cbi ladies club · empowerment of women by meenakshi gupta 34 the interview by rajinder shekhar 35...

CBI Ladies Club

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Withstand thesands of time

Meenakshi Gupta

As a little child – jubilant

I wrote my name on sand

and trusted it would,

stand for ages.

But soon, alas! the violent seas

Had washed, my name away.

As a teenager - impulsive

I wrote my name on wood.

Years later, I came back

but, weathered was the shadow of the tree

That stretched upon the plains.

As an adult - pragmatic

I wrote my name on solid marble.

But alas! an earthquake sent it to its' base.

and now, it lies overlaid with dust.

Today, as I have matured beyond the years

and look back in wiser mood

I turn, and ask myself,

`Where then – if I would,

have my name endure ?

I'll write it in the hearts of people

and it will be there for posterity.

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To organize social and welfare a

ctiv

ities for th

e CB

I fam

ily

To recognize and em

pow

er a

ll ou

r mem

bers

to re

alize

their full potential

To enable all m

embers

to b

on

d th

rou

gh

vario

us a

ctivities

To harness the cultural roo

ts o

f the a

sso

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tion

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CBI Ladies Club

.........Togetherness Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.........

......... .........,dtqVrk dy vkt v©j dy

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CBI ladies club group photo

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Foreword:

From The First President's Desk 3

Honoring past presidents & ladies of the club 4

Messages 5

Delhi Chapter

Photo Gallery a Flashback of events & activities 11

Social Responsibilities 13

Health Camp - CBI Colony, New Delhi 14

Independence Day Celebrations - Sports & Cultural Activities 15

Diwali Mela 16

Teej Celebrations 17

Zones

Chennai 19

Guwahati 21

Hyderabad 22

Jammu 24

Kolkata 25

Lucknow 27

Mumbai 28

Articles

First Lady President of CBI Ladies Club by Nalini Katre 30

May Silver Turn to Gold by Dr. (Smt.) Mukul Mukherjee 31

My Perfect Report Card by Chandak Ashwani Kumar 32

Empowerment Of Women by Meenakshi Gupta 34

The Interview by Rajinder Shekhar 35

The Ladies Club by Shiela Shekhar 38

My life as ADC to Governor of UP by S.K. Datta 39

Down THE Memory Lane by Mrs. Krishna Datta 45

The Golden Years by Arati Sharma 46

The Daughters in Law of The CBI by Vasantha Madhavan 47

A brief insight into YOGA by Anuradha Palta 48

Silver Jubilee of CBI Ladies Club by Dr Gayatri Mishra 50

The CBI Ladies Club by Anita Dutt 51

My Resonance of Memories by Shabu Ali 52

President of CBI Ladies Club 1

Contents

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25 Years of CBI Ladies Club by Renu Sharma 53

That Pink Envelope by Prabodh Kumar 56

Naturopathy by Dr Saumy Shukla 57

Flashing Moments Rajakumari Sanatombi Devi ( Sana) 60

How I was selected in the IPS by S.K.Datta 63

Love's Labour – A True Story by P.C. Sharma 64

The World of Adolescents by Dr. Sunita Yadav 65

Big Sister's Story 65

Big Boy's Story 66

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,d ikrh ;knksa Hkjh uhrk xYgks=k 67

Quotations by Vani 68

Many Salts of The Earth by

CBI – My Maika & Sasural by Sumita Dutta 70

Hidden Somewhere by Sneha Bhattacharjee 71

Whom by Sneha Bhattacharjee 71

I am the Bird by Sneha Bhattacharjee 72

I am the Leaf by Sneha Bhattacharjee 72

Joyous Abandon by Namrata Bandhu 73

Paintings

Our Budding Artists by Sesha Narayanan, Shubham rana & Avni 74

Mr Saleem Ali 75

Mr RC Sharma 76

Neeta Galhotra 77

Neeta Galhotra 78

Mrs Neelam Gupta 79

Master Arpan Saha 80

Mrs Neelam Gupta 81

Mr Saleem Ali 82

Master Arpan Saha 83

Aruna Tiwari 84

Meenakshi Gupta 69

Acknowledgments 85

List of CBI Ladies Club Members 86

List of Wives of Heads of Zones and Hs of Branches in CBI 88

Painting by Aruna Tiwari 89

CBI Ladies Group Photo Back Inside CoverV

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Mrs. Shubnam Singh

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bu o"kksZa esa Dyc lkSgknZ vkSj vkuUn dh xgjh Hkkouk ds lkFk ;g ,d ifjokj ds :i esa tqM+ x;k gSA ;g if=dk okLro esa bl ds lkj dks izfrfcafcr djrk gSA bl lekfrf"V ,oa enn iw.kZ n`f"Vdks.k gekjh laLFkk dk ,dek«k fo'okl gSA ;g [kq'kh dh ckr gS fd gekjs vkapfyd lnL;ksa us d Hkkouk dks thfor j[kkA

thou lc dqN ,d lk ugÈ pyrk dHkh mrkj p<+ko vkSj grkgr~ pyrk jgrk gS] brus ij Hkh ;fn ge ,dtqrrk ds lkFk jg dj ,d lkFk ,d lewg ds #i esa] vkxs c<rs gSa rks gekjs thou ds mns~'; dk fuokZg lQyrk iwoZd gksrk gSA

eSa vR;Ur g"kZ vkSj fo'okl ds lkFk vius iwoZ] oZreku ,oa Òfo"; ds lÒh lnL;ksa dks ,d lwjre; ,oa izfrf"Br ft+Unxh dh 'kqÒdkeuk nsrh gw¡A

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“It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of gratitude to present and past members of the th club that, we have reached this moment in time to celebrate the 25 year of our club.

Over the years the club has fostered a keen sense of camaraderie and joy in being together as a

family. The magazine is truly reflective of the essence of this. Inclusiveness and a helping attitude

is core to our belief. It is heartening to note the work done by our zonal members in keeping the

spirit alive.

Nothing is perfect in ones walk in life and there are always pit falls and casualties but, if we are

steadfast in our ability to stay together and move forward as a team our purpose in life would be

served.

It is with a strong sense of belief and conviction that I wish all our club members Past, Present

and Future a fun filled, joyous and glorious innings.”

Shubnum Singh

Foreword

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President of CBI Ladies Club2

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Congratulations, what we started 25

years ago has endured till today,

camaraderie that was forged is as

strong as ever. Its circle has been

expanding over the years fostering a

spirit of happy bondings.

'Jeevan–Pravas' should be simple

without any egos, one thing I had

learnt in my life is to forget about the

rank of my husband, and be a normal

person. When I got married and was

going for our first posting to set up our

new home, my father-in-law, a District

Judge, gave me the most valuable

advice- 'Don't look at things which

other person has got and never

bother i f you haven't, never

pressurise your husband to get those

things, for he might be driven to get

them by wrong means'. I followed his

advice throughout my life. Try to be a

good friend and lead a simple life.

This gives you real peace of mind and

satisfaction.

With this 'mantra' I am living a calm

and happy life at this age. Wish you all

the same.

- Nalini Katre

From The First

President’s Desk

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Honoring past presidents

& ladies of the club

Arati Sharma Kala Kartiken

Krishna Datta

Shanti Raghvan

Malti Sen

Priti Shankar

Surinder Kaur Chitra Mishra

Stephie Lobo

Gayatri Misra

Sheila Shekar

Renu Sharma Chandak Ashwani Kumar

Kamala Narasimhan

Pratibha KaranUpkar Bawa Dr. Mukul Mukerjee

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Vasumati

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I am delighted to know that the CBI Ladies' Club is celebrating its Silver Jubilee and is bringing out a souvenir to mark its vibrant existence for 25 years. I am especially happy that the Club has taken the trouble to remember and reconnect with an 'old timer' like myself on this occasion.

Mindful of the bonds of empathy and shared values that still bind us together, I send my warmest greetings and congratulations to all the members of the CBI Ladies' Club. I also wish them success: “ Success to me is about vision. It is about building inclusion. It is about connectedness to a larger world. It is about giving back more to life than you have taken out of it.”

Dr. (Smt.) Mukul Mukherjee

Wife of Dr. Arun Prosad Mukerjee

IPS (Retd.)

Former Director, CBI

CBI, the Premier police organisation is still very dear to me. Here I am just

sharing my feelings with this extended family. My husband, Asoke Banerjee

joined CBI from his home cadre U.P in 1968 or 1969, (wow ! it reminds me

how ancient I am ). In no time, I started feeling a member of this most

respected/ popular organisation under the paternal guidance of Mr. M. Katre.

Mrs Katre is an amiable & loving senior to take care of the juniors, and never let

us feel senior or junior. We then formed a proper ladies club & used to meet

once every month. It was a congenial & cheerful group that we all looked

forward to. During Teej we decided to have a cultural programme. I suggested

of a qawwali on the officers daring to pull compose paras on each officer's

nature, habits etc. including Mr. Katre also Mr. K. K. Puri, Mr. Gupta, Mr. PC

Sharma etc, etc..I started writing the lyrics and rehearsing daily with other ladies.

It proved how talented ladies we had. It went off wonderfully, the success of the

first major programme was possible for the energetic & dynamic ladies behind it

like Mrs. Renu Sharma, Mrs. Anita Dutt, Mrs. Kaul, Mrs. Gupta etc. Since then,

it became a regular feature and comprised of our own ladies, so much so, we

never needed any big names to perform. Those were the most beautiful

moments in our service life. The warmth, oneness, & the sweet memories which

I still cherish THIS IS OUR CBI FAMILY. My best wishes to our ladies of CBI

Club.God Bless You.

Kajal Banerjee

Message

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I am very happy to know that the CBI Ladies club is bringing out a magazine to

celebrate twenty-five years of the Club’s existence. Being a proud and rather

“antique” member of this club for the past twenty years, I have to say that, this

magazine will enable us to keep in touch with members old and new.

So come on all you girls and sparkle on these pages as you do at all the games!

With my very best wishes

Arati Sharma

Congratulations ! and Jubilations ! It is a great moment for the CBI ladies club to complete twenty five years of existence and reach its Silver Jubilee stage.

This journey flagged off by Mrs. Katre was later carried forward by the CBI first ladies who followed her.

The club activities have both a message and a theme. The message is to come out of the confines of individual homes and join a larger family that the club has become. The theme was to celebrate all festivals, like Diwali, Teez etc. and have jubilations. This was not just confined to the ladies, but all officers working in the CBI and their children joined in as well.

The club in its onward journey, has touched some milestones which have become unforgettable. Functions organized at the residence of the Director for the delegates and the wives of the delegates to Interpol Conference, health camps and welfare activities in the CBI Colony have established the club as a body of caring and compassionate persons.

Being among the first ones to join the club, I feel particularly happy at this moment. I cherish this association and urge members to carry the torch forward.

Renu Sharma

I feel happy and proud to think that the CBI Ladies Club has completed 25

years of its journey. The club is known to work as a team under the able

guidance of its mentors. It has achieved what it has today because of its team

spirit.

I am sure your souvenir magazine will be something that one could pass on to

the next generation with a tinge of nostalgia, a quiet sense of pride and

fulfillment.

Krishna Dutta

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As we stand on the threshold of our Silver Jubilee Year, it is indeed a proud

moment to see the CBI Ladies Club grow, evolve & graduate into a strikingly

distinct stand alone body yet, deeply interwoven with the typical culture of the

organization.

'Astitva', our creation, very aptly portrays the essence of what we stand for. It

quite simply endeavors to trace our identity, tap our potential & express our

latent talent.

Wishing it every success & may everyone enjoy reading it!!

Shabu Ali

Secretary

Yesterday is a dream but tomorrow is a vision, Today well lived makes every yesterday a dream come true & Every tomorrow a vision of hope and happiness!!!

It was as if only yesterday, when twenty five years back, the lady wives got together to embark on a new journey-i.e., to create an identity of their own .

I am proud to say that our Ladies Club has blossomed fully in these 25 years, spreading its fragrance and bringing a smile on many faces through its philanthropic and social initiatives, always trying to make each day a meaningful day with their humanistic approach.

The club which began as a tea club has today acquired a Pan-India status wherein, each member has in their own way contributed to this magnanimous growth of the club. The health awareness camps and other major projects led by the club has ensured a positive societal impact on the CBI community .

Our Club members – each of them with a golden heart, hospitable, kind and respectful are always ready to extend a helping hand to all and have become like an extended family.

My heartiest congratulations to one and all on the release of our magazine 'ASTITVA', which has been the result of the painstaking efforts and what better way, to commemorate the twenty five years of our existence.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our ex -directors' wives who have extended their full cooperation and have been proactive in sending articles and in adding to the photo gallery.

My best wishes to the members for all future endeavours.

Ms. Meenakshi gupta

Vice – president

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Message from the office bearers

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ysfMt+ Dyc dh iPphloha o"kZxkaB ij gkfnZd c/kkbZ!

*yksx tqM+rs jgs] dkjok¡ pyrk jgk*] ysfMt+ Dyc bl dgkor dk çfrfcEc gSA lnL;ksa ds

vkokxeu ds ckotwn Hkh ;g viuh xfjek cuk, gq, gSA ,d lhfer dk;Z{ks= ds vUrxZr

lkekftd xfrfof/k;ksa dks vk/kkj cuk] dk;Z'khy jgk ;s Dyc fofHkUu dk;Zdykiksa esa O;Lr

gSA bUgha xfrfof/k;ksa dks lsrq cukdj lh-ch-vkbZ- ysfMt+ Dyc us viuh iPphloha o"kZxkaB

ij ;g ,d NksVk lk ç;Ru fd;k gSA lius dks gdhdr ds :i esa ns[krs gq, mRlkg o

vkuUn dh fefJr vuqHkwfr gks jgh gSA bl fdrkc esa Nis 'kCn dsoy 'kCn u gksdj lHkh

lnL;ksa dh varjaxrk dh çfrfyfi gSaA

ysfMt+ Dyc ds lnL;ksa esa vkReh;rk o m"ek dk LiUnu ge lHkh eglwl dj ldrs gSaA

eq>s vk'kk gS fd vkus okys le; esa Dyc vius lkekftd dk;Z{ks= ds ljksdkj dks vkSj

vf/kd lqn`<+ djsxkA eSa lHkh ds ;ksxnku dk /kU;okn djrh gwaA

;g igyk vad vki lHkh dks lefiZr gSA

uhrk xygks=k

lfpo ¼lh-ch-vkbZ- ysfMt+ Dyc½

Dear Friends!

The CBI ladies club which started as a modest and small forum dedicated to

bringing together the spouses of CBI officers with the aim of socialising and

conceptualising welfare of its rank and file has grown from strength to strength. I

have had the proud privilege of having been associated with this august body

since 1994. I have witnessed the club assuming more and more welfare-

oriented tenor over these years. In my humble thinking, that is the way such

bodies need to evolve. However, I have found its utility, albeit at a personal level

in a totally different direction viz. It has helped me to gain valuable friends and

affectionate seniors. Association with ladies club has indeed been an honour. I

felicitate the patrons of CBI Ladies Club for conceptualising and actually bringing

out this memorable souvenir on its silver anniversary.

Vani Awasthy

Treasurer

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Special thanks to all of you who have helped in bringing out this magazine

'Astitva' on twenty fifth anniversary of our ladies club. My heartiest

congratulations to all. Beginning with group of small number, the group has

swelled to large numbers today. The dynamic leadership of our seniors led the

energies of the group migrate from the confines of drawing room discussion to

the welfare of the CBI staff at large. The welfare activity of the club has now

extended to health camps , tree plantations and enhancement of library facilities

for the CBI colony. All these activities of the club have helped the members to

bond with each other to great extent. Hope the succeeding generation of the

club better our best efforts. So, welcome back to new challenges, and another

year of camaraderie.

Namita

Treasurer

The ladies club of the wives of CBI Officers was conceived and started a quarter

century back by Mrs. Nalini Katre, wife of then Director, CBI. It brought together

the wives of CBI Officers who were just names to each other till then and

brought them together as known persons. I wish the magazine all the success.

Mrs. Vasanta Madhavan

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of CBI Ladies Club, let me start by

offering my heartfelt congratulation to all, the pioneers, the past participants and

the present enthusiasts. Even today, I clearly recall the first gathering in 1986 in

the house of Mrs. Katre. We were about twenty of us. Mrs. Katre's endearing

warmth is something difficult to forget. She said the only real reason why this

club has come into being is because this will provide an opportunity for us to

meet each other, share some joyful moments and share some simple homemade

cooking. There should be no pressure of any sorts on the person, organizing the

gathering. She had on the first day of the Ladies Club get-together, arranged for

corn sandwiches, namakpare and one type of homemade sweet, its name I do

not remember. Every month, I happily gathered at somebody's house. There

were games, also. I happily recall that twice I won prizes for some memory test

games, a covered duck-shape glass bowl, and rings for my toes. I have preserved

them both till today. I must mention Mrs. Kajol Banerjee's name, who was the

brain behind the idea of the Ladies CBI Club.

Sunanda Sen9

Message from past members

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The CBI Family

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IN ILLUSTRIOUS COMPANY

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Photo Gallery a Flashback

of events & activities

DelhiChapter

INTERPOL Celebrating Teej

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INTERPOL

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Social Responbilities

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Health Camp - CBI Colony, New Delhi

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Independence Day

Celebrations - Sports

& Cultural Activities

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Diwali

Mela

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Teej Celebrations

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Chennai

Cultural Events Organised by Branches of Welfate Activities Organised by CBI : Cochin

CBI : Chennai for their Staff For Their Staff

Achievements of Srishty

D/o Smt. A. Sumathi SCS, CBI ACB, Chennai

Sports meet and Cultural programme were 1. New year celebration-2012 organised by all branches of CBI at Chennai for

During the year-2012, a new year celebration was their staff during 11.02.2010 & 27.03.2010

organized by CBI, ACB, Cochin on 2-1-2012. respectively.

During this occasion sports events and cultural The Sports meet was organised on the grounds of program were organized involving CBI personnel Police Training College, Ashok Nagar, Chennai while and their family members. Smt. R. Sreelekha IPS, the cultural programme was organised in a ADGP, Kerala Police inaugurated the cultural mandapam in a grand manner for the families of all program and distributed the prizes to winners who the staff members irrespective of ranks. The Staff participated in the sports. Photographs of the and their family members had prepared well for events are enclosed. these Sports meet and cultural programme and

2. Medical Camps.displayed their excellence. Prizes were distributed

to the winners of the Sports meet during the During the past two years, two medical camps (on Cultural event. 10-1-2010 and 31-10-2010) were organized in the

CBI residential complex in coordination with The cultural programme had excellent Lakshmi Hospital, Ernakulam. Services of General Bharathanatyam dance performance by the children Physician and other specialists from the Department of CBI Officers and men. The CBI officials of Cardiology, Gynaecology etc. of the said themselves were not far behind, they had given an Hospital were provided during the camp. CBI captivating performance on the mridangam, employees and their family members of ACB and keyboards, mimicry, singing, skits, etc. The show SCB Unit at Cochin attended the medical camp. was attended by the Joint Director, DIG and SsP

located in Chennai with their families. 3. Class on Stress Free living.

