension and cannot bear the burden of higher maintenance charges. In view of the same it is my suggestion that we raise the maintenance charges for only those residents who are not senior citizens (age exceeding 65 years) by Rs. 250 a month. Such of those senior citizens who could afford, can however pay the additional amount. Do mull over this and whenever we have the AGM, you could give your feedback or voice your opinion sooner still, in the Yamuna Chronicle blog. Alternatively, if this is not practical, an increase from Rs.600 to Rs.750 per quarter for all residents could be mooted. This is my personal view and not the suggestion of the Managing Committee.

It was another disappointing year for the Onam feast. Most residents ignored the deadline mentioned in the circular of 5th September to confirm their participation. Since we could not muster the required minimum numbers, which the caterer mentioned was mandatory, we had to call off the dinner. After the cancellation was announced, requests came pouring in for coupons, but unfortunately it was too late. We must pay cognisance to the deadline given in the circular and act accordingly, to avoid disappointments in the future. Even the Pookolam by the residents did not take place. Contrast this scenario with about four years ago when four Pookolams under the clubhouse were vying for people’s attention. What has happened to people’s cultural and artistic leanings? Sadly, what is happening does not bode well for the future. It is up to us to change our lifestyle, from a materialistic and transient existence to a substantive and fulfilling one. Nobody else will do it for us.

On Onam day the Society conducted a one-day Puja in gratitude to the Almighty for having facilitated the process whereby the Society finally got the regularisation of the allotment of the Flats. Mr. Iyengar represented the Society at the temple during the conduct of the Puja. We are also very grateful to Mr. TNV Nair of A-203, for having used his good offices to get the decree passed in our favour by the Lt. Governor.

I have often been collared by peeved residents at the lack of civility amongst children when dealing with elders in the colony. The latest was from Mr. Suresan of H-008, when a pint-sized youngster barely reaching his shoulder, had the gall to brusquely tell him to vacate the park bench because they planned to play there. The current generation is bred on irreverence and rebelliousness. To them, the old order is decrepit and rotten and has to be replaced by anarchic freedom. Parents have a role to play in instilling values amongst these children.

Doing good to others improves your ‘karma’, which ultimately results in your well-being. It doesn’t necessarily have to cost money. It could mean passing a compliment or words of encouragement. However, Girija Mohan of D-001 goes a step further. She provides snacks and milk to local, poor children every Thursday. Anybody else who wants to join this effort can get in touch with her. If the number of donors increases, the same could be replicated on another day.
It’s been noticed that many of the shafts are used as storage space, making it difficult to access the pipes and drains. Since the pipes are getting corroded, there is an increased need to carry out maintenance activities. It is hence necessary to keep the shafts free of clutter.

In view of the spate of terrorist activities and also because a sizeable number of our children appearing in Board exams this year, it has been decided to call off the Diwali Mela. We have however, very limited time left to stage the Annual Day. We need all the people who wish to participate to get in touch with me at the earliest. We will have only limited items for the Annual Day as the lion’s share of the time will be reserved for our Artist of the day, KK, to regale the audience.

SNIPPETS

Mr. N. Parthasarathy of C-205, resigned as Secretary of our Society after 4 years of selfless service. During his tenure he worked diligently and meticulously to set right the record relating to the Members, which was very useful to get over the impasse of regularisation. He also managed the funds of the Society frugally and ensured a healthy balance sheet. The Society owes a debt of gratitude to him. He has sold his flat and moved to Chennai. We wish him and his wife health, wealth and happiness.
*******************************************************************
Pratibha daughter of Shantha of A-105, who lives in Bangalore, delivered her second daughter named Nitya on the 9th. Mother and child are doing fine, if waking up in the middle of the night several times to feed and change diapers can be called so! Shantha will have her hands full looking after two babies when she visits her. So long as babies need ‘sitting’ and mothers need ‘flitting’, grandmothers will be the most precious commodities on earth.
********************************************************************
Vidyut of G 206 is rarely to be seen and heard in the colony. In the academic and extra-curricular world however, he is quite a tiger. In a contest meant for commerce students, he, a science student, entered on a lark and bagged the coveted first prize.
**********************************************************************
Unni Krishnan Nair of G-204 has packed his bags and left Yamuna with his wife Jyothi and kids. He has moved across the border to Kaveri (the second best colony in Alaknanda). We are sorry to see them go.

Calendar of Events – October 2008



9th October
DUSSEHRA CELEBRATIONS.
7 pm onwards. Dandia and food stalls at the Badminton court. Please wear traditional dresses and bring your own dandia sticks. You may invite your friends and relatives.

11th October
Singh is Kinng
Screening of movie- (subject to availability), otherwise some other movie at the lawn, followed by Pot luck dinner.

28th October
Diwali Illumination competition
6.30 pm onwards, blockwise