Press Release to media on CCC Maitri 2009

MAITRI – 2009

A REUNION OF BATCH 1986 

Venue : Hotel Taj, Lucknow           June 6, 2009    5:30PM 

It was sheer magic right from the word go and not only because we were meeting after 23 years but also because we could connect instantly without a trace of inhibition. It was as if we all had been waiting to explode at the first available opportunity, and when we got, we all had a blast. But to make all this happen needed an advanced ignition technique and the technology was provided by Ritu Mittal. Very rightly she was given the ‘Ignition Award’ for the event. Ritu’s brainchild Maitri, the reunion event of Christ Church College Batch 1984-86, was a product of very sincere efforts by her and Mukta Ghosal. These two had been quietly planning and contacting batch-mates since last three months. The task wasn’t easy at all as all of us are scattered all over the country and even in foreign shores. A comprehensive database was created complete with phone numbers, e-mails and web URLs. However their job was made easier when the batch-mates responded with enthusiasm. And suddenly there was a sense of urgency. We all had to meet; we all just wanted to meet. June 6 was then decided as a date of meeting. Ashish Sinha, who owns an engineering company in Dubai, brought the entire event into shape by organizing and sponsoring the essential elements like venue and the menu. Apurb Anand, Sapna Sahu, Sanjiv Rathi and Mukta joined in from Delhi, Ritu from Mumbai and Ashish all the way from Dubai. All together we were thirty of us entering into forties, but having a lovely time at the reunion.  

The evening began with a formal introduction session where all of us came up to the dais and shared our lives’ experiences post 1986 separation. It was a heart warming experience to learn how well placed and happy our friends are. The careers range from U.P.S.C. and P.C.S. services including an I.A.S. topper, engineers, doctors, defense services, architect, bankers, media, education and business. It is not individual success, but success of a school, a unit of dedicated teachers and a batch of determined kids who grew up to become responsible citizens as desired by our school song. We formally sang our school song – ‘Oh Childhood’s Happy School’ and recited our school prayer – ‘Our Father who art in heaven’ with Father Vijay Rai. Ashwani Sharma sang – ‘Maitri’, a song which he wrote and composed specially for the occasion.  Ashish Sinha was up on the microphone with his lovely poems for the event. Sumita sang, ‘Ajeeb Dastan Hai Ye’ and Mukta, ‘Do Lawzon ki Hai’. Then masti took over the center-stage and there was laughter all around. To spice up the occasion there was a naughty ‘First Crush at School’ session, where we all had to vote anonymously for a person we had crush on. Person with most votes was to be awarded the Most Popular Girl and the Boy award, which was won by Mukta and shared jointly by Apurb and Yogendra.  

Most of us have changed physically. Ashwani and Sanjay Kumar have lost hair; Mukta, Samiksha and Jyoti have put on weight and Vijay, a lot of weight; and Renu seems to have frozen in time with her beautiful self. Apurva, Sharad and Saurav look the same but with some streaks of grey hair. 

Special ‘Maitri’ T-Shirts were put on by everyone for a group photo session. Then, laptops and phones were connected to the friends who could not make it to the reunion. It was nice to hear from Amrita, Priya in Mumbai and Aradhana in USA. We all thanked Priya for the delicious Reunion cake and apologised to Aradhana for waking her up so early in the morning. But we all were actually confident that she would have woken up real fresh after a long time.  

The party went on till midnight. The last hour was at its freakiest best with cute confessions, whacky jokes and salsa-dipped conversations. Love was in the air – the love for friends and friendship.  

All signed a special card and a painting as a memento for the reunion. We all plan to meet again next year in the first week of June, and subsequently year after year. And throughout the year we will remain connected through phones, e-mails and our very own website www.cccmaitri.com .

Reunion Maitri 2009

We were happy when we were in school

Getting up early and morning prayer was a rule

Tie, blazor and shiny black shoes, made us look cool

We ate icecreams and  burgers and moved in pool

Catching grass hoppers and butterflies was a bit of fun

Tree next to the Principal’s house gave us shade from the Sun

Our discussions varied from cricket to Titan

Time table cards, book labels, colorful stickers were our objects of desire

Getting too much homework resulted in our ire

Maths was easy and so was biology, Chemistry was fun and

borning history was full of chronology

We studied hard to score good marks,

But success before exams was always full of question marks.

Receiving course books at the beginning of new session,

was exciting and full of enthusiasm

Getting new school bags, new shoes was our right,

Parents followed it religiously to see us come up bright

Teachers were classified ugly , bad and good

some were soft and some were rude

Some of them controlled us through scale made of wood

But class teachers were normally good

Rainy day and childrens days made us smile

Teachers day was celebrated in style

Our affection for teachers and friends was displayed in sharing of lunch

Drinking water directly from the tap was always a fun

Dozen years in school, gave us knowledge, kindness and cool,

Albeit we must have then looked stupid and fool

New dreams, renewed vision, aspiring to be on top of the world,

We left school to face the real world!