Celebration of Independence Day 2011 A lecture on the topic "Diluting Stress" was

conducted on 27-1-2012 in the CBI Conference Every year the CBI officials in Chennai make it a room by Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya point to celebrate the Republic Day and Vishwas Vidyalaya. Employees of CBI, ACB, Cochin Independence day in the CBI Old Quarters and CBI and SCB Unit attended the class.new quarters. Independence day 2011 was

celebrated by hoisting the National Flag in the

morning at both the Quarters by the DIG and SP,

CBI : ACB : Chennai. The day witnessed sports

activities for the family members and children. As Won a Gold and Bronze in the 49th National Roller the sun set, the evening was lit with an excellent Skating Championship held at Bangalore between cultural show by the staff and their family members. 24th January, 2012 and 28th January, 2012. Won

Zones

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the gold medal making a national record for the Participated in the World Championship held at

girls being the fastest in the 300 meters time trial China in 2009. Participated in 9 events totally.

event clocking 29.87seconds. Won the bronze Won a Silver medal in the 12th Asian Roller Skating

medal in the 15 Km elimination race. Championship held at Taiwan, 2006 in the relay

Only skater from Tamil Nadu to have consecutively event.

won national medals for the past 8 years in inline Won the Gold medal in the 4th National Ice Skating

skating. Championship held at Kolkata in 2006.

Participated in the Asian Games at Guangzhou, Participated in the 11th Asian Roller Skating

China, 2010. Placed 8th in the 500 meters race. Championship, 2005 held at South Korea.

Only skater to have been selected from Tamil Nadu Won overall 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze medals for the Games. in the National Skating Championships in the last 8

Won two Bronze medals in the 14th Asian Roller years. Won over 70 medals in the State and District

Skating Championship in the road and track relay competitions in the last 10 years.

events held at Taiwan in July, 2010. Made a national Will be participating in the Beach Asian Games to record for the Indian girls clocking 28.8 seconds in be held in Haiyang, China in June, 2012 and also the 300 m event. the World Championship at Rome.

20



Guwahati

CBI, ACB Shillong as well as other branches in NE

have been regularly conducting Medical Camps for

their staff. These Camps provide a great opportunity

for the personnel and their family members to avail

of free medical check up. More so the camps

encourage a sense of camaraderie amongst us. I

participated as one of the doctors in the Camps and

even avail of a free ECG scanning. These camps

generally start with a short meeting in which all the

staffs are present. During such meetings the

participants were made aware of the need for

regular medical check up, life style diseases and

measures to prevent their onset.

After the meeting, the medical check up is

conducted for all and during the check up, the

doctors take time to explain to each and every one

on the disease they suffer or likely to suffer and

their preventions. Most of the adults examined

suffered from some form of stress and long term

measures to help distress needs to be formulated.

The doctors who attended the Medical camp

always feel that each camp is successful in bringing

about awareness amongst the staff.

Some of the activities during the Medical Camps

may be appreciated by the photos below:

Medical Camps as a Welfare Measure to CBI Staff

Dr. (Mrs) S. Khonglah, W/o H. Nongpluh, Hoz, Guwahati

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HyderabadFrom “Campuses” to

“Nurturing and Caring Homes”

A campus of any organization can truly become home to its

members and their families, when it meets their aspirations and

requirements, forging sense of belonging among them.

The CBI campuses or complexes as they are popularly known, at

Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Bangalore have been striving to do

their best to provide social, recreational, educational and welfare

activities for the families of the staff residing in and outside the

complex.

The CBI campuses in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Bangalore are

located in the posh Jubilee Hills, in MVP Colony and in Ganga

Nagar, the popular residential areas in the respective cities. Almost

half of the CBI staff reside in the residential quarters and they look

forward to various calendar events organized every year and take

part in them with great enthusiasm.

The year 2011 was no exception, as part of the celebrations to ring

in the New Year, various sports and games competitions were

organized for the children in the last week of December. While some

games were conducted in the campus, some other games were

conducted in open grounds with permission from authorities

concerned, to give a professional feel to the events and make them

much more competitive for the participants.

The games were not confined to children alone. A variety of indoor

games were organized for the spouses of CBI officials as well as the

CBI officials, bringing out the spirit of bonhomie among all and giving

them a memorable break from the routine.

For those artistically inclined children, drawing competitions were

organized. The cultural programmes on the night of December 31

was the grand finale with loud cheers for the prize winners followed

by dinner for all the officers and their family members.

It is mandatory at the CBI campus to organize health check-up camp

Sports and Games:

Drawing and Cultural programmes:

Health Check-up

Staff taking part in Sports

Children at Play

Drawing Competition

Master Ch. S. Satyakrishna as Lord Hanuman

22



once a year and the medical team of Apollo Hospital, Visakhapatam,

conducted a screening examination and offered counseling to the

CBI fraternity and their families at the CBI Conference Hall. The

medical team from Vasan Eye Care, Visakhapatnam undertook vision

tests for the members.

In Bangalore an eye camp in coordination with the doctors of Dr.

M.C Modi Eye Hospital, Bangalore on June 6th in 2011 was

organized.

The important days of national significance - Republic Day on

January 26 and Independence Day on August 15 were celebrated

during 2011 with the Head of the Branch unfurling the Tricolour.

The days indeed evoked emotions of national pride among the staff

members and their children who gathered in good numbers.

Ganesh Pooja celebrations are awaited eagerly every year. The

popular religious festival is also the time for the community

celebration. The Ganesh Chavithi Pooja, organized on a grand scale

last year was attended by all the family members of the officials and

staff living in the CBI Complex and outside.

It is a tradition for the CBI employees and their families to give a

warm farewell to those who retired after attaining superannuation or

those who were transferred to other branches.

At the request of the Head of the Branch, the District Revenue

officials organized a special camp at the CBI Complex of

Visakhapatnam and Bangalore to facilitate all the members enroll

themselves for the Aadhar cards (Unique Identity Cards). The

thoughtful gesture was appreciated by the members and they all

availed for themselves the opportunity provided at their door-step.

The CBI Colony at the posh Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad now has a

Guest House which was inaugurated by the Head of the Zone, on

January 1, 2012 as a New Year gift. It was in 2010 the sanction was

given and the branch identified one C-type Quarter in the CBI

Residential Colony, Jubilee Hills and the CPWD had executed the

construction work and handed over the premises to the CBI with all

the amenities in place.

Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations:

Ganesh Pooja:

Retirement / Farewell:

Aadhar Cards:

CBI Colony in Hyderabad gets Guest House & Health Club:

Health check up at Visakhapatnam

Flag hoisting at CBI residential Colony, Hyderabad

Ganesh Pooja at Visakhapatnam

Retirement function of Smt D.S. Sudha, PA to DIG

Retirement function of Smt D.S. Sudha, PA to DIG23



JammuWelfare Activities observed by CBI ACB Jammu in 2011

Celebration of Republic Day 2011

Celebration of Independence Day 2011

Vigilance Awareness Week 2011-

answered patiently. Students were treated to snacks, tea

and biscuits at the CBI office. CBI/ACB Jammu celebrated 63rd Republic Day with

Apart from this, regular Sampark Sabha meetings are great zeal and national fervour at CBI complex, being held to address the grievances of staff. The staff Railhead, Jammu. Head of Branch/SP hoisted the has also been asked to approach the Head of Branch at national flag and took salute from F Coy of 33 BN CRPF, any time in case of any problem & not just at the time of in the presence of the CBI staff, their family members & Sampark Sabha. The medical and other bills are being children.cleared without any delay. Assistance is also being

Speaking on the occasion, the SP complimented the provided to the staff for the limited departmental exams.

staff and their family members on the 61st Republic Personal efforts are being made to ensure that

Day. He asked the officers and other staff to be alert, deputation period of staff on deputation are extended.

decisive, fair and humane. He stressed upon excellence Medical check up camps are also being organized.

and professionalism in all spheres of functioning so that

the organization in general and Jammu branch in

particular rises to high levels of endeavor and

achievement.

Later, sweets and gifts were distributed to the children of

the staff who had come to CBI Office. Children who

had achieved academic excellence were felicitated.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) celebrated 65th

Independence Day with gaiety and enthusiasm at its

complex at Railhead. The National Flag was unfurled

and salute given by D Company of 30 Battalion of CRPF.

Patriotic songs were sung by the children of the Staff &

Staff members themselves. Later, sweets and gifts were

distributed to the children who had come to CBI Office.

Kendriya Vidyalaya students visits CBI Office Jammu

on 4-11-2011

Girl students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Gandhi Nagar

Jammu visited CBI ACB Jammu on November 4, 2011

and interacted with Head of Branch. The students

belonging to Class IX came to have a feel of the working

of CBI. The students were taken to various rooms of CBI

including malkhana, crime section, IOs room, lockup

and canteen. A brief demonstration of CBI work & Pre

Trap proceedings was given to the visiting students.

Children fielded questions to the HOB to have them all

24



Kolkata

Celebration of 26th January, 2012 at CBI,Housing Colony, Kolkata

Helen Keller (American Author and Educator who During the last one year, the Kolkata Zone has

was blind and deaf.) organized Free Health Check-up Camps for the Staff

members and their families in all the Branches The Kolkata Zone which covers the States of West

under it, which saw overwhelming participation. In Bengal, Orissa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and

Port Blair, the officials were sent to GB Pant Govt. Sikkim for Anti-Corruption works and also the

Hospital for health check-ups.North-Eastern States for Special Crimes and

Economic Offences, has it's own Housing The Special Crime Branch, Economic Offences

Complexes at Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. These Wing of Kolkata and Anti Corruption Branch of

Housing Complexes are like mini India – a perfect Bhubaneswar organized Picnic for their officials and

harmony of diverse cultures and languages. These their family members which earned smiles on the

Complexes are a treat for the eyes during faces of the participants.

Independence Day and Republic Day when the In order to soothe the pains of the bitter moods of

residents celebrate them with immense fervor & inflation figures, the Canteen facilities under Central

bonhomie.Police Organisation has been extended to CBI

Subscribing to the facts that the Happiness Quotient officials. CBI officials are encouraged to avail

of the personnel in an Organization is the various financial reliefs/ loans from CBI Benevolent

barometer of the health of an Organization, Kolkata Fund which are granted / sanctioned liberally.

Zone of CBI has taken up a slew of Welfare and Special arrangements were made for the registration

Recreational measures for it's officials and their of Unique Identification Card (AADHAR) for the

family members.

The welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all

25



Celebration of 26th January, 2012 at CBI,Housing Colony, Kolkata

Picnic of EOW, Kolkata in January, 2012 Picnic of SCB, Kolkata in February, 2012

CBI officials of Kolkata and their family members in Initiatives beget new ideas and no force can stop an

CBI Office at Nizam Palace and CBI Housing idea whose time has come and new ideas only

Complex, Salt Lake, Kolkata. usher in Change, as can be proverbially said – “

Small steps only account for a Giant leap ”.Housing, which is an area of paramount concern for

Govt. officials, is also being given adequate Suman Bala Sahoo

importance in the Zone and in this direction, CBI Head of Zone Kolkata

Employees Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. has

been formed in Kolkata which is making efforts for

allotment of plots to it's members.

Celebration of 26th January at CBI,Housing Colony, Kolkata

Celebration of26th January, 2012at Office Premises,ACB, Bhubaneswar

26



LucknowLadies clubs have been active in the Lucknow, efforts of the Ladies Club have had a positive

Ghaziabad and Dehradun Branches of the Lucknow impact on e morale of the hard-working CBI

Zone. Various activities like medical check-up officials.

camps, yoga classes, green campaigns, besides I thank all the ladies who, through their enthusiastic

family gatherings on festive occasions have been participation, have made the activities of the Ladies

regularly organised and have afforded healthy Club enjoyable as well as fruitful.

opportunities for creating an atmosphere of

bonhomie among the staff and their families. These

27



Mumbai

The Mumbai branch of the CBI held their III rd competition. The highlight of the Meet was the

Annual Sports Meet on 2nd, 3rd & 4th March, 2012 popular tug of war, the lemon and spoon race, sack

for the families of their personnel residing at Antop race and matka race for men and women.

Hill and Ghatkopar at the RCF Sports Complex, This year the event was graced by the presence of

Chembur, Mumbai.our Additional Director, Mr. Saleem Ali and his

A wide array of events was held for the various family. They also participated in some of the sports

competing departmental teams, children, as well as events & interacted with the families of the CBI

for ladies. Indoor games such as Table Tennis, Personnel. Mrs. Shabu Ali took the salute at the

Badminton and Carom drew heavy crowds & had a closing ceremony and gave away the prizes.

lot of participants. The children & ladies events in Mrs. Durgeshwari Rishi Raj &

Arts and Rangoli added colour and spirit to the Mrs. Selvi Ramaswamy

Mumbai CBI Family Sports Event 2012

28



29



Articles

When my husband Mohan Katre took the charge as Director, CBI, I had no idea whether there was any small

organization to bring the officers' wives together.

At the farewell dinner for Mr. & Mrs. Bawa, there were other officers' wives present. While getting introduced to

them and talking with them, we felt we should meet more often. Kajal Banerjee suggested, we form a CBI Ladies

Club. We started meeting, once in a month at the residence of each one, turn by turn. That is how the CBI Ladies

Club came into existence. It was a simple get-together, Tambola and two other games were played. We also had

“Bhishi” – Marathi word for Kitty, amount decided so it should not be a burden on any member. Rule was that Tea

should not be elaborated so that the hostess is able to enjoy too.

Exchanging recipes and other things come automatically when ladies meet. Our ladies organized a fantastic Teej

function. There was a very interesting Qawwali song composed and sung by Kajal Banerjee and other members, a

fancy dress competition which everybody enjoyed immensely.

We also had an Interpol meeting at Ashoka Hotel, where the delegates and their wives enjoyed Mehendi, Churi,

Bindi and dinner.

The Club meetings have helped all of us make friends and enjoy life. I am glad that it continues to be so.

First Lady President of CBI Ladies Club

Ms. Nalini Katre

30

�I�n�n�e�r�_�L�a�y�o�u�t�_�0�3�_�A�r�t�i�c�l�e�s


May Silver TurnTo Gold

I am delighted to know that the CBI Ladies' Club is bustle of Sarojini Nagar market and the out-of-this-

celebrating its Silver Jubilee and is bringing out a world ambience of Nehru memorial Library at Teen

souvenir to mark its vibrant existence for 25 years. I Murti.

am especially happy that the Club has taken the While I look back, I realise that my experiences

trouble to remember and reconnect with an 'old timer' during my younger days as the wife of a CBI officer

like myself on this occasion.and those of the present members of the Ladies' Club

I had the good fortune to be a part of the extended are likely to be different in some ways. In the 1970s

CBI family during my husband's almost continuous and 1980s , for example, the task of bringing up

tenure in CBI from 1974 to early 1990.Thinking of children and supervising their education was perhaps

that interlude brings back a host of memories. We much less daunting and combining one's professional

used to live then in one of the multi-storey flats in work with the work of a home-maker perhaps less

Sector 13 of R.K.Puram. In that MS complex both stressful. Indeed, I have great admiration for the

adults and children had good company. Children resilience with which the younger women are now

especially had the time to enjoy their lively games of coping with the challenges of these difficult times.

football and tennis in the grounds within the complex Yet, I also have a feeling that certain things have

and formed lasting friendships. In the same grounds tended to remain more or less the same over the years

my husband learnt to drive his scooter- our family so far as the CBI is concerned : the wives' commitment

transport for a number of years - and after I became to share their husbands' trials and tribulations and to

a grandmother, I learnt to drive a car.maintain a way of living for the family that is worthy of

It was during our sojourn in Delhi that our two sons the proud heritage of a CBI officer.

completed their graduation and qualified for the IAS Mindful of the bonds of empathy and shared values

and IPS to begin a new chapter in their lives. In a that still bind us together, I send my warmest greetings

sense, a new chapter was added for me too, as I had and congratulations to all the members of the CBI

the opportunity to catch up with my doctoral studies Ladies' Club. I also wish them success : “ Success to

at the Delhi School of Economics.me is about vision .It is about building inclusion. It is

I still miss the greenery of Delhi; its tree-lined roads about connectedness to a larger world. It is about

with their bounty of flowering Gulmohar and Amaltas, giving back more to life than you have taken out of it.”

Bougainvillea and Jacaranda ; the exciting hustle and

Dr. (Smt.) Mukul Mukherjee

31



Chandak Ashwani Kumar

My Perfect Report Card

So, finally here is a space where you can be yourself. back to heaven in 1989 when we were in the Special

Be it voicing your views, an opinion, an incident or Protection Group. Our son Abhishek was like a ray of

pouring your life into words. All this is extremely hope in the morning sun. His pranks and steady

exciting. It is said, “what men can do women can do growth made us forget all our sorrows and made life

better.” I am not a die-hard feminist but the grit and worth living again.

patience that women usually show even in their daily In 1991, we went back to Shimla after completing our

lives is really commendable. A woman has the tenure in SPG. It is difficult to forget the funny

potential to face the toughest challenges. I feel women experiences we had with the simple, straight forward

play a significant role in society and in the lives of their and caring police personnel of Himachal Pradesh. One

better halves and we with our men in the CBI………….constable was determined to impress us with his

It was great to be in the C.B.I. The experience makes command over the English language. He was good at

me nostalgic. The memories of those days fill my heart literally translating every word into English. My son

with joy, happiness and positivity. They never fail to learnt his translation lessons from him. I remember one

bring a smile on my face. I am compelled to go into morning, he came running to report to my husband

flash back…………… that 'blood' had been committed in Kullu bazaar,

meaning 'Murder'. The other incident was, when we It all starts from the moorings of a middle class family

came across a pure vegetarian and he used to wake us when I started school. My mother was a strong woman

up with two eggs and a spoon in his hands and asked who felt deeply for me. Religious by heart and

us to break them for making breakfast so that he thoughts, she would take me to all the temples in the

committed no Sin.town. Once on such a trip, we happened to pass the

residence of the district S.P. in Shimla. I must have Then came 2001, the first year of a New Century. We

been five or six years old. The guard on duty was were back in Delhi. My husband joined the C.B.I. as

lazing in the sun. I quietly sneaked into the house and Joint Director in the rank of Inspector General of Police.

sat on the swing installed in the garden. My mom Mrs. Raghvan was the President of the CBI Ladies Club

came running and took me away. I looked back at the followed by Mrs. P.C. Sharma. When Mrs. Gaytri Misra

swing and the house with prayer to God to let me in took over, I was elected as the Secretary of the Club.

the house once again. In 1978, I was married to We started with organizing medical camps for the staff

Ashwani Kumar, an I.P.S. officer of Himachal Pradesh and families of CBI personnel at our residential colony

cadre. I was just 19 years then. As luck would have it, at Vasant Vihar. They were a grand success. The ladies

my husband was soon posted as district S.P. Shimla and club had by then made a place in hearts of the CBI

we moved into same earmarked house. The first thing I staff. Apart from this, several other welfare schemes

did was to run and sit on the swing in the lawns of the were launched and successfully implemented.

beautiful house. This incident taught me to always In the year 2008 my husband was appointed as the

think positive, be positive, do positive and have faith in Director of CBI, I was lucky to take over as the

God and see your dreams come true.President of the Ladies Club. We now had our little

My marriage was a magical experience. I was blessed hub in one room apartment of Pragati Vihar Hostel,

with a beautiful daughter, Aishwarya. I was also blessed Block E, Room Number 21. A very small place but we

with a son who is now a handsome lad. God, however, were proud of it. We met once or sometimes even

had some other plans for our daughter and called her twice a month. Mrs. Vinay Awasthy took over as

32



Secretary of the Club. On her appointment the club beautiful lady was selected as the 'Teej Queen'. Diwali

became really active. We arranged many get togethers, celebrations of CBI ladies Club have always been an

we danced, played games, and enjoyed ourselves outstanding and memorable event with return gifts to

thoroughly. We started visiting the CBI residential all. The families of staff look forward to these

colonies and even opened a crèche for children. A celebrations when they can visit 22, Tuglak Crescent,

Library was also started for children and the ladies in CBI House, the residence of Director at New Delhi.

this colony. The perpetual problem of water shortage End of the year 2010 came in no time. It was time for

was solved with the intervention of CBI headquarters me to pass on the baton to my successor. I was very

and MCD.happy to hand the Presidency of the CBI Ladies Club to

We did not forget the staff and their families living in Dr. (Mrs.) Shubnum Singh, the charming wife of Shri

CBI Academy at Ghaziabad. All the officers and their Amar Pratap Singh, the new Director of CBI. She is a

lady wives visited the Academy together and spent the dynamic lady and a very busy doctor. She has a

whole day mixing with the staff, their children, playing fascinating smile which can easily win hearts. I wish

games, watching movies and partying. In July 2010 we her a lot of success in her new role.

celebrated Teej and had a gala time with 'Mehndi', In the end I conclude with these words:

'Bangles', games and a lot of goodies. The most

“We the Charismatic Babes of India (CBI) run a little club

We do welfare for our staff in our own little hub.

