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 11th 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 25th 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 19th of November, 2011 has now been advanced to the 5th of November, 2011as the quiz master will not be available on the 19th. 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
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
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 |
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