Maitri 2009 Reunion of 1986 batchmates from Christ Church College, Lucknow

School ke dino ki yaden mun mey sajoy, Hum aaj yahan aayen hain

Kuchh kahi, kuchh suni aur kuchh ankahi bateyen, Hum aaj dohrane aayen hain

Adhuri preet ko, bhuli huwi meet ko, phir se jagrat karne aayen hain

Kuchh Meethi kuchh khatti yadon mey khud ko bhulakar, ateet ko yaad karne aayen hain.

kuchh chhan yaad nahi, kuchh hum bhool gaye, kuchh sapne ban kar toot gayen

Tow kuchh apne ban kar bhi rooth gaye

Jo pal bitaye thay humne vidyalaya ke prangan mey, woh khushian bankar baraste hain ghar ke aangan mey

Jo seekha tha humne pathshala mey, woh aadhar bana hai jeevan ka

Bachpan mey jo ankit huwa manas patal per, woh hi aaj deep dikhata hai jeevan path per.

Kuchh lamhe jo ban gaye smriti lekhni ke phool, unko bhi vyast jeevan ne asamay murjha diya

Lekin phir barishh ki phuwaren aayin hain, un lamho ko hara bhare karne ki bari aayi hai

Aur isliye humne  aaj ki yeh milan bela sajayi hai!

Marriage anniversary

“Sawan ki us ek shaam ko humne ki thi batey mithaas ki,

Aur Peepal ki chaon mey mun ki pyas bujhai thi.

Preet ke sajoy thay sapne jo, do mun ko pas laye thay,

Vishwas aur madhurta ke pankh khud hi humne lagaye thay,

 

In pankho per hi baith kar humne apni preet jagai hai.

Aaj phir Sawan ki shaam aayi hai,

Jeevan ke madhur chhano ko phir yad kar, hum khud hi ab sharma jate hain.

Lekin  Peepal ke komal patton ney humko lajate huwe phir kuchh yadi dilayi hai.

 

Kuchh khoya kuchh paya, phir bhi is rukhe sansar ka saath nibhaya ,

Apni komal bhavnaon ko hi humne prerna ka shrot banaya,

Aur khud ko hardam anurag aur preet mey sarabor paya.

 

Sukh dukh ka har chhan jo jiya hai saath saath, wahi hamari dharohar hai,

Aur Saath ho hamara saat janam taq, aisi kamna hai

 Isilye tow humne preet aur vishwas ka deep jalaya hai.

Asha aur umaang ka phir din aaya hai.

Priti Maithil ranks 92nd in Civil services

General elections in India has a special significance for every individual who believes in democratic form of government. This is the only time when the Political leaders try to connect with the common people and humbly fold their hands in front of the voters. This is also the time when we keep getting news about violence, leaders using abusive langauges, false promises, hate speeches, assurances of political parties to  develop the country like instant boilers heating water in our bathrooms. Amid all such frustrating happenings, there is small town in Madhya Pradesh which has a reason to celebrate not because of political issues but because 23 year old Priti Maithil, the daughter of a daily wage labourer in Sehore has ranked 92nd in the UPSC examinations. This is definitely a reason for the family and the town to cheer. This is called real transformation for the betterment. Maithli had the will and support of her family and she proved that nothing is beyond the reach of present day woman. Unfortunately all the Television channel prefer to play bollywood and Political masala news rather than transmitting this news up to so many unprivileged woman for whom Priti can be a role model. It can also give a message that we do not need political promises for our growth. It is our own hard work and willpower needed to transform ourselves for a better future. Maithil’s success has also proved that the woman from rural India which was so far been kept under social fetters is now ready to look beyond the village.Time has come for us to recognize and utilise the potential of our village folks.

Black money and Congress nervousness

As I watch Rahul Gandhi addressing a press conference in New Delhi this morning, I feel pity on Congress. Without being asked a question on black money issue, Rahul started speaking about black money. The BJP has finally got the issue which is hitting the Congress party badly and Congress leaders know this well. The issue is not whether future Indian Govt will be able to bring the money back home or not, it is the education being imparted to common man by BJP on this issue that is making the Congress nervous and sending shivers in the partyline. Congress’ nervousness is understandable because the large amount of the black money stashed in foreign bank belongs to Political leaders of parties (party?) who ruled India for majority of years after Independance. Before the advent of television screen, many of the deals between the government and other agencies have escaped from the radar of media. It is clear to everyone, young or old, that the maximum period of independent India has been ruled by Congress and hence by simple logic one can conclude that the money stashed in foreign banks has largely been deposited illegally by……. . Imagine a scenario that this black money is finally brought back to India, the government will then be forced to disclose the name of account holders and that will be disastrous for…..party. The common man has then right to lodge a criminal case against the account holders (mostly not alive) for depriving India of such a wealth for so many years. The amount of money estimated to be stashed can make 25 world class airports, can ensure education to every child, can make every individual avail best of medical facilities and also can provide safe drinking water to every citizen. So the anger is justified and has energy to wipe out even the biggest and most liked political party from the scene of Indian political spectrum. Nervousness among Congress leaders is graspable.