We look into their sorrows we look into their worries

We ensure their well-being and make them to stop worrying.

We are good and kind helping others we don't mind

We dance we play make merry in our own way.

Our motto is S-M-I-L-E while our men handle Criminal profile

We wish our club succeeds by leaps and bounds.

And may we always hear its Soothing sounds

May it be Strong and Tall and have a place in the Hearts of All”

33



Cut not the wings or your dreams,

For they are the heartbeats and the freedom of your For every womansoul. who is tired of being

called anA woman of today is an enigma, an icon, a role 'emotional female'model, an entrepreneur, a successful businesswoman, there is a man who isa loving mother, a devoted wife, a caring daughter-denied the right to weepin-law, a home maker, a decision maker and much and be gentle.more.

The list is endless as a woman is all about endless For every woman who

possibilities, a positive outlook and about aspiration feels 'tired down' by her children,

and achievement. She is a source of inspiration and there is a man who is denied

motivation at the same time. She is also responsible the full pleasure of parenthood.

for shaping the country's future as she rears up her children in a warm, value based environment.

For very woman who isAlbert Casus – a French novelist of the 19th Century denied meaningful employmentwrote, “Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. and equal payDon't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside there is a man who mustme and be my friend.” It personifies the true spirit of bear full responsibility forwomanhood. another human being.

By honouring ourselves and treating ourselves with respect, we set the stage up for others to treat us with respect. It is from this place of self-worth and You don't have to be shades of grey. You can stand empowerment that we can look at the world as a and shine bright like a star.place where we can freely express who we are and surround ourselves with people who honour love and respect us.We come in allcreeds and coloursAnd we are specialbecause we are mothers.Our jobs are manyso we multitaskto find the answers.To every question asked

Empowerment of Women is not a goal in itself but key to all global development goals.

The empowerment becomes a reality when women achieve increased control and participation in decision making that leads to their better access to resources and then improved socio economic status.

To conclude

Message

Empowerment of WomenMeenakshi Gupta

34



The 'Screening Committee' met at a Basant auntie clearly called the addict, which, I certainly wasn't. So

sprawling bungalow on Aurangzeb shots and the others were expected I was about to respond with an

Road, allotted to Air Commodore to meekly follow their leader. There emphatic 'no' when I spotted a well-

N.P. Nair aka Nanne, the youngest was, however, a singular non- stocked bar, as a backdrop to the

brother of Mrs. Gyanvati Verma conformist: the born-in-between' drawing room, crying for attention.

Sheila's mother. His two elder Ghugghi uncle – the animal doctor 'Yes Sir,' I said meekly, 'Occasionally

brothers R.P. Nair (Raja Uncle) and and a full colonel to boot.though. That is, once in a while,

K.P. Nair (Ghugghi Uncle) were He, unmindful of his sister-in-law's that too sparingly.' This hesitant

equally well-placed professionals disapproving glare, proceeded to confession had a rather unexpected

Raja Uncle was Director, Civil usurp her prerogative to begin the reaction from the other two Nairs.

Aviation and Ghugghi uncle was a proceedings, and fired a direct Evidently, they were holding their

veterinary surgeon in the Army with question at me that sounded, to my breath and hoping that my reply

a full Colonel's rank.untrained ears, more like an would be in the affirmative. They

Together, the three brothers were a accusation than a polite attempt at exhaled a deep sigh, beamed

formidable combination and seeking information. happily and nodded in unison as if

although they clearly belonged to to say that any person, who drank, `Hello, Dear Chap! First things first!

the human species. Ghugghi Uncle even if 'sparingly', was good enough What is your poison? You are a

needs a special mention, not only to be their son-in-law. Thereafter, drinker no? ' I looked at Sheila who

because he had a peculiar they lost interest in the proceedings gave a non-committal shrug. All

nickname with three gees' and two and seriously got down to the eyes except hers waited on me for

'aitches'. Uncle G, chiefly occupied business of tanking themselves up.my answer as though my fate hung

with inducting and treating horses solely on the flimsy string of my However, the 'in-between' Nair,

in the army stable, was, like his response. after providing me with a mug of

inductees, a toothy and bouncy beer on my request, and fixing a

No doubt, I was a mild social character prancing about like an 'Bloody Mary' for himself, gave scant

imbiber of the 'hard' stuff but, unbroken colt, a confusing blur attention to his drink and continued

having been traditionally brought difficult to slot most of the time.to fidget and give me a fixed stare.

up, did not go about blatantly Auntie Basant, Uncle Nanne's wife, Basant auntie stepped in to try and

flaunting the fact before the elders. was the convener of the conclave put me at ease by initiating

Moreover, Ghugghi uncle's upfront “The Three Nair Brothers, Auntie agreeable talk and in the process,

approach was rather unsettling, in Basant and last but not the least, eliciting some, seemingly harmless,

that it seemed to convey the Mrs. Gyanwati Verma and her information without making it

impression that he strongly husband, Mr. P.C. Verma, sound like an inquisition. Mr. Verma

suspected my being an incorrigible completed the quorum of 'scanners'. (my prospective father-in-law), duly

The Interview

Rajinder Shekhar

35



regulated by prompting nudges Instead, I gave a modest nod in The suggestion jogged our self-

from Mrs. Verma, gave timely nods acknowledgement and joined preservation instincts and as I

to indicate his satisfaction with the Sheila in the elusive search for the hesitated, Sheila quickly pointed

question-answer format. speck on the floor, that scintilla of out that it was getting dark and they

hope that would open the door ajar would rather take a small walk. Auntie Basant's friendly prattle,

for the final resolution. For, both of And, before the Verma/Nair clan however, had no visible effect on

us knew that now the ball was in could moot any other viable the horseman. His unwavering gaze

my court and that my tennis racket solution, we quickly made our exit.seemed to convey that he was

was being firmly held by my heading a team of experts who had We went to the Lodi Gardens and

parents.been deputed to stock the stables of in an isolated patch we sat down on

an army unit, and that, I, a It wasn't, however, the end of the a bench. I took a deep breath and

claimant, put up before the proceedings. Ghugghi uncle had no said that at least there was some

committee for approval, was a intention of allowing the convener progress. She shrugged and said,

spurious product professing to have the benefit of the 'What progress? My parents have

pedigreed descent. He wiggled concluding gesture and, apparently, been calling you 'Raju' for quite

about in his seat as if he was had to seal the deal with his some time now.' She was right of

restraining himself with great effort imprimatur. So, notwithstanding the course. Today's meeting was only by

from coming over and wrenching fact that he had been foiled in his way of formalization of a

apart my lips to closely inspect my attempt to make a probing prod at relationship that had been willingly

dentures for any signs of false teeth my orthodontic blueprint, he, shot accepted by her side of the family.

that could assist him in refuting out of his chair, traversed the Nonetheless, I was determined to

wrongful claims of age and lineage. distance between us at a quick trot celebrate the 'now' of the occasion

and subjected me to a sample of and gave her a soulful hug that she Ignoring her brother-in-law's

pure Punj emotion. reciprocated after a bit of hesitation.twitching frame, Basant mamiji

finalized the proceedings. In a With tears teetering perilously on Then I giggled nervously at the

formal tone she said, 'Achchaji! the brink of his eyelids, he clutched recollection and remarked about

Shekharji! You must know that my palm and began kneading it at a the overpowering display of

Sheila is the darling of the family furious pace, as if pumping air into emotion by Ghugghi uncle. The

and we are all very touchy on the a flat tyre. I kept gently patting his dear man just could not be wished

subject of her marriage. We have arm in a dignified attempt to break away and kept rebounding in my

full faith in her judgment and are the gridlock but failed. consciousness. I said, 'He seemed

happy at her choice. You have our somewhat desperate for a positive Then my would-be father-in-law,

blessings'. outcome.coughed and spoke for the first

Her verdict was endorsed by a time, 'You two (mercifully implying She gave a tinkling laugh and said,

series of spirited nods from Mr. Sheila and I, and not the colonel 'Ghugghi uncle is a highly excitable

Verma. I glanced at Sheila who, and I)' why don't you go for a drive? man and perhaps even ordinarily he

with a faint smile playing on her Take my car'. That broke the spell would have behaved as he did. But,

lips, was looking down intently at and Colonel Nair rather reluctantly as it happens, he has strong reasons

the floor and suddenly I felt a strong withdrew his palms and said, 'Yes! to go overboard.' I was agog. I had

urge to tell Auntie Basant, 'Please Yes! Of course, and why not, now yet to meet another person like

call me Raju', though I didn't. that – Still better, I will take you in him, a dynamo tightly packed and

my car.' wired for perpetual motion, as if he

36



was ceaselessly reaching out to Ghugghi's anxiety that you might The other person, of average

catch a speeding train. There also meet a similar fate at my height and looks, seemed

could never be a dull moment in hands was perhaps reason enough comparatively more sophisticated.

his company. for his excessively possessive So, after his companion had done

reaction.' Then, seriously and his bit in giving us a rude shock, 'You see', continued Sheila, 'He is

almost as an afterthought, she he picked up the thread and said, married to a princess from Jind

said, 'Umm! Rest assured I have 'We are police. Please come to the and they have a beautiful

no such intentions. You are for police station with us.' Ah! I daughter my age'.

keeps.' thought. This promises to be the I grinned and said, 'Ah! A family of mother of all defining moments –

I latched on to her arm and beautiful daughters I see.' a police officer with a lady in tow

kneaded it with rare vigour. ending up at a police station.She looked embarrassed and said, Rajasthanis are no less evocative

'No, you don't see. I am no patch but unlike the Punj clan, they Survival instinct made me speak a on her. Well, Mini, that's my don't wear emotions on their half-truth. I said, 'Ah! Helloji! Nice cousin, is a 'flaming' beauty, as is sleeve. They are selective in their coincidence, I too am a police her temperament. And she has timing. I said, 'Rest assured uncle officer and this lady here is my had a long chain of suitors. Some Ghugghi is not half as possessive wife.' Then I asked, 'Where is the of them have been able to cross as I'm going to be.' police station?' Apparently, the the barrier of preliminaries and goons were in no mood to expand

She writhed momentarily in qualify for an audience with the my general knowledge and

masochistic delight and said, 'conclave'. One or may be two, promptly vanished into the

'Ouch!' Then, all of a sudden, we have even made it to the approval advancing shadows.

were startled by a rustic, booming stage. Eventually, however, they

voice that demanded to know, Sheila's wide brown eyes dilated too have been left stranded by the

'Yeh kya ho raha hai?' I looked further and she softly whispered, way side.

back to see two men gazing at us. 'Wife?''And Mini continues to be the One of them looked like a plug-

And then hand in hand, we single most sought after ugly pugilist and sounded like one

walked into the sunset, hoping for unattached girl in town.' Sheila with a damaged larynx. He was

a resurgent tomorrow.paused for impact and then the one who had spoken.added with a smirk, 'Uncle

37



dancer. She was the inspiration behind our having the

“husbands' nights and we ladies put up some sort of

entertainment in an attempt to stop our hubbies from I think I can call myself one of the founder members of yawning after their busy office schedules. Hopefully the CBI Ladies' Club, though it was started by Mrs the husbands appreciated our efforts; at least they Katre. We had many debates over coffee and cake at clapped enthusiastically, sometimes at the wrong Mrs Lobo's place when she was the Director's wife. moments though.She was a very charming lady and into much of social

As I go down the memory lane, I realize that we did work. Other organizations like IB,BSF, CRPF had their

really have a grand time. clubs and were run on a large scale because of

available manpower they had at their command and I remember visiting a 5 Star Hotel for the first

and plush club-house premises they could afford. time(much to the envy of our children), courtesy

Which caused much heart-burning and then, Mrs. (I have forgotten her name) who was in her own

Mrs. Katre took the initiative and we decided to have right working there and she got us a good concession.

the club meetings in our respective houses by turns. We also had demonstrations of cooking and flower-

arrangements by ladies of our club who excelled in She was the driving spirit and we the willing

them. Needless to say I was just a 'hanger on' who, passengers. And of course, we had in Mrs. Kajal

nevertheless, thoroughly enjoyed the evenings. Bannerjee an accomplished professional singer and

TheLadies Club

Shiela Shekhar

38



My life as ADC to Governor

of UPS.K. Dutta

topography of the Chinese side by taking a hot water bath, a rarity

impressed us. We knew that any in that cold climate. This is nature's

future mischief by the Chinese gift to pilgrims. The Badri temple is

would be dealt with severely and called Badrinarayan that is the

there would be no repeat of 1962 temple of Lord Vishnu. For

war. thousands of years people have

been visiting Badrinath and The distance from Joshimath to

Kedarnath. Only a few yogis stay in Badrinath is nearly 24 kilometers.

Badrinath during winter months. From Joshimath, the journey was on

Great Yogis, Rishis, and Mahatmas foot, as roads were still under

sanctify his place for years to attain construction by the Border Roads

a state of higher consciousness. Organization. The Governor and It was my good luck that the Mahavatar Babaji is said to be alive some ladies were carried by Governor once selected me for in this tapo bhumi. The sacred palanquins. Each day, we covered visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath mountains of Himalayas are 10 kilometers and took rest in along with him and large staff of Raj believed to be the powerhouse for Government rest house. Badrinath Bhawan. Our first stop was transmission of blessings of great lies at the confluence of rivers Rishi Joshimath where we stayed in an souls to the seekers. We could see Ganga and Alakhnanda. The mules army guest house. The town was only one yogi with veena who carried our luggage and one mule well lit. The reason was that the reportedly stayed in Badrinath just slipped in the fast flowing Army had its own captive hydel round the year and never spoke. He Alakhnanda River and could not be generation plant well enough for was called Mauni Baba.Kedarnath traced thereafter. I was given a tattu, the township. Joshimath is named can be reached by first climbing a small sized horse, so that, I could after one of the four famous down and then up. The road was oversee movement of the front and monasteries, each named as 'math', kutcha. Efforts to build all-weather the tail-enders. It was risky to ride a established by Adi Shankaracharya, roads could not succeed, as the soil horse as the horse could slip into a saint from Kerala, who spent his was sandy and unstable. Kedarnath Alakhnanda.life in the hills of Himalayas. The is dedicated to Lord Shiva. I was in

Brigadier in-charge of the station A popular belief is that the word a tent and found there was no took us to brief the Governor about Badri derives from the word berries water as it had turned into solid the situation on the Chinese border. which grew in numbers in that snow. Using the toilet was difficult. On a sand model, he showed us region once. Badrinath is almost There is some cosmic attraction in troop concentration on the Chinese guarded by two mountain ranges the region. People feel happy here; side. In his thundering voice, he Nar and Narayan. At some distance, many describe it as spiritual told us that in the event of a war, one can see Neelkanth peak. There vibrations. I too felt different. My the Chinese would receive a is hot water spring called Taptkund prayer to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath befitting reply. His knowledge of the where a pilgrim can refresh himself was to keep me on the right path.

39



This was simple prayer and I to rush towards the ladies and sit before taking sanyas. He was a

strongly believe that God did with them throughout. Our old highly realized soul and wrote

answer. I did not have another generation leaders, barring a few, several books in simple language for

chance to visit these two shrines hardly knew the etiquette of the the benefit of ordinary people. He

again. modern times. The Governor, was tall and healthy. His personality

however, refused the Secretary's was overpowering. After the One ADC to Governor used to be

suggestion to wear a black achkan. function, we left for Delhi in on duty and the other was

My Governor, late B.N. Das, was President's special train. The supposed to look after the wife of

honest and simple. He ran his own Governor was supposed to stay in the Governor but since our

kitchen at his own cost. His the guest house of UP Government Governor was a widower, one of us

spending habit was just minimal. near Okhla. President requested the would have a free day. The job was

Once I accosted his private servant Governor to stay in Rashtrapati to usher in dignitaries before the

who brought fish from the market. Bhawan as his guest. The President's Governor as per scheduled

He purchased only 250 grams of ADC Bindra and I became good appointments. Before that, the

fish. We had poultry and eggs which friends. He was from the Indian Governor used to be briefed about

were sold at cheaper rate for the Navy.the dignitary and the purpose of his

staff. Once he called me to know meeting the Governor. On tour, the In Rashtrapati Bhawan, I was

who from his family had ordered for ADC was supposed to brief the allotted the Mysore Room, which

substantial purchase of eggs. This he Governor all the required details of was decorated with Mysore touch.

found from scrutiny of bill the district. All the paperwork used Sandalwood cot, furniture, and

presented to him. The reply was to be done by the Governor's paintings were the basic features of

that the order came from his Secretariat based on reports the room. Smell of sandalwood

household. He ordered the quantity received from the districts. This filled the air. In the morning, the

to be delivered each month for required a lot of fast reading of all housekeeper would find out my

consumption of his grandson only. A the materials. preference for food and if I would

big part of his salary used to go to a like to invite any one for lunch or

The Governor being a spiritual trust. He lived a simple life although dinner. I invited J.N. Dixit, IFS for

person would often speak on I found later that his landed lunch. Dixit and I grew up together

spiritual subjects. After hearing him property was huge in Ganjam since our school and college days.

from some time, I could say district of Orissa. Twice I had gone We used to go out for long walks

beforehand the words and with him to that district. He knew after dinner. Plato and Aristotle

sentences he would use in his Bengali as well but never spoke to were his pet subjects. Because of

speeches. The job of the ADC was us in Bengali. I picked up a bit of my association with him, I scored

to remind the Governor about the Oriya language in Ganjam. I found more marks in the UPSC

next appointment by sending a chit that the food habits of Orissa and examination in Political Science

five minutes before. At times, the Bengal were similar. Bengali jhol is than Economics in which I did my

Governor would make a joke of it. also called by the same name in Honours. The Rashtrapati Bhawan

He told the audience that his time Oriya. Cooked rice is called bhato has several rooms bearing the name

to speak was being controlled by his similar to bhat in Bengali.of each State.

ADC. He did this by showing the We attended a function organized

chit received by him from me. The ADCs were in great demand in by Swami Sivananda in Rishikesh.

social circles as they were The Governor did not know where President Dr. Sarvepally

bachelors. They would often receive to sit in the midst of a social party. Radhakrishnan and my Governor

invitation to clubs and parties. One The Secretary to the Governor told were present. Swami Sivananda was

car was earmarked for each ADC. him to speak to the ladies also by a spiritual giant and was a doctor

On off-duty days, he could go out way of courtesy. Thereafter, he used

40



in style in Raj Bhawan car without who said there was no cause of strong that many avoided even

numbers. Capt. Ranade, my worry, everything would be normal. talking to him. On one such

counterpart from the Army, was a After the 1962 war with China, occasion, I found something

man full of life and enjoyed his stay Nehru was deeply hurt by the unusual. It is still vivid in my

in Raj Bhawan. Despite his Chinese betrayal and soon his memory. Once a dinner was

bohemian lifestyle, we became health deteriorated which we too arranged for Nehru in Raj Bhawan.

good friends. We had parallel observed. Much later I found from A table was laid for six persons of

telephone lines and could hear our Ambassador Purnendu eminence. Pandit Nehru, the

what the caller was talking. The Banerjee's book that Nehru would Governor and the Chief Minister

ground rule was that personal talks often ask Banerjee 'where did I go were seated. It was a difficult task to

should be avoided. The pleasure in wrong?” persuade others to occupy the

the life of ADC was plenty. The remaining three seats. I persuaded Whenever, I visited Teen Murthy

ADC used to live in the Raj Bhawan senior ministers but they gently residence of Pandit Nehru along

and was considered part of the declined. I requested Vizzy, the with the Governor, I would sit in the

family. I believe this tradition is now great cricket commentator, to sit

extinct. An ADC had the beside Nehru. Another two

advantage of coming in contact individuals, now erased from my

with political leaders. Some of my memory, occupied the two

own experiences are worth remaining seats very reluctantly,

recording. Nehru was mostly talking to Vizzy.

After dinner Nehru took a cigarette

from the inside pocket of his

achkan and enjoyed his smoking. As ADC to the Governor, I had the Thereafter, he went out in the opportunity to see great leaders verandah to enjoy Col. Ram and observe their behaviours from Singh's band music. Nehru had the close quarters. Pandit Nehru and courtesy to pay due attention to Lal Bahadur Shastri impressed me Ram Singh and his band members. the most. Nehru was very In service, this is a normal practice. particular about his breakfast Thereafter, Nehru started walking time. The breakfast must be up and down and all others were served immediately after his bath. just following him keeping The steward of Raj Bhawan made lounge and Indiraji would always themselves at a safe distance. He the mistake of not knowing his come and talk to me and asked the went up and down alone. After preference for boiled egg or omelet staff to provide snacks and coffee some time, he retired to his room. when Nehru was waiting for his for me. She would engage me in At midnight, I found him dictating breakfast. Nehru lost his temper and small talks. This showed her matters to his stenographer. Later, I found staff taking shelter behind the character of humility and concern came to know that it was his daily walls and pillars. I too was told to for ordinary guests like me. This is routine. Here, I must mention that do likewise. Fortunately, I saw only rarely seen nowadays. I received a Col. Ram Singh was a veteran of the Nehruji from behind muttering 'kya letter of good wishes from her in Netaji's Indian National Army. He tamasha' as he entered the lounge response to my marriage invitation remained a lifelong admirer of where there was a large card. Netaji.congregation. As soon as he saw

Nehru had a personality much those people, he became normal. different from others. His For damage control, I met Indiraji, overbearing personality was so

Pandit Nehru

Lal Bahadur Shastri

41



Lal Bahadur Shastri was both short leader now days barring a few days as a student with no pocket

in height and weight. As Minister, cannot match Shastriji's standard of money. He lived like a poor

he stayed in Nainital Raj Bhawan probity and integrity. He did not student. This caused laughter in the

twice during my tenure. Once he promote his children professionally audience. That provoked him to say

wanted to visit the Nainital lake are or politically. As a result, his two that the students of the new

and enquired from me if he could sons are rarely visible in public life. generation had no idea what

use the official car. As the Governor poverty was. His concern was to Shastriji once arranged a private

was using car to go to the lake area, remove poverty from India by dinner for our Governor at his Delhi

I told Shastriji that it was helping the poor and the needy. His residence. I was astonished to see

permissible. He did go out in a car slogan after the 1965 was 'Jai Jawan him serving food to guests

but on return, he reprimanded me Jai Kisan' was an apt reflection of his personally. Shastriji never prevented

for giving him wrong information. I concern for the poor and Jawans me from asking him questions even

pleaded that he was a VIP and the who fight for the country. The when I was just young officer. I

rule would not apply to him. Jawans in the Indian Army were

Then and there I realized that largely drawn from the rural India.

he was not an ordinary leader Jai Jawan and Jai Kisan slogans are

and destined to play a big role inter-linked, bonding together a cast

in nation building by projecting majority of Indians.

a vibrant ideology of personal Dr. Zakir Hussain, Vice-President of

honesty and propriety in public Indian and the then Governor of UP

life. He proved his mettle in were of Agra circuit house in

1965 war with Pakistan. He November, 1963. I carried a new

soon became an ideal leader. brand of Phillips gramophone with

He was a swadeshi to the core. radio set with me. It was quite big

He terminated PL 480 in size. On the morning of 23

agreement with the USA as November, 1963, I switched on the

wheat dispatched to India was radio and heard that President John

not even fit for animal F. Kennedy was assassinated on 22

consumption. He advised November at the midday in Dallas.

people to fast on every Monday He was shot dead. I carried the

to tide over the food shortage as gramophone-cum-radio to the

that time. Even today, many Governor to listen to the radio asked him why he was not taking

people fast on Mondays.announcement. He heard the news food with all of us. He said that

Shastriji was a simple soul. Once he and together we went to Dr. Zakir tradition had it that the guests had to rush to Delhi from Nainital Hussain with the set. Dr. Zakir should be served first. He took his on an urgent call from Nehru. As he Hussain too heard the news. It was meal only after the guests had reached the portico, we requested news that shocked everyone of us. finished their dinner. Here was a him to take his weight on a All of us remained silent for some leader with a difference. I am weighing machine and he obliged. time. Kennedy was pro-India and mentioning these incidents only to His weight was only 65 kg or even admired Indian democracy. He show that the first generation of less as kg was yet to come in use played a big role in helping India leaders after independence were then. He had a hearty laugh. His during 1962 war with China by different from the present leaders.weight was recorded in the Visitors providing all possible help. Mrs.

Once Shastriji in his convocation Book. As the family was left behind, Kennedy had previously visited

address in the Gorakhpur his instruction was not to give any India in her private capacity before

University, which was also attended special attention to them. Any the Chinese attack. The culprit who

by the Governor, described his early

42



killed Kennedy was soon included. He gave a calculation, the work had to be completed

apprehended. He was shot dead by which was around Rs.2000 only. much before my wedding. It

a security man. He too was shot The labour would be provided in happened that way. Fishlings were

dead by another security man. All the form of Shramdan by the staff of released in the water-filled pond. It

the ladies were thus destroyed and the Raj Bhawan. In lieu of free takes rohu fish to become one kg in

till today, the murder of Kennedy is service, all of them would receive one year. Rohu is vegetarian and

a mystery. produce from Raj Bhawan garden in feeds on left-over food. The

plenty. The Raj Bhawan mason minimum depth of the pond has to My Governor was fond of fish as he

would involve in brick-laying and be 6ft and 8ft at least and the hailed from coastal Orissa. He

cementing. I conveyed the proposal running length of 80 meters. This wanted a pond in the Raj Bhawan

to Governor and wanted to know if experience proved that cost compound for pisciculture. He

he would take the risk of spending reduction is possible if there is will called experts including Professor

that small amount. He readily and determination. I subsequently Kaul, an eminent agricultural

agreed. The soil structure was came to know that Governor scientist and a brother-in-law of

sandy. Therefore, I asked the junior relished the fresh water pond fish. I Nehru. They estimated an

engineer to design the pond in replicated this experience investment of Rs.1 lakh. The

layers and brick laying at the base elsewhere. Many police officers Governor was not agreeable to

and brick lining on the sides to hold have ventured to do the same in spend such a big amount. I

the sandy soil. I enquired if in due their areas of jurisdiction accosted him in his evening walk

course the soil structure would successfully. My view is that all lands and found him dejected. I asked if

change. The junior engineer under occupation of defence and the engineers had given their

confirmed that in due course the police services be used for water estimates. He said that the estimate

soil structure would become more harvesting. This would result in a was too high and he had dropped

stable. The work started in full tremendous rise in ground water the idea. Being young and

swing. In the meantime, my level within a short time with much enthusiastic, I asked if he would

marriage date was fixed for 29 less cost. It is a matter of pride that permit me to recalculate the cost

February, 1964. This date was fixed BSF, the CRPF and Police schools based on my own method of

as the IG UP Shanti Prosad told that are stories of success to be calculation. He readily agreed.

my promotion was due in February. replicated by other public service I called the junior engineer of Raj DIG Islam Ahmed had already units. Funds are not a constraint as Bhawan and asked him to calculate advised me not to marry before no Government funds were the cost based on materials to be becoming SP. Many including my IG involved. If there is a determination used. The labour cost was not to be Shanti Prosad knew this. Therefore, to do some useful work for the

43



society, there is no constraint. I said in that situation he would for few years. I am sure he must

wonder if the Central and the State commit suicide. In his looks, such have achieved success in life.

Governments have taken up this determination was visible. I I was married on 29 February, 1964

pressing issue with the defence and prepared a note for the Governor in Kolkata. My wife Krishna was

police authorities. There is a for helping this student from his born in Faridpur, a district of

pressing need to take up water discretionary fund. Perhaps the Bangladesh. She was educated in

harvesting on a war footing to avert Governor did not realize the gravity India and abroad. She was good

water crisis in future. of the situation. Before his reply singer of Rabindro Sangeet. Her

came, I told a staffer to take him to Capt. Ranade was my army relatives in Kolkata speak East

my room, give him food and allow counterpart. He was a jovial man Bengal dialect. I, being a man from

his to sleep.full of humour. His attractive Delhi, never knew that way of

personality was a point of attraction In the meantime, the Governor's speaking Bengali. To tease me on

for ladies irrespective of age. He rejection came. I started thinking the day of marriage, they spoke in

could make friends quickly. He had how to fend off the suicide threat. I their dialect. I pleaded with them to

his own way of leading a life of his worked out a plan. The boy came speak the language I could

own. He, however, remained a in the evening and thanked me for understand. The answer was

bachelor until he retired as a food and rest. I told him that fund “Mother Bhasa Chando Kan”. It

Brigadier. We became good friends had been arranged, but would be meant that why should they give up

and remained in touch for many paid in two installments. I obtained their language. Until then I had no

years. the name of the Dean of the idea of cultural differences between

University who would help him in two Bengals. The most amusing Once I faced a peculiar and an

admission. I gave him some money event was that KL Watts, an IPS embarrassing situation. A young

for return journey. I sent the first officer of UP, was then in Kolkata on student from Allahabad came to

installment with a personal letter to duty. He visited my in-laws place a meet me with the request that he

the Dean requesting him to admit day before the marriage. He was would like to meet the Governor for

the boy. Next month, the second served with sweet and labha, which some financial assistance to get

installment of money was sent. The was mixed vegetables with small admission in the Allahabad

Dean was a pious person who did fish pieces. As soon as he consumed University for higher studies. The

the needful. He appreciated my a bit of labha, he vomited. Watts amount was not much. I asked him

gesture and thanked me. After a has been my well-wisher in service how he had reached Lucknow. He

few months, the boy came to and after retirement as well. I said he came by train without a

Lucknow and met me. He profusely always respect him, as he is senior ticket. I was taken aback. I then

thanked me and learnt from the to me by three years. He is man of asked him how he managed his

Dean that the money was paid by humour with ready wit for every food. He said he had not taken

me. The boy was from Rajasthan occasion.food for the last few days. In any

and he had sisters to be taken care case, he looked hungry. My final

of. His father died long ago. He question was what he would do if

wanted to achieve some position in the Governor refused to help him.

life. He maintained contact with me His answer made me nervous. He

44



Over the years, the CBI Ladies' Club has acquired a

unique personality of its own. It brings wives of officers

together from different background and moulds them into

responsible members of a vibrant family. When my

husband got posted to CBI Delhi in the late '80', I got

involved in CBI Ladies' Club. Mrs. Katre was President and

introduced many games in functions like Diwali. In

1992–1993 when I became the President, I tried to carry

forward the traditions to the best of my ability. One thing I

cannot forget is the closeness we developed amongst

ourselves. These photographs bring back nostalgic

memories of the yesteryears when we had fun and games

and exchanged notes and ideas. We did try to expand the

activities of the club by discharging our social

responsibilities by sending contribution to an old age

home. I still nurture the quality time we spent together.

Now I may not be in direct or constant touch, but the

memory of the Ladies' Club is in my heart all the same. I

wish all the best to the club for its future activities.

“We can't ever go back to old things or try to get the 'old

kick' out of something or find things the way we remember

them. We have them as we remember them and they are

fine and wonderful and we have to go on and have other

things because the old things are nowhere except in our

minds now.” (Hemingway – 1923)

Mrs. Krishna Datta

Down THE Memory Lane

45



The Golden YearsArati Sharma

Over the years, no one ever forgot The anyone who retired, which gave older

CBI members a happy sense of belonging – and that is how Ladies the flock got bigger and bigger!

Club started in In 1997, when India played host to the International a very small Interpol Conference, the Ladies' Club played host too! way, a quarter There were sixty-five wives of Interpol Officers and century ago, really as a little tea group!! The years past, Police Chiefs coming, and we all had to put our heads have been a very memorable and pleasant journey for together, to organize three days of entertainment for each one of its members. Some members were there them; showing them as much of Indian culture, for the duration of their husband's tenure in the hospitality and sightseeing, as could be squeezed into organization; while others, on return to Delhi after their that brief time.“cooling off' time, and with spouses sent to other Cops,

still came back and joined the Club – their love and Every single member of the Club, put in great effort to loyalty to the group, obviously unshakable! The Club make their stay memorable, as most of them would has been a solid anchor for all members; once, the wife perhaps, never be able to visit India again – they had of a young officer just posted to the CBI, asked “I did come from places as distant as Iceland, Australia, not know a soul in Delhi and am really lonely, may I Khazakistan, Uzbekistan, in fact, from all around the come to the Club, I'll meet some people”, she has Globe! On the day the Conference began, the Ladies never missed a meeting since! were invited to lunch at the Director's residence – they

were given a traditional Indian welcome, with sindoor I have been one of the lucky few to have been a put on their foreheads by Club members, and member of this Club for almost two decades! It has showered with lots of flowers; at lunch they met with been a lovely journey of innumerable “fun times”, several well known ladies from Delhi and enjoyed the countless happy parties, playing games that were filled exchange of ideas. They were fascinated by the with laughter, but never a malicious or nasty word “Mehendiwalis” present, and also wore/took a couple from, or to anyone among the group, it's never done. of hundred dozen. The Club members presented them Personally speaking, I've made lots of friends over the with elegant “tanchoi” evening bags, as a momento of years. Though all of us have different temperaments, their visit; it was a Heaven sent opportunity for all of us and are from different backgrounds, several ladies are to meet our overseas counterparts, and a beautiful “high achievers”, lots of doctors, professors, teachers, memory for all time. The core group of girls belonging scientists and corporate yet, there has always been a lot to the Club, Vinniee Balwinder Singh, Anita Dutt, Vinita of give and take on all issues. The strong bond that has Sharma, Renu Jaspal Singh, Shabu Ali, Priti Dutt, Mala found us together has been warmth, loyalty and Kumar really had a run around, as they had to escort unwavering graciousness, which says a lot for everyone, the guests in small groups to all the places they wished as groups keep changing year by year, with transfers to visit, from Cottage Emporium to Chandni Chowk, and promotions.

46



from Gandhi Museum to a sari wearing demonstration traditions have continued and the spirit of camaraderie

to Dilli Haat – each member of the Club did it proud! has remained. The Club has always functioned as a

team and I hope it continues to do so, it has been a All else apart, “The Club” has taken us on a delicious

happy experience of education and learning, in little, culinary journey and given us all the opportunity to

imperceptible ways.taste the relish food from different aegions of the

country' whether it was bhelpuri or chicken-tikkas.

Years ago, Mini Norbu from Sikkim, gave us delicious

'Khapseys” to eat, they'are sikkimese namakparas, very

finely made, and shaped like a leaf, she always made

them herself! Sandhya Ganapati introduced us to mini

dosas with delicious chutneys from Tamil Nadu, while

Shehnaz and Shabu Ali can always be relied on for

delicious and authentic Shaami-Kebabs! The variety of

chaat we have relished, is countless, all done by own

talented and attractive chefs!

Senior members have always been generous hearted

and warm with those younger and less confident, so the

The Daughters-in-Law of The CBIVasantha Madhavan

My husband became the first born It was in 1986 that Smt. Nalini encouraged. Annual Teej functions

son (first directly recruited officer) of Katre, wife of Shri. M. G. Katre, then were arranged. My husband, who

the CBI in 1963. From then DCBI, created an association of the was only a bathroom singer till then

onwards, CBI started regularly giving daughters in law of the CBI with became a stage singer of moderate

birth to its own sons and from regular monthly meetings. In that caliber in those functions

recently, to daughters also. CBI has sense, she unified the ladies who We had fun also. Tambolas used to

continued to have adopted were married to the officers of the be a regular feature. Occasional

(deputationist) sons and daughters CBI. She was a kind soul but also a picnics were also arranged.

also, as from the beginning of the disciplinarian in a motherly way and The women who were married to origin of the CBI. CBI guarded its politely insisted on regular CBI officers became friends and a sons and daughters zealously and attendance in the monthly get unified lot and came to know each even jealously. Daughters-in-law like togethers. She could foresee our (all other well. All in all, it was a very me and the few sons-in-law who human beings'?) aptitude to show enjoyable variation from the came to exist in the recent past, one upmanship and discouraged it anonymous existence we had have had only limited control over by restricting the food to be served earlier.the timings and habits of their in our monthly meetings to just two

spouses. I was no exception. My dishes. I hope this culture is continuing. If husband belonged more to CBI not, it should be resumed. Take my She also did not allow the “Ladies rather than his own parents and word, it is useful and enjoyable.Club” to degenerate into a gossip even me. A recent development is

group. Extra curricular activities that the Supreme Court and High

were encouraged. Handicrafts were Courts have also now started owning

welcome. Literary expositions were the CBI officers.

47



A brief insight into YOGA

Yoga is most precious of action and Bhakti Yoga, union through love and

gift to mankind by Sage devotion. There are many other branches of yoga

Patanjali ,the compiler Hatha Yoga consists of cleaning practices, sat karmas,

of the Yoga Sutras, is the practice of asana and pranayama. Kundalini Yoga

generally taken as concentrates on psychic centers or chakras in the body

the father or in order to generate a spiritual power, which is known

founder of the great as Kundalini energy. Mantra Yoga refers to the

system of Yoga It is repetition of mantras (words or sounds) during various

an art of living meditation techniques helping the mind to achieve a

and comprises single thought flow Tantra Yoga is linked with the

of a system of worship of Shakti, the primordial female energy. Sage

discipline. It has Patanjali treatise on Raja Yoga as mentioned in Yoga

impact on one's physical, mental, Sutras follows Astanga yoga. Each individual needs to

emotional and spiritual aspects. It also balances our find the yoga most suited to his or her personality and

mind, body and emotions and promotes holistic health. need and then practice.Astanga yoga is a complete

form of yoga as it has deeper impact on our system.