Celebration days ahead for BJP

The great Indian Tamasha of Political circus is now at its peak. Hate speeches, challenges, self praise are all what political parties have for their road shows and it appears that all political parties are confused and have not even tried to convince the voter to vote for them. It is really surprising that the ruling party intead of informing voter about its achievement during last five years, has resorted to adopt an approach to malign BJP image. When the election campaign started congress was rated much ahead of its rival BJP  but as we pass through the crucial phase, we find more and more gains for BJP. This is also reflected in the record low muslim voter turnout. Albeit Indian muslims may have beed misfed by Congress for 60 years, the muslim voter also understands that the congress has been doing so not because it wants Muslims to grow and prosper but because congress wants to rule the country at the cost of muslim votes. The equation is simple, Majprity of non muslim voters are divided between BJP and Congress equally and the party who secures Muslim votes forms the government. Congress has been relying on this equation for long but with the slowly developing trust for BJP among muslims, the equation has now changed. BJPs involvement of muslim leaders in its think tank group has also shown some results. Muslims also recognize the strength of Indian constitution and are sure that their future is as safe as any other religion in India and no party can play with the so strong constitution. The muslims of Gujarat have seen the riots but they have also seen the growth and prosperity because Gujarat government and largely the people of Gujarat have secular fabric and this is the reason why BJP has been performing excellent in post riots Gujarat elections. Other political parties may be trying to tell the Gujarati muslims that BJP is pro Hindutva party but the Gujarati Muslims know the reality and that is why there is no muslim anger against BJP in Gujarat.

States like MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhatisgarh have set a bench mark for growth and development and this has happened during the BJP rule and this is why speculations of BJP sweeping these states is true. The surprising results are expected to come from Uttar Pradesh because common man is observing that Mayawati is more interested in creating her own effigies rather than creating public utility infrastructure and facilities. The murder of PWD Engineer and the criminal record of majority of BSP candidates is also working negatively for BSP and its votes are shifting to Congress and BJP.  It is expected that almost two third of UP seats will be shared between the two national parties.

Nitish Kumar in Bihar has done a good job and people are appreciating this in the form of support to Nitish Kumar. The number of kidnappings that took place during RJD rule have come down drastically and the crime rate is continuously heading south in Bihar.

All the above factors are a reason for BJP to cheer as it is the main constituent of NDA. If BJP has campaigned for itself, Congress has campaigned, though indirectly, for BJP. Certainly celebration days are ahead for BJP. Credit goes to good governance promises by BJP and blame BJP culture of congress.

Powerless election commission of India

Election commission of India has recently earned the name of “”Notice Issuer agency”. Whenever a political leader or an election candidate violates code of conduct, ECI immediately issues a notice asking explanation from the violator and only threatens to take strict action but never takes one. This is precisely one reason why Candidates are not bothered to take EC seriously.  Also, there is a big question about the way election commission is conducting its business. There are so many people who are not included in the voter list and hence cannot vote. Many government staff who do not know how to write properly have been appointed duty officer. Recently a TV channel -India News showed how a driver was deputed as a duty officer in Amethi and how government machinery was being used by Congress in Amethi but it appears that Election commission is not just powerless but also biased.

The whole reputation and credibility about its independence is at stake and we need someone line T N Seshan to restore it.

Amar Singh’s effort to make UP another Bihar

During one of the media interaction, Amar Singh said that now Bihar and UP are one. Indeed, the politics of opportunity and low mentality is indeed going to convert UP into another Bihar.
Amar Singh’s first mistake was to declare Sanjay Dutt as candidate for 2009 election and second mistake is joining hands with Lalu Yadav.

SP leader Amar Singh has insulted Lucknow

During a recent interview SP leader Mr. Amar Singh, compared Lucknow with a “well”  with reference to something bad. “Sanjay Dutt ne kaha hai ki Amar Singh kahenge tow mai Kuen mey bhi kood jaunga”  Mr. Amar Singh is trying to insult Lucknow firstly by giving election ticket to Mr. Sanjay Dutt from Lucknow Lok Sabha Seat as he is under trial and also Lucknow deserves to have an MP who is a statesman, a scholar, someone who understands Lucknow and its culture. Mr. Amar Singh has further insulted Lucknow by declaring that if Sanjay Dutt is not able to contest due to some reason his wife Manyata will be the SP candidate for Lok Sabha from Lucknow. Mr. Amar Singh is treating Lucknow like a small hamlet where people are uneducated and insensitive and they will vote for anyone.

All Lucknowites regardless of their caste, culture, religion must thwart all attempts of SP to send a undeserving person to represent Lucknow in the Parliament. We have seen that no Actor MP has done anything for the common person. We have examples of Govinda and Jayaprada who are now have no courage to face the Public as they have not done anything for the common man.

Hope wisdom will prevail over Lucknow voters and someone matured, educated and respectable person from Lucknow will enter into the portals of Lok Sabha from Lucknow seat!