The details of it are as follows:

The Astanga or eightfold path of yoga consists of yama, The Sanskrit word 'yoga' is derived from the root "yuj". niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, This is the ancestor of the English word 'yoke'. It means dhyana and Samadhi. The first five are called external to connect, join or balance implying 'union'. Hence it aids (bahiranga sadhana) and the latter three are called comes to mean a method of spiritual union. This is internal aids (antaranga sadhana) to yoga. In this possible with a steady, sincere and prolonged practice framework, we have to keep in mind that Yoga is more of Yoga. It activates a process of cleansing and than just a physical discipline. It is a way of life—a rich purification of mind, which in turn, prepares us for the philosophical method of playing the game of life. Let us dawning of Self-knowledgelook into these eight steps more closely.

The common misconception about yoga is that it is all

about some physical postures. Yoga should never be

mistaken for any mode of exercise, which is The first constituent of Astanga Yoga is universal vows

operational only at a physical level. Yoga, in fact, is the (yama) which are five in number. They are universal

means to overcome all the problems arising out of our because they are not limited by class, creed, time or

frustrations, disappointments and other limitations in circumstances. They are the guidelines as to how we

life. interact with the outer world. They are the social

disciplines required for our relationships with others.

They are our self restraints. These are: non violence,

The different types of Yoga Schools are Patanjali truthfulness, non stealing, celibacy and non greediness..

Astanga Yoga, Sri Aurobindo's Purna or Integral Yoga,

Jnana Yoga, acquisition through knowledge. Karma

Yoga is acting without attachment to the results or fruit The niyama are the second constituents of Astanga

Yoga Defined

Various Yoga schools

1. Yama:

2. Niyama:

Anuradha Palta

48



SourceWork of Swami Prabhavananda and Swami Satyananda.

Yoga. They are also five in number. They help us as to dharana, dhyana and Samadhi. These three final

how we interact with ourselves and our internal world. disciplines are actually three continuous steps of the

They are self-regulatory in nature. They help us same process.

maintain a positive environment in which we grow.

They channelize the energy generated from the Dharana involves developing and extending our cultivation of the earlier yamas.They are self powers of concentration. This consists of various ways observations. The five niyama specified by Patanjali of directing and controlling our attention and mind-are: purity, contentment, austerity as power to fixing skills, such as concentrating on the chakras or withstand thirst and hunger, cold and heat, discomforts upon a physical object such as the flame of a lamp, the of place , self education of scriptural studies and mid point of the eyebrows or the image of a deity etc.surrendering to God, the dedication of all our actions,

performed either by intellect, speech or body, to the

Divine.Dhyana or meditation is the state of thoughtlessness,

when the mind attains the ability to sustain its

attention without getting distracted. It is an undisturbed Yogasana means discipline of the body. It is a posture flow of thought around the object of meditation where to keep the body free from disease and to preserve vital the act of meditation and the object of meditation energy. Correct postures are a physical aid to remain distinct and separate. There are many meditation. Asanas have a range of therapeutic uses for meditative techniques :mindfulness and concentrative. helping in balancing and harmonizing the basic Some of the examples are : SahajaYoga meditation, structure of the human body.Vipassana meditation,preksha meditation, moving

dancing meditation of Sufis, Zen meditation of

'Pranayama' is a compound term ('prana' and 'yama') Budhist,Zoroastrian meditation of sun/flame,Toasim of

meaning the maintenance of prana in a healthy manner China,Yognidra meditation, transcendental meditation

throughout one's life. More than a breath-control and so on.

exercise, pranayama is all about controlling the life

force or prana. It leads to a state of inner peace Samadhi or total absorption is the ability to become Pranayama is a technique, which re-defines our one with the True Self and merge into the object of breathing process, helps us to release tensions and concentration.. This is the culmination of all yogic develop a relaxed state of mind. It also balances our endeavors—the ultimate 'yoga' or the yoke between nervous systemthe individual and the universal Soul, merger of the

But one has to carefully note that it is always advisable jivatma into the paramatma, the supreme identity of

to be aware of all the do's and don'ts of Pranayama and the individual soul with the Divine or the identification

Yoga Asanas before starting to practice them. They have with pure consciousness.

to be performed only under the proper personal Modern Philosophers, psychologists and scientists are supervision of a qualified guide as otherwise they are also finding yoga utility in curing stress related mental likely to produce more harm than benefit..problems. Methods and techniques detailed in the Yoga

Sutras of Patanjali contribute largely to the holistic well-

Pratyahara is the withdrawal of sense organs from their being of an individual and the welfare of the society as

external objects or outside environment. It involves a whole. This is the reason for the world-wide

rightly managing the senses and going beyond them popularity and acceptance of the Yoga system. It may

instead of simply closing and suppressing them. It be noted that next to Bhagavad-Gita , Patanjali Yoga

involves reining in the senses for increased attention Sutras are the most widely translated Sanskrit scripture

rather than distraction. It is essential to practice in the world.

pratyahara for achieving the meditative stages of

6. Dharana

7. Dhyana

3. Asanas

4. Pranayama

8. Samadhi

5. Pratyahara

49



Of CBI Ladies Club, New Delhi

25 years have passed, much water has flown under driving her own car to the Club as she confidently

the Ganges since 1986, when the CBI Ladies Club handled all the rest of things. She was very sweet, and

was brought to life by Mrs. Katre, the then Director, took all of us under her wing. Our houses, at times were

CBI's wife. I feel very nostalgic, twenty five years have small and we were always apprehensive as to whether we

passed but it feels like yesterday when I joined the would be able to comfortably accommodate all the

newly created (CBI) Ladies Club. I had the great Ladies Club members. But it always turned out to be

fortune in being with the CBI family and the Club great fun and our children, who were very small at that

from its inception in 1986 till the time I left in 2005 time, helped us to decorate the house. Once, it was my

when my husband retired. time to throw the tea party. We were staying in Lodhi

Road Apartment (D.III) flats at that time. Lack of proper My husband Shri U.S. Misra had joined the CBI (New

domestic help and smallness of the house was making me Delhi office) as D.I.G., C.B.I. after a short stint as SP,

nervous and my heart was fluttering. There was a ring of CBI in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. I remember, at that time

the calling bell, and I ran out to see. Mrs. Katre was the we used to have the parties in our individual houses

first to arrive there. She told me she had come early to and sometimes in public gardens like Lodhi Garden,

see whether I needed any help. She asked me "Gayatri - etc. All the members of the Ladies Club, would

can I help you". I felt as if my mother had come from gather at one place and play Tambola, eat different

Orissa to ask me whether I needed any help. That was types of eatables, cut jokes and play games. In one of

the sort of love and affection our senior officers' wives the games, the game was that the ladies should tell

used to give to us.the first name of the officer whose wife was sitting

next to her. No one could tell the full name of any Mrs Katre had just come back from a visit to Orissa and

officer. In fact, even though we met once a month, she asked me how "Chhenna Poda", a Orissa sweet of

no one knew the first name of the lady friends. Only baked paneer is made. I did not know exactly but I tried

we knew each other by our husband's title. That day to explain with whatever little knowledge I had, the way

we decided to call each other by our first names. of preparation and next time sent her the proper recipe.

Mrs. Katre was a wonderful woman and very friendly Those were the days when the Sun had first risen in our

but I was in awe of her. I wonder if any of the SP's or lives. We were enthusiastic, fun loving, creative and all

D.I.G.'s wives were in awe of me, when finally one having small children. In a later phase, I had a chance to

day I became the Director's wife and headed the rejoin the Ladies Club when my husband was posted

Ladies Club of CBI. We were a wonderful cohesive again to New Delhi as Special Director, CBI. Renu didi

group and now are scattered all over India. In our then heading the CBI Ladies Club as Director's wife. Life

group besides other beautiful friends, Renu Didi come back in a full circle. Here again I made good

(Mrs. P.C. Sharma) was there. I must confess, I was in friends - Chanda (Mrs. Aswini Kumar), Anita (Mrs. Jyoti

awe of her though she was the wife of a colleague of Dutt), Mrs. M.L. Sharma, and Mrs. S.C. Sinha. I am not

Mr. U.S. Misra. Mr. P.C. Sharma was then D.I.G., CBI able to mention all the names because of lack of space,

(New Delhi). She was smart, beautiful, confidently

Silver JubileeDr. Gayatri Mihsra,

50



but we shared lot of love and affection amongst Center for girls, etc. My last two years in Delhi from 2003

ourselves. This time our children had grown up and to 2005 were fun-filled and creative. With our monthly

we were in the afternoon of our lives. Inwardly we Ladies Club meeting as well as the welfare projects that

had matured and all the ladies had a better and time, independently I was doing a full time job - being on

firmer friendship. We always talked and deputation to Delhi from my parent department

reminiscenced about the past. (Education Dept. in Orissa). But I never missed any

meeting of the Ladies Club because I loved to interact At the last phase of my life, I became as CBI

with my CBI Ladies Club friends. Director's wife, the head of the Ladies Club. That

time we swerved a little towards welfare. All the Finally, I bid farewell both to the CBI Ladies Club and the

ladies cooperated and we could have a proper Police Department when my husband retired in 2005.

C.G.H.S. Hospital for the CBI in Vasant Vihar, CBI The umbilical cord which bound me to the CBI and

Colony. We arranged for regular checkups of the CBI Police was finally cut but all these years with the CBI

personnel and their family members taking the help Ladies Club have been lovely and memorable and I store

of leading hospitals like Appolo and Escorts. We tried their memories in my mind always. They are the most

to bring up a Crèche for small children, a Judo invaluable and treasurable moments in my life.

Time seems to have passed so quickly but memories are still vivid,

………. it is heartening to note that the CBI Ladies' Club

celebrates its silver jubilee this year.

My association with the club began in 1985 when my husband J.K. Dutt joined the premier investigating agency as

a Superintendent of Police. We were the youngest, 'the junior most.'

I fondly recall the gracious, Mrs. Katre, the first lady of the C.B.I. who held the first meeting at the Director's

residence, at Humayun Road. With peppered hair, a lovely smile and her endearing words, Mrs. Katre was indeed

very dignified. She laid the foundation on which the Club stands tall today. She took personal interest in all the

members, and that is what primarily drew us to the Club meetings, inspite of our busy schedules. We looked

forward to the monthly meetings, discussions, party games and the get togethers organized during festivals with our

families.

I wish the Club great innings, enjoy every moment and I am sure one day you too will look back at the meetings of

the Ladies' Club with a smile and a twinkle in your eye…..as I do.

The C.B.I. Ladies Club

Anita Dutt

51



My tryst with the CBI dates back to else & just have a rollicking time. foreign delegates a true feel of

1988, when it all started as a young The Diwali Nite or playing hostess to Incredible India packaged

SP's wife. Since then, I've nurtured a group of 30 + ladies in our little comprehensively in 3 days. As

fond memories & moments which homes was never perceived as an Eleanor Roosevelt very aptly said, “A

I'll always cherish. ordeal. In fact, it was a chance not woman is like a tea bag. You don't

to be missed, so as to bring out the know how strong she is, until she Looking back, the CBI Ladies Club enthusiastic & creative side of our gets into hot water”. These were Get together, was one occasion that personality. Experimenting with moments when we bonded like I would eagerly await and some culinary delights where the never before, contributing through consciously circle on my calendar as DCBI's wife herself would walk into our innumerable ideas & tireless a “Must Attend” event. These were my wee kitchen & insist on frying service. Never did we once crib or golden moments where I met an the pakodas or getting a compliment complain about neglecting our assortment of ladies, who touched for an innovative fun game was homes, our babies or our work. my life in many distinct ways and wonderful. After all, weren't these became part of it as the years rolled Today, it feels proud to be part of parties meant to have a ball & enjoy by. What appealed to me most was the CBI Ladies Club which has each other's company?the simple and unassuming nature completed 25 glorious years and

of the senior ladies at that time, who I vividly recall the daunting task we also enriched me in so many ways.

took that extra effort to ensure that had in hosting the Interpol Cheers to its vision & ideology!!!all of us felt special & be a part of Conference in New Delhi. This was

the extended CBI family. one event I look back with awe,

since we rose to the challenge of These were special evenings, meant giving over 100 spouses of our especially for us to forget everything

Shabu Ali

My resonance of

MEMORIES

52



Location : Delhi Gymkhana Club a tough job. Anita Dutt and Vinita the sensational Qawali.

Sharma were always unhappy with 3. First Diwali get-together at Occasion : The Dinner organized to the way I did not collect Rs.10 from Pandara Road Community Hall.let Mr. Mrs. Bawa know, how much everybody very strictly. 4. Inventing the Treasure Hunt we wanted them to always Fare well

game.in life and also to welcome Mr. and To complicate the matter, my own

Mrs. M. Katre to head the CBI family. money used to get mixed up with the 5. Playing Tambola and two club money, then I used to back Memory games at every monthly Inspiration - At the same dinner, track, and scratch my head as to who meeting became a norm.when Mrs. Nalini Katre asked if there all came to the meeting and how 6. Picnic in Lodhi Gardens playing was any organization to bring all the much I collected. To scare me further passing the parcel and bowling officer's wives together, it inspired my father told me that I was pins.Mrs. Kajal Banerjee to suggest that we responsible for every paisa that I

form CBI Ladies Club and meet once 7. Picnic in Nehru Park organized collected and spent on behalf of the

a month. It was a great idea and by Neelam.club. He saw my plight and tried to

everybody endorsed it. 8. Interpol party, a very special teach me Book-keeping. I was luncheon meet with Mehendi, The Initiative – to form the CBI miserable; arithmetic was always my Churi etc. organized by Aarti Ladies Club came from Mrs. Nalini weak point. In the Maths exam I Sharma.Katre. Stunningly beautiful, her used to try Algebra and Geometry

9. Donating various prizes for sartorial elegance making the Indian questions first, knowing that games on Diwali.saree so proud. Always charming, Arithmetic was not going to fetch me

democratic to the core yet a great any marks. My father gave up on me 10. Interpol Dinner for the Secretary disciplinarian. She opened the doors and said that he was going to handle – General and other delegates, of her house on Humayun Road for the register for me. Mrs. Katre very vibrant folk dances followed by the ladies to meet. We met, and gently and jokingly told me to bring dinner at Director's residence.charted out various activities, and the two bags to the club, one to keep my 11. Prize for Worst Dressed.magic spell was cast. We all wanted own money and the other to keep 12. Giving Farewell to members to meet every month. Mrs. Radha the club money. I was glad the day with cake, card and gift.Krishan Nair, wife of Additional Neelam Sahani took things in her

13. Japanese food demonstration at Director offered to have the next own hand.Ashoka Hotel organized by meeting at her place in Lodhi Estate.

I was bad in handling money – my Neelam. It was a great success.Vijay Gupta was entrusted with the husband fully endorses the view – but 14. Picnic at Ghaziabad organized secretaryship of the Club and it was good at organizing the games and the by Gayatri Misra.smooth sailing all the way.Club meets.

15. Made for each other' game.Teething Troubles – But there were

some teething troubles when the job

of keeping club accounts fell on me.

I felt like a total misfit. I was the We began with a bang. The first 1. Teej Function at Chanakyapuri wrong choice. Though we used to function was for Teej at Chanakyapuri

Community Hall.collect only Rs.10 from each Community Hall. Celebrations 2. Fancy Dress competition and member, keeping count of them was

Highlights of Club Teejactivities –

25 Years of CBI Ladies ClubThe beginning and the journey onwards

Renu Sharma

53



included the dinner, the sensational

Qawwali composed and sung by Mrs.

Kajal Banerjee in her golden voice,

the group of singers included CBI

officers – Mr. R.N.Kaul, Mr. K.K.Puri, -

I remember in particular. Dance was

choreographed to the beat of

Qawwali. We had so many very

enjoyable rehearsals at Mrs.

Banerjee's place. Pakoras and tea

served was an added attraction. In a

very sneaky way we first had to find

out peculiar habits and traits of the

husbands, then compose a few lines

about them and husbands were with milk bottle in the mouth barely glittering with the lights, the décor,

supposed to identify themselves. It fitting into the pram, legs hanging out and the kids dressed up colorfully,

was a big hit. Shobha Prabhakar told and the other one pushing the pram one as a cat, Anuj as Giraffe,

me that if your husband is willing to trying to handle the baby crying out Akangsha as a Mobile Bazar. The CBI

dance let him be the first one to loud. It was really amusing. Second officers walking in with their families,

identify himself and dance with me, I Prize was won by Kalpana Pawar children making noises, playing and

said he will be game for it and others dressed as a Japanese girl with a fan fighting, the game, the eats, it was lot

will get the cue. The participation in the hand, eyes fluttering because of fun. We enjoyed playing games

was great. Even the shy reluctants of vigorous movement of the fan. devised by Jyoti Dutt. Everybody

added to the fun.The makeover was so perfect that wanted a repeat performance every

one couldn't make out who the lady Diwali and the tradition continues till

was till her 5 feet and 7 inches plus today.

height gave away her identity.Which followed Qawwali was We try to do something different immensely enjoyable. Anita Dutt and every Diwali get-together, but the Pamela Sharma won the First Prize. game of Treasure Hunt remains the One of them wearing a baby dress same, it has become a kind of Pandara Road Community Hall

tradition. When Mr. & Mrs.

S.K.Dutta moved to 22, Tuglak

Crescent, they not only opened the

gates but the doors of their house

too. Since then we have been

celebrating Diwali at the Director's

residence. Mrs. Krishna Dutta asked

me to make a game specially for

officers, so they could also play and

enjoy themselves. One game that

emerged was Treasure Hunt, it was

meant for the officer's who all

enjoyed the status of super sleuths,

the test was if they could find

something rotten in their own

Director's house. We packed five

rotten eggs in a polythene bag and

Fancy Dress:

Diwali :

54



hid them along with many other (25) Made for Each Other prize. The expected number. The bedroom

gifts behind sofa, curtains, in the second prize was for the couple with door in the middle was opened, the

bushes, in potted plants to distract. least number of right answers and sheets were spread on the carpet to

The Director's special prize for finding they won the 'Not Made for Each sit, the rest of the overflow spilled

the rotten eggs went to Alexander Other, but still together' prize. into the verandah.

Daniel the first year and also the Sumita Dutta and I had three These are wonderful memories which

second year, we thought he will make sessions, to organize the same game one wants to share.

a hat trick. But the following year Mr. for her organization. It was a great I could go on and on about all the Arun Bhagat spotted a hanging Matki success there too.happenings that I have listed. But let in 'Govinda Ala Re' song style and

My daughter was very young when me mention a few very important claimed the prize – A pen from Mr.

the club started, and I used to leave activities that I haven't listed. Gayatri Vijaya Rama Rao. The real fun was

her with my parents when I went for Misra started the CGHS dispensary the running commentary and the

the meetings. Once my parents had and welfare activities in Vasant Vihar misleading clues I was giving on the

to go somewhere around the same CBI Colony. The good work is being mike. The officers started taking help

time as my meeting was------ and I carried on by Shubnum with from their off-spring and now the

told Mrs. Katre that I may not be able tremendous zeal and great success. game has become a family game.

to come. She said “you must come Eye camp and Dental camp were

Another game which became very and bring your daughter along to my very well attended. CBI Ladies Club

popular was 'Made for each other' house, there won't be any problem”. is bubbling with life under 'Team

game for couples. We gave a similar I can never forget how Mrs. Katre Shubnum' and we hope it continues

paper to both husband & wife in pampered her with lot of attention to do so for years to come.

which wife had to list her favorite and affection. It speaks volumes Nobody can describe the every time soap, perfume, song, movie, actor, about her ability to handle any excitement of Ladies Club meetings colour, TV serial etc. and the husband situation, her visits to junior officer's better than Shabu Ali by calling it a had to guess what the wife's answer place to help wrap the gifts or any 'Must Attend' event on her calendar.would be. The first prize was for the other mundane activity, to handling

couple who gave the maximum the crisis at Anita's place when the

number of right answers and won the number of members far exceeded the

55



That Pink Envelope

The day I came to know of the existence of the CBI Back home at evening, I felt a bit embarrassed in

Ladies Club shall forever remain fresh in my memory. handing over the letter to my wife, with the envelope

already open. But even this indiscretion of mine went Having joined as a Superintendent of Police in CBI

unnoticed, as the enthusiasm of the occasion took only a few days back, I was still in the process of

precedence.....”OK, so here is the meeting notice! learning the tricks of the trade in my organization. It

Mrs. XXX rang up this afternoon to personally request was a particularly crazy afternoon, with one discussion

me for......etc. etc.”. I silently witnessed the arrival of scheduled after another, each followed by dictations of

an institution within the confines of my home.notes at a furious pace on my part, for apprising my

ever-demanding superiors about the progress of Months accumulated into years, one season gave way

investigations. During the course of one such to the next, but the epistles maintained their regularity.

discussion with an officer, my aide entered the room By and by, the monthly ritual became a habit within

surreptitiously, and placed a small envelope at a corner the household, and once or twice, when the “notice”

of my table, where there was hardly any space among got a bit delayed, my son would ask in a mischievous

the overflowing files. I did glance once or twice at the tone, “Mom, Iss baar aapke Ladies Club ki meeting

innocuous-looking post, but did not take any further nahi ho rahi kya......?” The hosting of the get-together

notice, just wondering a bit about something being at my own house on one occasion allowed me to have

odd about its colour. Half an hour later, the silent a ringside view of the proceedings.

factotum entered again with the green “Dak File”, Time flew by, back to the State, and thereafter got an

placed it right in front of me, hovered around a bit, opportunity to serve again in this exalted organization.

and then picked up the envelope and placed it on the Rank as well as responsibilities enhanced, nature of

top of the Green Folder. I had started feeling a light work as well as organizational structure having

headache by that time, as is wont to happen if you undergone subtle changes, one factor remained

continue discussing intricacies of criminal cases constant – the arrival of the distinctive envelope upon

immediately after lunch, and the resulting irritation was my table, that too within the first week of my joining.

further compounded by the insolent persistence of my The intelligence-gathering mechanism of CBI Ladies

fellow. “What the....”, but I was stopped mid-sentence Club appeared to be far superior to that of the agency

as my eyes registered the colour of the envelope, itself! And the monthly meetings stand resumed, as if

proudly ensconced on top of the pile of letters......and there never was any break!!

it was a shocking pink, boldly addressing the name of Times are a-changing, and so are the activities and my better half, c/o me, of course. No sender's address profile of the Club. The recent past has given a seemed indicated! The Investigating Officer sitting glimpse of the excellent social initiatives taken up by its opposite me was also looking at the missive in a furtive members. Welfare of CBI personnel has rightly manner. I hurriedly concluded the job at hand, asked become an area to which close attention is being paid. the officer to leave, and, full with curiosity, opened the Minutes of the meetings are recorded and follow-up envelope. It contained a lyrical letter, more like a action taken. Notices are served through e-mails and notice, in an obviously feminine handwriting, giving there is a Facebook account in the offing. Alas, in the the date, time and place of the next meeting of the wake of all these changes, the pink envelope lies “CBI Ladies Club” !forgotten somewhere.

Prabodh KumarJoint Director, CBI

56



a speedy recovery. Soaked almonds pasted and 20 gms

each of butter and sugar should be taken in the

morning and the evening.

Juice of onion mixed with honey and kept for 4 to 5

hours makes an excellent cough syrup.

Root of turmeric plant – roasted and powdered taken

in 3 gm doses twice daily in morning and evening.

100 gms of raisins grounded with water and mixed with

100 gms of sugar – heated and preserved when the

bulk has turned savvy. This sauce should be taken in 20

gms dose at bed time daily.

Aniseed (vilaiti saunf) – A tea made from this spice is an

effective remedy for hard dry cough with difficult

expectoration. It breaks up mucus.

Dear friends,Two tablespoons of fenugreek (methi) seeds is soaked

Naturopathy offers an excellent option to many overnight in water. The softened seeds grounded into a

ailments for which we directly depend on allopathic fine paste. It should be applied for half an hour. The

medication and thus suffer from undesirable side hair should be then washed with soapnut (reetha)

effects.solution or shikakai. The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime

In Naturopathy, the action, though, slow lasts long, juice for the last rinse is equally beneficial. Washing the since it directly acts on our overall system and boosts hair twice a week with green grain powder in curd is our immunity. It cures the problem from root as it another useful prescription. Hair can be massaged for works to 'normalize' our system. It is cheap, easily half an hour with curd which has been kept in open for available and with no chemicals and preservatives. three days. Another measure is to dilute cider vinegar

with an equal quantity of water and _____ this on to I present before you, few common ailments and their the hair with cotton wool in between shampooing.'house-hold remedies'. Do try and feel the difference.

Common ailments and their natural remedies:

Butter milk, with a pinch of salt, three to four times a

day. One pound of carrot cooked in fine ounces of Juice of orange in warm water every 2 hrs. A warm water, until soft. The pulp should be strained and water enema daily to cleanse the bowls. Fresh fruit boiled water added to make a quart. Three-quarter juices such as apples, pears, grapes, oranges, pineapple, tablespoon of salt mixed. This soup should be given in peaches and melons. For drinks, unsweetened lemon small amounts to patient every half an hour.water. The patient should avoid meats, sugar, tea,

50 ml of pomegranate juice daily controls diarrhea. coffee, pickles, refined and processed food Mango seeds (dried and powdered) given in doses of (sugar/wheat flour). A combination of honey with grape about one and a half grams to two grams with/without juice is specific for cough. Steam at night is essential for honey.

2. Dandruff

3. Diarrhea

1. Cough

Dr. Saumya ShuklaNaturopathy

57



Turmeric powder (dry form) may be bhujangasana, dhanurasana, cholesterol by increasing systemic

taken in butter milk/plain water. vakrasana and sharasana. activity.

Starchy liquids as awowroot water, Hydrotherapy – like cold hip baths

barley water, rice gruel and coconut for 10 minutes taken twice every

water are very beneficial.day have proved beneficial.

A quarter teaspoon of dry ginger Steam baths helps in improving

Avoid cholesterol rich foods such as power with small piece of jiggery is circulation (to be avoided by

eggs, organ meats and most cheese. very efficient in diarrhea caused by hypertensions). Mud patches

Butter, bacon, whole milk, basically indigestion. Other home remedies applied over the abdomen improve

all foods of animal origin as well as include bananas and garlic.digestion and assimilation.

two vegetable oils – coconut and

palm should be replaced by poly

unsaturated fats such as corn, Asthmatics should always eat less sunflower, soyabeans and sesame than their capacity and eat slowly oils. Cholesterol levels can be and chew their food properly. They Modern medical treatment decreased by taking diets rich in should drink eight to ten glasses of temporarily brings down the blood fibers which include wheat bran, water a day, but should avoid taking pressure without making an effort to wheat, rice, barley, rye, legumes like water/liquid with meals. Spices, remove the underlying cause. potato, carrot, beet, turnips, fruits chilies and pickles, too much tea Hypertensive patients should start like mango, guava, green vegetables and coffee also to be avoided. the process of healing by living on such as cabbage, lady's finger, 'Honey', one year old in any form an exclusive fruit diet for at least a lettuce, celery. Oat bran is very (orally taken or smelled under nose), week; and take fruits at time hourly beneficial.extremely effective. The patient intervals thrice in the day. Oranges,

Lecithin rich foods do not let should be given daily garlic cloves applies, pears, mangoes, guava,

cholesterol build up against walls of boiled in 30 gms of milk as for early pineapples, raspberry, water melons

arteries and veins. These include asthmatic attacks. Steaming ginger are the best diets. Bananas and jack

whole grain cereals, soyabeans tea with minced garlic cloves helps fruit should not be taken.

pasteurized milk and vitamin E to keep asthma in control.

Milk may be taken after a week of supplements. Diets rich in vitamin Teaspoonful of turmeric powder

'fruits only' diet. Milk should be fresh B6, Ccholis and inositol supplied by with a glass of milk acts best on

and boiled only once.wheat germs, yeast or B-Complex empty stomach.

vitamins lower cholesterol lends. Vegetables should be preferably During attack, massage mustard oil

taken raw or cooked; it should be Person should drink 10-12 glasses of mixed with little camphor, over

ensured that their natural juices are water daily to flush out extra back of the chest. Inhalation of

not burned in the process. cholesterol from the system. Regular steam from boiling water mixed

Vegetables like cucumber, carrot, drinking of coriander (dhania) water with caraway seeds (ajwain) in the

tomatoes, onion, radishes, cabbage is equally effective.vernacular. Air, Sun and Water are

and spinach are best in their raw great healing agents. Regular fasting Some form of exercise like –

form.once a week, an occasional enema, jogging, brisk walking, swimming,

2-3 garlic cloves per day is very breathing exercises, dry climate, bicycling and playing badminton effective in lowering BP. Indian light exercises and a correct posture helps raise the level of protective gooseberry (Amla) is another go a long way in treating the HDL.effective food remedy for high BP. A disease.

Asanas like ardhamatsyaedrasanas, tablespoon each of fresh amla juice

Patient should perform yogic kriyas shalabhasana, padmasana and and honey mixed together should

such as jalneti, vamanadhouti and vajrasana useful in lowering blood be taken every morning.

asanas like padmasana,

5. High Blood

Cholesterol

4. Asthma 6. High Blood

Pressure

58



Watermelon is another safeguard Fruits, nuts, vegetables, whole meal medicine specific against diabetics.

against high BP. Pottasium (fruits & bread and dairy products form of Seeds (checks the conversion of

vegetables) and Calcium (dairy good diet. Cooked starchy foods starch into sugar) dried and

products) are very important avoided. Diabetes should not be powered – can be taken in

nutrients which lower the blood afraid to eat fresh fruits and milk/curd/water. Patient should

pressure. vegetables which contain sugar and avoid tea, coffee, and cocoa.

starch. Fresh fruits contain sugar Yogic asanas such as surya namaskar, Manganese is a vital nutrient in

fructose, which does not need pavan muktasana, matsyana, product of natural insulin. It is found

insulin for its metabolism and is well vajrasanas, ardhpadmasana, in citrus fruits, outer covering of

tolerated by diabetics.matiarasanas and matsyasana are nuts, grains and green leaves of

beneficial. However, if BP is over Fats and oil should be taken edible plants. Other nutrients of

200 mm of mercury (systolic) & sparingly. For protein, homemade special value are zinc, B-complex, a

asanas should be discontinued. cottage cheese, various forms of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

soured milk and nuts are best. Walking is an excellent form of Light games, jogging and swimming

Patient should avoid overeating and relieving tension. It also aids in the are recommended. Yogic asanas like

take 4-5 small meals a day.circulating of blood. bhujangasanas, shalabhasana,

Flesh food increases the toxemic dhanurasana, paschimottanasana, Cold compress should be kept on

condition underlying the diabetic sarvangasana, halasana, yogic kriyas during bath. Other water treatments

state and decrease sugar tolerance. like jalneeti and kunjal, pranayamas include hot foot/leg bath for 10

such kapalbhati, anuloma-viloma minutes, hot compress over the Celery, cucumbers, string beans,

and ujjai are highly beneficial.heart replacing it as bath cools onions and garlic are beneficial.

down. Proper rest and 8 hours of One cup of string bean tea is equal Hydrotherapy and calorie irrigations

sleep is an important aspect of to one unit of insulin. form a very important part of

treatment. _____________.Bitter gourd (Karela) and cinnamon

(Dalchini) effectively lowers the Bathing in cold water greatly

blood and urine sugar and can be increases circulation and enhances

included liberally in diet of the capacity of the muscles to utilize Any successful treatment of diabetes diabetics. sugar.aims at the removal of the actual

cause of disease. Jambal fruit (Jamun) is a traditional

7. Diabetes

59



Memories comes back again when I for his own marriage. Lucky for me Alone! It was full moon day, bright

look in to myself, all alone, with so to say, the staff allowed him for moon light! I could see everything.

nobody around, so quiet. I close my boarding and placed the stairs again I was damn afraid but could not stop

eyes and the flashback starts, all to make the boarding. My journey looking outside. I pulled the

those things, those incidents that began – yes – as a CBI wife. The curtains, lay down to sleep, but kept

happened so many years back moment I touched the feets of my on looking towards the windows.

comes in front of me as if it is parents I knew I will be separated The curtain was short. I could see

happening, right now. I am lost in from them, from my dear ones. I the open sky. I was trying to sleep

myself, “Wake Up! Baby it's a fast was brought to Silchar. He was still thinking in my mind 'what if the

lane, you can feel the changes in posted at Mizoram but used to work ghost comes out smiling from the

you, totally different --- from a very mostly at Silchar. Every month he coffin and say Halo?

timid to a bold woman, isn't it?”. used to leave for Mizoram for one CBI are dealing with murder cases

week or more than that. He was We were both young when we had only? Always after the goondas and

always on tour for several days. the kismat-connection. Neither did the spies ? I had a very little

he know me nor did I. We were not I missed my mother a lot who knowledge of CBI.”

love birds. Both my father and always cared for me. It seems I left “They are also dealing with other

father-in-law were mad to get the them far behind where I could not cases like cheating, corruption,

ceremony done. I came across the go back again. I cried a lot not in fraud cases, multi crore scams

name 'CBI' in newspapers during my front of him but when I was alone. …….”.

school days when I was in senior It was a small house with two rooms “Why do people need so much class. When they were doing the and a small kitchen where I started money? What they'll do ?.investigation of Syed Modi's learning how to cook for my hubby.

(Badminton Player) murder case. I When I opened the windows of my “As long as people are not satisfied imagined the sleuths to be like bedroom what I found was an open they'll need more money, people James Bond in movies wondering ground. Further ahead of it there think of earning more and more how they used to find out so many was a small stream, crossing it there than what they earn. Especially evidences, but never did I think of were lines of small small kutcha when you ladies wants more my hubby to be a “CBI” very funny! houses probably shops. Next day, diamond necklaces, rings expensive I was afraid, so many puzzles still people gathered at open ground. ornaments, clothes, luxurious cars, whirling in my mind “ Will I be able home. . . . . so on.”“May be a public meeting”.to become a good wife? A good

“Don't blame on women. Lets The next moment what I saw was I daughter-in-law ? Will I be able change the topic. I tell you a story.”few people carrying a coffin. My handle any situation myself ? “ Be

God, it's a grave. I was frightened, careful! “You can start.”what a place he had chosen for his

Well, marriage took place. I heard There was a guy who was very very new bride? Ha! They buried their the groom almost missed the flight intelligent but had a very ugly face. dear one silently and dispersed. from Silchar to Imphal while coming You beginning is not interesting. “But will I be able to sleep tonight!

Rajakumari Sanatombi Devi (Sana)

60



Most stories starts as once there was I agreed there at Kolkata we stayed change it. After repeated request

a beautiful queen, princess, a at a guest house at Lord Sinha Road. the person agreed. I felt pity on him

handsome prince, a very attractive He leaves early in the morning at 8 seeing carrying those luggage of the

girl……. Like that only. Any way go leaving me behind till dinner time. person like a Coolie.

on. Looking out at window most of the Going along with my hubby who is

time. I could see people moving I continued, “He was so intelligent. always busy as bee and me who

moving. Going for work, everybody He always had perfect answers for always remain myself on the clouds,

working except me staying put every question he was asked. had less time for conversation. He

inside the Guest House doing was all the time busy in

“So?”. nothing except reading some article investigation, writing his case diaries

in magazines he had brought for me “Once he was facing an interview. coming back from the work place watch TV, waiting for him to turn up The interviewers asked so many and me silently trying to figure out for dinner. Lo! There was the questions. One by one they asked and what type of person he is but famous great Maidan, the lungs of question. They were very much one thing I was sure he is very hard Kolkata a little far from here. People satisfied by his perfect answers and working. Every time we plan for site started gathering from time to time told him that he can leave.” seeing he always turned up as “Mr. and the ground was filled with

Late comer! Sometimes he made “Okay?. people. My God! Such a huge cool my heels wait inside the vehicle

crowd! Such a big ground! I have “When he was about to leave, one outside his workplace. I still never seen such a ground looking of the interviewer called on him” remember those days when we from above it looks like ants Mr. Singh. I have a comment on were at Delhi, planned to visit the gathering together to work.you.” National Museum, we were late, it

We moved towards Patna, Dhanbad was closed. Next day we tried, It “ Yes, sir.”comes back again and again to was holiday. The third attempt was

“ You are so handsome!” Kolkata. Yes, also to Delhi. I was successful, the guard laughed seeing

following all the way, little did I us making so many attempts. Every “ Yes sir. My wife says so!”knew he was one of the IO in night before retiring he reminds me

We both laughed he said, “ So you Fodder Scam of Bihar. I that he will be leaving early in the have jokes to share with also. You remembered a person, making jokes morning. Every morning before he know how to joke.” May be a little while I was travelling in a train. “ leaves he would say he may be late bit only thing you have less time get Arre, Laloo ka area he sambalke! for dinner. What a man!the opportunity to listen!” ha! Ha! May be he is a powerful man, there

There was no one to give me are so many news about him I was a Days gone by. I was trying to adapt company during the day. I was all little afraid inside my mind but I did myself to the new environment, the time in front of TV watching not tell.learning new new things until one movies. There was a picture in

day, he said. He was entitled AC 2 Tier for the HBO. It was a horror picture ! I was

journey, but he used to travel with motion less as I was too horrified to “ Sana, we have to leave tomorrow me in Sleeper Class, once we got see an old woman with many for Kolkata I have some work over reservation in different wrinkles on her face killing infants. I there.”compartment. Very funny, husband was completely drawn towards

“ I can stay back”.in other compartment and wife in movie that I didn't knew what's

“ I want you to come with me. We'll another compartment. He pleaded happening around. And look.

be coming back after a few days say the person next to me as he was Who's there to give me company? “

after one week. You'll feel good to travelling alone to exchange the A MONKEY” sitting near me looking

visit the various places at Kolkata.” seat. The person was too subform to at me. His face more similar to that

61



of the witch. Great God! I was I was startled at her voice. Oh yes I “ Oh, God. What could've happen

trembling. I screamed like anything. was lost to myself. It was Geeta, to him? That too at Laloo's place! “ I

the maid Umesh arranged for me. I was head over heels thinking about Travelling with me to and fro to

didn't understand Bengali and was it “ Please God help us.” All fearful Kolkata, Dhanbad, Patna became a

not able to figure out what she says thoughts came in my mind. I was problem as my morning sickness

if she speak more faster. The only imagining things. I couldn't sleep became worse. Mr. Umesh, also

word I utter was Ha! Ha!. sometimes I got angry with myself, one of the team in the investigation,

may be with everybody. He might lend us a helping hand. I decided to take at least one roti as

have felt the same, his mind may be I was unable to eat the rice. We are

“ Sir, Nobody stays at my quarter at in trouble also leaving his wife the rice eaters I didn't have that

Kolkata as I am attach to Dhanbad alone. In any way we were in the much knowledge of making roti.

branch. Madam can stay there.” same boat only thing he had to take The roti I made was horrible. It was

his task to the hoop.All alone I stayed at CBI Colony, Salt so hard, taste less. All these I made Lake. This time I didn't have to wait goes straight to dustbin. Next day I was not totally left alone. It was for him till dinner time but a little when I took out wheat flour to only me who always feel I was longer say two days……… three knead Geeta hold my hand. alone. I was left in a family called days….. weeks and so on…. I was ”CBI”. Mr. Mazumdar and his family

“ Dhoron, ammi korbo.”unable to take proper meals not also cared for me. He is a very good because I feel sad but because of all May be she knew that I throw away guy with a good sense of humor and those tendency of vomiting. I was those roties, may be she knew I his family a very good lady who unable to take care of myself. didn't know how to make it, she often sent her daughter to find out

didn't take too much time to how I was doing. She herself would I was unable to swallow the food. I prepare lunch, without stopping her come to me very often preparing a became very weak. Oh God! All chatter patter. She knew I couldn't tasty dish especially for me.alone not feeling good, I look at the follow Bengali but she didn't stop

mirror. Yes, I was changed We were allowed to go back after a chattering also. Well very nice,

“Where've my cheeks gone? All few months. But he again left, this made me feel good to hear her

sunkun.” Tears rolled down from time leaving me under the care of chatter also. I love her. The roti was

my eyes remembering my mother my in-laws. I was happy as I was very nice and I was able to take two

who always cared for me when I'm able to meet my dear ones after Rotis, Dal and Subji.

ill. Come on Baby take it easy. Be months. Here I tried my level best brave. There are so many people I always wait for him. Yes, a day to gather the precious thing called who is suffering it's nothing. You had passed, another day, then “Love” from every corner. After have to face it. There is no other another. He came and went back. months we were blessed with a boy way. I console myself the next Telling me that he'll come again on --- My son Aditya. Everybody were moment may be I was immatured. Friday night. He didn't turn up I rejoiced. Well I must say every

wait and wait till dawn. Next day cloud has a silver lining.“ Oh, Baudi Khawa Hoyegeshe ?”.also he didn't.

62



My life in police service was a blend of pain and rare nowadays. Our next stoppage was Palwal where

pleasure. My selection in the IPS was providential. I we settled down to prepare tea and frugal breakfast.

scored high marks in the interview. Going through my Again, two local constables accosted us to ask few

papers, one of the members of the All India Service question. We were again let off. We were surprised that

Board found that I had written cycling as my hobby. police were so effective to spot strangers and question

This prompted him and other interviewers to ask me them. Later, I learnt that this was called the beat system

what I had achieved in this field. Perhaps they thought in the police. I wonder if our present police system is

that cycling meant going round and round the city and currently as effective. Our next stoppage was Kosi Kalan

nothing more. When asked to narrate my experience, I in UP. The Police was nowhere to be seen. From Kosi

said as a student of BA (Hons) five of our school friends Kalan, we reached Vrindavan and stayed in Birla

once decided to travel to Agra by cycle, carrying with Dharamshala which we found to be a good place for

us a stove and utensils to cook our own food just to night rest. The manager was very kind to us. Next day

save money as we belonged to middle class families. I after a visit to Mathura, we left for Agra. We stopped in

lost my father when I was a student of class eight. My the evening in a village for a while, where the locals

brothers were supporting me. We all had enough told us not to undertake the journey at night as the

experience in cycling. I used to reach Delhi University highway was not safe. They provided shelter and food

from Karol Bagh by cycle and return home. Thereafter, for our night stay. This hospitality and simplicity of the

everyday I had to go out for errands for the family. On village folks have left an abiding impression in our

an average, the distance covered would be around minds. The soul of real India was well absorbed. We

20/25 miles per day. One day we started our journey visited the Taj Mahal for the first time. We returned

from Delhi early in the morning. At Delhi-Punjab home by the same route. I narrated to the Board

border-three was no Haryana then policemen hiding Members the distances between the places accurately

behind the bushes, jumped at us blowing their whistles. and that must have gone in my favour. They perhaps

We were taken aback. They checked our belongings though that I was fit to join the police service. The

and asked a few questions. We were soon let off. Later, interview was in 1958 and call to join the service came

I learnt that this was called, naka-bandi to check border in 1959. Thus, we are called fifty-niners.

crossing by suspicious characters. This naka bandi is

S.K. Dutta

How I was selected in the IPS

63



TRUE stories of love and affection are not rare but those of labour of love are rare, indeed.

Jhumroo, a homely girl, is the joy of her parents. Fresh as a daisy, she started going to school when she was

four years old. Watching her going to school and returning home was a routine that delighted her parents.

But this school going started getting disrupted. Jhumroo became pale and weak. Disturbed parents went from

one specialist to another to get their child restored to health. But they were devastated when they learnt that

the child was suffering from blood cancer. That was their most painful moment. Resolving to give Jhumroo the

best possible treatment available they took her abroad, consulted well-known specialists but returned

disappointed.

Thomas Hardy's “theory of chance” played its hand then.

Coming home to enquire about Jhumroo's health, a friend advised the parents to show her to Dr. Vandana.

Hailed as a doctor with Midas' touch, an angelic person who kindled hope and removed fear of the ailment,

Vandana was known not just for her success in treatment but also for affection and care. While medicine

cured, her affection dimmed the pain. No wonder Jhumroo bore the treatment well and continued her

studies.

The doctor and the parents knew all, but resolved to persevere with the treatment. Mother was ready to leave

her job and invest all her time in Jhumroo's care. The father turned down an offer of a lucrative assignment

abroad to stay with his daughter.

The treatment was a painful ordeal. But after a long wait the miracle started to

happen. Seeing Jhumroo recover, the doctor's joy and the parent's happiness

was limitless. Tears of joy washed the pain they all suffered. Love's labour

was not lost.

Herself a doctor now, Jhumroo, has resolved to follow her role model Dr.

Vandana, to pursue specialization in blood cancer cure.

Dr. Vandana's story does not end here. While she was treating Jhumroo, a

parallel saga of treatment of a young man was also going on. A bright

student with engaging features put all his trust in the doctor, who in

turn, spared no effort in his treatment. The doctor succeeded this

time again. Regaining his health and his looks, Ravi stirred

something in the doctor's heart. Mutual attraction blossomed into

a romance which culminated in their marriage. A quiet marriage

was their way of tying the knot.

The couple has since moved abroad. Acutely conscious of Ravi's

genetic profile, they have decided not to go in for a child of their own.

They have adopted a cute little girl who is their delight.

Union of Vandana and Ravi is their destiny and their bliss. It has a

ring of Churchillan saying.

“We married and lived happily every afterwards”.

Love's labour – A True StoryP.C. Sharma

64



The World of AdolescentsDr. Sunita Yadav

Big Sister's Story Age is very dependent on whom you are

compared with and from whose point of view

you are looked at.”“At this age (15 years), when you are considered

a young person everywhere, it is nice to hear In this essay, initially the 'big sister' gives an that someone thinks that you are big, an adult evaluation of the importance of age; and that you know everything. I take care of adults are regarded more highly in society children during rehearsal of the Church Choir compared to the young. Adulthood is thus with a friend of mine. One day a little 4 year old defined by symbolic size and knowledge.girl asked me to draw her a lion, a giraffe and an

At the same time, however, the girl herself elephant. Another 6 year old girl, offered to being young is hesitant to consider herself a draw the pictures. The smaller girl answered: 'real adult'. The concept of adulthood is taken “No, I asked the adults!” We felt like laughing; up in two ways: it refers both to a social We are not that adult after all. On the other status, related to superiority and hand, for a 4-year old a 15-year old is an adult knowledge, and it is also used as a and for a 15-year old a 20-year old is an adult.relative quality, an adjective. “Big Sister'

I have a sister who is younger by two years and makes it very clear, that for her so at home I am usually the “big girl” who takes adulthood is not an absolute, fixed care of the little sister and everything while the state but a relative status, strongly parents are out. That has, however, become dependent on the context and on quite a load in the long run! the interaction between people.

For my doctoral research, I decided transition further involves many Of course, they enter this phase

to work on 'Adolescent Literature'. everyday trials, setbacks and with certain apprehensions as well

Basically, my aim was to study and victories in various areas and as responsibilities. The two essays,

analyze whether there exists any contexts; relationships, freedom of I've chosen here have been written

common characteristics in the action etc. Equally important is the by two Finnish students of Class IX.

behavior of adolescents irrespective issue of their acceptance into the They were asked to narrate an

of difference in cultural and societal world of adults. But by the time an incident as to when they felt like an

background. For this, I happened to adolescent reaches adulthood a lot 'adult' for the first time in their lives.

read a number of firsthand accounts of things take and often very One of the narrators is a girl living in

written by teenagers themselves decisive in the young person's life. the countryside and the other a boy

across cultures and nations. Since adolescence is the most who lives in the city. The essays

impressionable stage in one's life illustrate the interplay of discourse of The most unique thing about

therefore, the experiences during both adolescence and gender in teenagers is that they are in a phase

this period are hard to forget and young people's life contexts and the of physical, emotional, and mental

often leave an indelible mark on way in which they (adolescence) no man's land between childhood

one's mind and heart. negotiate their subject positions and adulthood. This stage also

within these discourse.underlines their actions and Their acceptance into the world of

reactions to the people, experiences adults is also very important since it

and society around them. The marks their break from childhood.

65



Big Boy's Story age. It does not mean quite the same as a 'grown up'

because the word 'boy' is still attached, but the emphasis

is on the word 'big'.“A few summers ago my godmother came here from thSweden to celebrate her 50 birthday at my Although, it is impossible to generalize on the basis of the

grandmother's place. Several other relatives live close as two stories, yet it seems indicative that in 'big sister's story well, so we had almost all the family there. the girl's increasing age was met with added

responsibilities, whereas in 'big boy's narrative the boy We had wine and soft drinks with the food. I was allowed was defined as 'big' via gaining new rights. Of course, this to have wine with my meal. Later it was evening and should not be interpreted as though transition to relatives who lived close-by had already left. We were adulthood means similar thing to all young girls and boys; just spending the evening talking, and after a little while there were other narratives also in which girls wrote my grandmother came and brought us some white wine. about their increased freedom of action and She even gave a whole glass of it to me.several boys who described incidents where

Then it felt quite strange, because I had never before had they were restricted on the basis of their age.wine in front of my relative(s). Then I felt that my

At the same time, the two stories also relative(s) must think I am a big boy already.”emphasize the role of the adults. It is on

In this narrative the 'big boy' is emphasizing the fact that them that the adolescents depend for since he was given alcohol by an adult relative in a family being initiated into the new world gathering it symbolized his altered position in the family. of adults. The adolescents He has moved a step closer to adulthood. cannot just decide to take up

the position of an adult and However, being considered a 'big boy' is mainly a positive join the grown-ups on their definition in a culture where adulthood is automatically own.given a higher hierarchical position in the discourse of

gekjk 'kjhj ijekRek dk eafnj gSA gesa ugha gSA vkSj oSls Hkh cgkus cukuk eu dh eq>s iwjk fo'okl gS fd vxj yksx blds vanj ekal] vaMs] 'kjkc vkfn Mkydj vknr gS vkSj mlds [ksy gSaA dlkbZ&[kkuksa esa i'kqvksa dh gR;k gksrs vkSj bls xUnk ugha djuk pkfg, D;k ekalkgkjh lqmjksa dks ekjs tkrs ns[k ysa rks T;knk ugha tc euq"; ekal [kkrk gS rks og gSoku ls Hkh yksxksa us dHkh mu cstqcku tkuojksa ds nq[k rks lkS esa ls lkB&lÙkj O;fDr rks fQj dHkh x;k chrk gks tkrk gS D;ksafd gSoku rks dh dYiuk dh gS \ ftUgsa jkst mudh ekal ugha [kk ldsaxsaAviuh Hkw[k feVkus ds fy, ekal [kkrk gS [kqjkd ds fy, ftcg fd;k tkrk gSA vkSj euq"; ek= viuh ftOgk ds Lokn ds ;fn dksbZ ge ij vR;kpkj djrk gS rks ge ,sls euq"; ;g D;ksa Hkwy tkrs gSa fd tc fy,A ;fn ftOgk ds Lokn ds fy, tkuojksa iqfyl vkSj tt ls U;k; dh ekax djds mlds vius 'kjhj ij tjk lh Hkh [kjksap dh gR;k dh tk, rks bZ'ojh; U;k; bldh cpko dh ckr lksp ysrs gSaA ijUrq ge tks yx tkrh gS rks og ph[k mBrk gS vkSj D;k ltk nsxk ;g vuqeku yxk;k tk fnu&jkr mu eklwe thoksa ij vR;kpkj tYnh gh nnZ ls NqVdkjk ikus ds fy, ldrk gSA djrs gSa ftUgksusa gekjk dqN ugha fcxkM+k oks gk;&rkSck djus yx tkrk gSA fdl vnkyr esa U;k; ds fy, tka,xsA vxj dlkbZ [kkuksa esa tkuoj [kq'kh&[kq'kh ugha

tkuojksa dh vnkyr gksrh rks vkt nqfu;k vf/kdrj yksx ekalkgkj ds i{k esa cM+k rdZ tkrsA tks muds lkFk chrus okyk gS] mldh ds yxHkx lkjs euq";ksa dks Qkalh dh ltk ;gh nsrs gS fd ekal rks lkjh nqfu;k [kkrh lw> mUgsa igys ls gh gks tkrh gSA cdjksa lqukbZ xbZ gksrhA var esa eSa ;gh dguk gS] ekal rks Hkxoku Hkh [kkrs gSa] tkuojksa dks dks fiNyh Vkaxksa ls mBkdj Qsad&Qsad dj] pkgwaxh fd gj dksbZ thuk pkgrk gS] tku eqfDr fey tkrh gSA bl ckjs esa esjk [;ky lksVksa ls ekj&ekj dj vanj ys tk;k tkrk lcdks I;kjh gSA nq[k o rdyhQ gksrs gq, ;g gS fd dsoy cgqer dk fdlh i{k esa gSA cspkjh xka;ksa&HkSalksa dks lksVs ekj&ekj Hkh dksbZ ejuk ugha pkgrkA ekSr ls gj dksbZ gksuk mlds Bhd gksus dk dksbZ rdZ ugh gS] dj] iwaNs ejksM+&ejksM+ dj vanj [khapk tkrk Mjrk gSA blfy, gesa tkuojksa dks ugh vkSj nwljh ckr ijekRek loksZifj gSA ;g gSA ijUrq tks gkyr vkt mudh gS dy ekjuk pkfg,A gesa ijekRek ls çkFkZuk djuh nqfu;k mldh larku gS] fQj dksbZ firk dSls gR;kjksa dh Hkh gksxhA cgrs jDr vkSj [kwu ls pkfg, fd *rw C[k'kugkj gS vkSj ge viuh larku dks ekj dj [kk ldrk gS\ xpkxp Q'kZ ij lkFk&lkFk ca/ks iM+s tkuoj “wy.kgkj] C[k'k ns] C[k'k ns*A,d firk dk ân; bruk dBksj ugha gksrk vius lkFk ds nwljs tkuojksa ds xys dVrs

vkSj ckr eqfDr nsus dh] tc ge fdlh tho ns[krs gSa vkSj viuh d;ker dk bartkj dks thou nsus dh {kerk ugha j[krs rks gesa djrs gSaAfdlh dks ekjdj eqfDr nsus dk dksbZ gd

tho gR;k D;ksa \\\ vkapy ¼vk;q&15 o"kZ½

66



ftUnxh ,d cgqr I;kjk lk vglkl gS ftlesa dbZ rjg dh euq"; ds pkjksa rjQ eaMjkrk jgrk gS] ekSdk feyrs gh da/ks Hkkouk,¡ iuirh vkSj iyrh jgrh gSA ftUnxh dHkh vk¡lw gS ij cSB dHkh dlSyh ;knksa ds ddZ'k Loj esa vkSj dHkh rks dHkh eqLdku] euq"; dks gj nkSj ls fudyuk iM+rk gSA lqugyh ;knksa ds ehBs Loj esa xquxqukus yxrk gSAdHkh eqLdku viuk nkeu QSyk dj xekZgV dk vglkl eq>s Hkh ;kn vkrk gS] ,d&nwljs dh f'kdk;r ek¡ dks djuk] fnykrh gS rks dHkh vk¡lw cu dj osnuk ds :i esa çdV gksrh oSls Hkh ek¡ ds cSd esa ge viuh NksVh&NksVh rdyhQksa vkSj gS ysfdu tc nksuksa ,d lkFk fey tkrs gSa rks lalkj dh nq[k tek djds Hkwy tkrs Fks vkSj C;kt ds :i esa fQj Hkh lcls vf/kd laosnu'khy çfØ;k dk lapkj gksus yxrk gS] [kqf'k;k¡ gh feyrh FkhA dk'k! mu fnuksa dks nksckjk th ikrs!,slh gh Hkkouk dk ;g :i FkksM+s le; igys eSaus eglwl

gk¡ HkbZ;k] vkius [kwc ;kn fnyk;k fd firk th tc ubZ fd;kA

lkbfdy yk, Fks ge nksuks ds fy, rks Hkkx dk >iV ysuk] ,d fnu nksigj esa ?kaVh cth] ns[kk rks ,d i= esjs uke FkkA esjh gh cqjh vknr FkhA ,d&nwljs dh ilan dk [;ky eSa i= ysdj tYnh ls i<+us yxh vkSj tSls gh i= esa fy[kh j[kuk] ;s eSus vki gh ls lh[kkA ,d&nwljs ds ihNs csgrk'kk iafDr;ka i<+us yxh] vk¡[ksa ue gks mBh vkSj vk¡lwvksa dh nkSM+uk] lksrs gw, ,d&nwljs ds dkuksa esa frudks ls xqnxqnh vfojy /kkjk cgus yxh] ,d&,d v{kj us vrhr dh ;knksa djuk] ;s ckrsa i= dh ek/;e ls thoar lh gks xbZ gSA vlhe ds ml fiVkjs dks [kksy fn;k tks le; ds ncko ls eu ds Lusg ls ifjiw.kZ oks i= esjs ikl vewY; /kjksgj dh Hkkafr gS] fdlh dksus esa lqIrkoLFkk esa iM+k Fkk] i<+rs gq, cjcl psgjk tc eu O;kdqy gksrk gS rks i= dks ek/;e cuk] eSa vk¡lwvksa eqLdku ls Hkh vksrçksr gks jgk FkkA ls fj'rk tksM+ ysrh gwa vkSj bu lqanj ;knksa dks [kqf'k;ksa Hkjs i= Fkk cM+s HkbZ;k jke dk tks laosnu'khy bUlku gSA muls iy esa i<+dj vkSj Hkh çQqfYyr gks tkrh gwaAesjk ukrk rks 6 lky NksVh cgu dk gS ysfdu ge nksuksa dh ekuo thou dh ;gh çfØ;k gS] çR;sd O;fDr cpiu ds bl ,d lh laosnu'khyrk] ,d lh gh :fp;ka vkSj ,d gh çdkj nkSj ls xqtjrk gS] cpiu vc Hkh oSlk gh gS] cl ekinaM dh fpUru'kSyh ls gesa tqM+oka gksus dk vglkl gksrk gSA ;s cny x, gSaA le; chrrk jgsxk] ftUnxh ia[k yxkdj vkReh;rk vkt Hkh ge nksuksa esa ,d lsrq dk dke djrh gSA mM+rh jgsxh] gjsd O;fDr thou Hkj vius lkFk ?kVuk,a pkgs ;wa rks thou esa fj'rs vusd gSa ysfdu HkkbZ&cgu ds bl fj'rs oks lq[kn gksa ;k eu dks Vhl nsus okuh nq%[kn] lHkh ;knksa dh dk dksbZ lkuh ughA muds }kjk fy[kk x;k oks i= cpiu ls iksVyh fy, cq<+kis dh rjQ vxzlj gksrk tkrk gS vkSj mUgh cM+s gksus rd dh ;knksa dks lesVs [kVVh&ehBh ;knksa dk lgkjk ysdj vafre iM+ko dh vksj Hkh ekSfDrd&ekyk lk ped jgk py nsrk gS] fQj ;knksa :ih ia[k pkjksa rjQ fNrjk tkrs gSaAgS vkSj ;kn fnyk jgk gS] oks 'kjkjrsa] oks NksVh&NksVh yM+kbZ;ka] oks vke dh xqByh ij >xM+uk] oks lhf<+;ksa esa] Nrksa ij vkSj njoktksa ds ihNs :B dj fNiuk] fQj oks ,d&nwljs dks eukuk vkSj f[kyf[kykuk] u tkus fdruh ;knksa ds iqfyUnksa dks lesVs gS oks i=! oSls rks ;knksa dk iaNh vius jax&fcjaxs ia[k ysdj

cl thou blh dk uke gSA

uhrk xYgks=k,d ikrh ;knksa Hkjh

67



Life is number of colours. Mother is which you must adjust yourself to enjoy If we try we only risk 'failures',

while, whatever comes in it. But if we don't try then we

father is blue, family is green, love is Ensure Failure.

red, Always take care of 3 things in life :

life partner is pink, 1. Trust 2. Promise 3. Think twice : Its very easy to say 'Busy'

But a friend is rainbow, always Relations when someone needs you !! But it's

colourful. You know whey ? Because…………. very

They don't make noise when they painful to hear 'Busy' when you need

F.R.I.E.N.D break. someone !

F Full of love

R Rare to get Life is best for those who are enjoying Life is like a novel and everyday is a

I Ideal gift of God it, new page, so if a page is sad next

E Everytime with them difficult for those who are analyzing it will be happy………so don't worry,

N Never forgotten and worst for those who are criticizing turn the page and enjoy the life.

D Dear to us it. Work for a cause, not for applause.

Our attitudes define our lives. Live life to express not to impress.

Only a lovable friend can feel your Don't strive to make your presence

silent pain and will The path that leads to happiness is noticed.

hold your hand till you become strong so narrow that two persons can not Just make your absence felt.

again. Keep your walk on it………..unless they become

true friends always with you. ONE ! Life is 'XXX'

Yesterday is Xperiences.

Friendship is one way road, to be People are made to be loved and Today is Xperiments

traveled by Money Tomorrow is Xpectations

two people….hand in hand….to care, is made to be used…..! The confusion so use your experience in your

to share, in the world is……People are being experiments to achieve Expectations.

to give and be silently with each other. used and Money is being loved.

Life Develop five things : Life is like a book

What makes some people Dearer, is not Mind, which never minds. turn over the pages day by day

just the Happiness Heart, which never hurts. You can find new experience

that you feel when you Meet them but Brain, which never drains. everyday. Enjoy life with new

the pain you feel when Touch, which never pains. experience.

you Miss them. Relation, which never ends.

Before you pray – believe

Make your anger so expensive that When the mirror of life gets dirty Before you criticize – wait

none can afford it and ake with the fog of reality, just try to wipe Before you speak – listen

your happiness so cheap that people it with your faith in GOD. You will Before you spend – earn

get if free from you. see the clear reflection ! Before you write – think

Before you quit – try

True guidance is like a small lamp in Just change the way you look at things, Before you die – life

a dark forest. It doesn't show and even the worst can be changed into Live Life light – that's real life !

everything the Best. Read 'Evil' the other way

at once but gives enough light for the round Life is a great trip…………

next step to be safe. and it becomes 'Live'. The only problem is that it does not

come with a nap. We have to

Life is not an ipod to listen to your 'Try' is a small word that can make a search our own routes to reach our

favorite songs, its like a radio in big difference………….. destinations.

QUOTATIONS FriendshipVani

68



Many Salts of The Earth

Think of two recent instances in which to a salad but also because they come

salt or rather the lack of it has mad in a vanity of colours and geographers. The best bet is to take any statements

news. First there is the uproar in So its okay to say 'Tata to plain salt and on the matter with well a pinch of salt

Britain over unilateral decision to cut look to from South Africa black Hiwa whose Latin derivative cum grand salts

the salt content in the working classes Kai from the Pacific or even revealingly plays on the last word

favorite brown condiment HP Sauce. Himalayan Pink.which means both salts as it is

A reduction of just 0.8 per 100 g has skimmed from the top layer of the

had countless Britions declaring that famous French salt pans in Guerande

their bacon baps and chips just don't It is most widely used in in Brittany and thus justifies a $ 50

taste the same any more Second an India. Mined or evaporated from price tag for a bottle? No wonder top

unfortunate lady in south Delhi was seawater, it is refined to remove trace restaurants pair salts with then

allegedly murdered by the cook after minerals Chemicals are added to signature dishes too, not just wines.

she slapped him for under salting a make it free flowing. As it dissolves What is wrong with plain old iodized vegetable preparation. easily it is preferred for baking and namak, you ask? Well nothing really. cooking.

A furore a slap and a murder all for There are two basic genres rock salt

salt? Not surprising actually Gandhiji A coarse salt and sea salt. Everything else is a

clearly knew what he was talking evaporated from seawater, it has larger variation natural, artisanal or

about when he reasoned that Next to grains than table salt and thus retains processed. In the remote jungles of

air and water, salt is perhaps the its crunch even after being added to our North East and even on other

greatest necessity of life” and food. The crystals are more cultures far away from the sea or with

proceeded to shake an Empire by pyramidical in shape and tends to limited access to natural sources

panning sodium by the seashore in dissolve more slowly.though people have devised ingenious

Dandi in 1930.Evaporated from seawater, way to make alternatives that give

its irregular structure and variety of flavour to their food. And that taste and colour makes it the favourite highlights a basic fact No. salt to taste.

Nearly a century later it is funny then of trendy restaurateurs. There's

As Vogue food Jeffrev Steingarten that salt has become a four letter word nothing like Fleur de Sal atop a salad,

avers in his hilarious 1998 back. The in health circles, pipping it roast or main course.

Man Who Everything with all the predecessor fat as enemy number Mined from underground certitude of a Gandhi ad Dandi, that one. But even as the masses are

deposits, it comes in lumps and has “No matter what some people will tell urged to cut slat (the alleged cause of lesser minerals then sea salt. Used in you-salt is indispensable to good food thousands of premature deaths), the chaat masalas it has become popular and good cooing. The rule of the classes are enticed to try (and buy) abroad as an add-on to scrambled thumb is easy undersalting makes food ever more expansive versions. Thus eggs rather like truffle oil.insipid oversalting make it acid and McDonald's pares the sodium in its

often wrings out all the moisture from burgers but the Ritz Cariton offers It is sea salt roasted in meats and vegetables. Fear of doing diners 19 salts and 12 salt infusions. bamboo cylinders plugged with a local either however could raise blood mud. The salt melts when the Not that vanity is a new idea a pressure anyway even if sodium is the bamboo burns in pine fired and Chinese pharmacology treatise usual suspect. absorbs minerals from the mud. We mentions 40 kinds of salt way back in

do have our own version in Assam.The new role for salt though is as a 2700 BC it's just better marketed. garnish, right up there alongside extra And the very idea of salt being cheap These are the more virgin olive oil and herbs. Not the free or expensive is debatable. If Gandhiji exotic infusions to enhance taste. flowing fortified industrial salt but the saw it as the poor man's condition From Vanila, Chocolate land coffee to flaky natural ones. These are the circa 1930 in ancient times it was an chipotle, ginger and herbs nothing is flavour of the sea or so to speak not alternate currency giving rise to the too exotic. Can also be added to only because the larger crystals don't appreciative phrase worth they salt. desserts and hot beverages.dissolve and thus add a cheeky crunch

At Sea With Salt ?

Type of Salt

Table Salt :

Kosher Salt :

Sea Salt :

Exotic Infusions

Rock Salt :

Bamboo Salt :

Infused Salt :

Meenakshi Gupta

69



“C B I” …The name itself,- The touching piece of continuity No more usage of official car, - in

was, that, my father's orderly, who fact, for any rare personal use, we For the corrupt, it may be Chilling,

brought me & my brother up, since used to pay for the private runs; (as But for me, it is thrilling ! we were kids, ALSO, brought up MY SP, me as well as Rupak, had often

kids, during our long stint in CBI at travelled by DTC bus!!).CBI has been like a “Maika” as well Delhi!as “Sasural” in my life. I was a little Phone calls only within the ceiling –

kid when my dad joined CBI in My earliest memories go back to the it was perhaps only Rs.500/- per 1969, and then began a long, times, when I used to tag along with month, at that time. So, no STDs, sincere, committed and continuing my mon to the “Ladies Club” very short conversations and relationship with this great meetings, once a while. The main keeping the phone locked, to organization, which continued with stay of the meetings used to be the prevent misuse.my husband. “Tambola”, followed by typical

Mentioning the very name of CBI, ladies chit-chat on My father, A.K. Banerjee, 55 Batch used to scare & put off people, & sarees/shoes/jewellery/cooking etc. (UP cadre) joined CBI as SP, early in make them distant. Thus, we used 15 years later, the staid, good old his career and, so did my husband, to avoid mentioning CBI itself, & Tambola still continued its sway, as Rupak K. Dutta, 81 Batch (Karnataka instead, say “Govt. Job”, when asked the permanent fixture of ladies club cadre). Dad was SP Delhi Branch for about husband or father's job.meetings – only the conversations, a very long tenure; my husband too,

Giving husband's visiting card, to any changed to a higher level of cars, was SP Delhi Branch, perhaps for a one was strictly avoided, so as to restaurants, exotic vacations etc., record time. Thereafter, Dad was IG, prevent misuse.perhaps, thanks to the 6th Pay Delhi and coincidently, or rather it

Commission. The 'Teej' get togethers was perhaps, ordained to be, that Even socializing in private circles were great fun, with a lot of flowers, Rupak also became DIG, Delhi was extremely restricted & we had bangles, music etc. Of course, the Branch, again for a long & fruitful to be choosy & cautious.annual Gala Diwali party at the tenure. Dad became Joint Director

The family's conduct had also to be Director's bungalow, was always a (hardly 2 JDs at that time) and exemplary, since “Ceasar's wife special occasion with lots of Rupak also was Joint Director, Delhi should be above suspicion”.fun/games and glamour.– again, may be providence!Coming back to CBI has always Though CBI has its exclusivity, status Hence, the thrill & pride to see my been like a home-coming for me. I and sheer power, let me confide father's name upon the wall, & have spent almost all my life, in a that life as a CBI wife, was not all thereafter, down the same list, my relationship with CBI, either as a that rosy! Specially if you come husband's name in the Delhi Branch daughter, or a wife, and its been an straight after being a District SP's Past-Officers Boards (Incumbency immensely satisfying & fulfilling wife, in your own State, to the 'sada-charts), is a rare experience, only to experience. I now await for the next seedha” life of a CBIwala.be imagined! More so, since both generation of my relationship with

earned immense respect for their Some of the “Great Levelers” in the CBI, perhaps as a mother, or work & contribution to the CBI:- mother-in-law? Keeping my fingers organization.

crossed!

CBI – My Maika & SasuralSumita Dutta

70



WHOM ?

Sitting alone, staring at the sky

I gaze at stars,

The dark night stares at me

With a darkness so profound

I shield myself

Wandering my eyes from here to there,

Finding a way out of the darkness.

The more I try

The more the darkness envelops me,

I shout out loud but to no avail,

The dark night is too dark to let my voice be heard.

I feel a void, a void that needs to fill,

How? I have no answer to this

I try as hard as I can, to avoid the void

But it refuses to just let go off me.

I shut my mind to everything around me,

I need solace but it eludes me,

It plays a game of hide and seek,

Once hidden, it just refuses to be seen.

Where am I? Where is my true self?

I search, search through those dark corners

through the void

through the solace

but, my true self is nowhere near to me.

Can You find me?

Find my true self?

Find the happiness for me?

the happiness that goes away just like the solace.

Hidden Somewhere

Have You ever thought?

Why is there so much pain in the world?

Why do people lose their life every second?

Why there is no one to stop these mis-happenings?

Why are we being victimized for no reason?

Fever and anger grip our minds,

We wait for someone who will let these unwind,

Yet, no one comes to our rescue.

Why? Because everyone is busy in their own lives

Who cares, What happens to us,

Consolation needs to be brought alone by us.

Have your ever seen the world outside??

God has created it to be enjoyed,

But, It has lost its beauty from inside.

Who are we to be blamed?

Nobody knows,

Maybe our concern should be

to stop the chaos,

Yet, we wait for others to take a step

Despite having courage worth so.

It's high time

Let's just begin,

A new day

A new world

A new life

Let's light up the candle on our own

At the end of every tunnel,

With a vision of our own

For and by us!!!

…Sneha Bhattacharjee

71




I am….. the bird

I am a bird

who loves to fly

ever the limitless sky

who loves when it rains

to sit beside the branch

and nurture thy self

who loves to pick and drop

things that lead to the

making of my house

who loves to lie around

like any other being on this earth

I am the bird

who can traverse across the world

I am the bird

who can traverse across the world

to destinations unknown

to a land of my own

to the interminable end

I am the bird

who will never let

you snatch away

my freedom to fly

freedom to speak

freedom to lie

freedom to spread the joy

Joy that'll make me smile

make me cry

make me live

and let me FLY!!!


I am…. The Leaf

I feel blessed to be a part of this beautiful

nature

Sitting on the branch of a tree, I see the world

go by

The surroundings change from spring to

summer to autumn to winter

I adapt myself to these changes

Just like a human being, I have a life

A life that I lead to make everyone else live

I breathe so that you breathe

The beautiful rays of the sun help me to feed

myself

In return, I give back what makes you breathe

I am sometimes a lovers' love letter

I am sometimes a religious offering

I am sometimes a blessing

Whatever I am, wherever I am,

I spread happiness

The breeze blows and so do I

To give that one fresh air breathe

That breathes life in the dead.

72



JoyousAbandon

Namrata Bandhu (13 years)

We love to be together,

Gives us immense pleasure.

Being together as the happiness shines,

There's nothing so fine.

When love surrounds,

Happiness binds us.

We feel so distressed,

With no more tension suppressed.

When bond strengthens,

Gives us joyous abandon.

73



Our Budding Artists

74



Saleem Ali

75



R C Sharma

76



Neeta Galhotra

77



Neeta Galhotra

78



Nelam Gupta

79



Master Arpan Shah

80



Neelam Gupta

81



Saleem Ali

82



Master Arpan Shah

83



Painting by: Aruna Tiwari

84



Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the active contribution of Mrs. Deevyani Medhekar along with entire movement headed by

Mrs. Reenu Sharma, Mrs. Neeta Galhotra, Mrs. Meenakshi Gupta and

Mrs. Arti Sharma

85



1. Dr. Shubnum Singh, W/o. Shri Amar Pratap Singh, Director, CBI

2. Mrs. Meenakshi Gupta, W/o.Shri V.K.Gupta, Special Director, CBI

3. Mrs. Shabu Ali, W/o. Shri K.Saleem Ali, Addl. Director, CBI

4. Mrs. Sadhna Macherla, W/o.Sh.Santosh Macherla, Joint Director, BS&FC, CBI

5. Mrs. Vani Awasthy, W/o.Sh.H.C.Awasthy, Joint Director, Delhi, CBI

6. Mrs. Neeta Galhotra, W/o. Sh.O.P.Galhotra, Joint Director, EO Zone, CBI

7. Mrs. Sanju, W/o.Shri A.K. Pateria, Joint Director, Policy, CBI

8. Mrs. Jyotsana (Mukta) Agrawal, W/o.Shri R.P.Agrawal, Joint Director, SC Zone, CBI

9. Mrs. Namita Kumar, W/o.Shri Keshav Kumar, Joint Director, TFC Zone, CBI

10. Mrs. Seema Tandon, W/o.Sh.R.K.Tandon, Joint Director, Administration & Training, CBI

11. Mrs. Sadhna Kumar, W/o.Shri Prabodh Kumar, Joint Director, AC-HQ Zone, CBI

12. Mrs. Anuradha Palta, W/o.Shri Anil Palta, Joint Director, MDMA Zone, CBI

13. Mrs. Bhavana Sharma, W/o.Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Director, ZTF Zone, CBI

14. Mrs. Rachna Golcha, W/o.Shri Satish Golcha, HoB/AC-II, CBI

15. Mrs. Monisha Oberoi, W/o.Dr.M.M.Oberoi, Dy.Director (IPCC), CBI

16. Mrs. Aruna Tewari, W/o.Shri Ashok Tiwari, DIG, MDMA, CBI

17. Mrs. Rashmi Aggarwal, W/o.Shri Rakesh Aggarwal, DIG, AC-I, CBI

18. Mrs. Nirupama Singh, W/o.Shri S.K.Singh, DIG, AC-III, CBI

19. Mrs. Kalpana, W/o.Shri Anurag, DIG-I, SU, CBI

20. Mrs. Priya Garg, W/o.Shri Anurag Garg, DIG, SC-I, CBI

21. Mrs. Pallavi, W/o. Shri SJM Gillani, Dy.Director (Admn.), CBI

22. Mrs. Seema Choudhary, W/o.Shri S.K.Palsania, DIG-I, Delhi Zone, CBI

23. Mrs. Sunita Yadav, W/o. Shri Mahipal Yadav, DIG-II, SU, CBI

24. Mrs. Rima Sharan, W/o.Shri Sumit Sharan,DIG-II. Delhi Zone, CBI

25. Mrs. Aparna Tripathi, W/o.Shri Saurabh Tripathi, DIG (Policy), CBI

26. Mrs. Padma Murugesan, W/o. Shri V Murugesan, DIG (EO-II), CBI

27. Mrs. Ritu Dhillon, W/o. Shri A.S.Dhillon, DIG, BS&FC, CBI

28. Mrs. Shefali Rastogi, W/o.Sh.Santosh Rastogi, S.P.,EOU-VII, CBI

29. Mrs. Saumya Shukla, W/o.Shri G.S.Upadhyay, S.P., ACB/Delhi, CBI

30. Mrs. Sunita Kakran, W/o.Sh Ravi Kant, S.P., EOU-II, CBI

31. Mrs. Raj Kumari Sana, W/o.Shri N.M.Singh, SSP, SCB, Kolkata

32. Mrs. Umanjali Kaushik, W/o. Sh.Pradip Kumar, S.P., ACU-V, CBI

33. Mrs. Shaheen Parween, W/o.Shri Asif Jalal, S.P., EOU-V, CBI

34. Mrs. Shashi Sahni, W/o.Shri M.C.Sahni, S.S.P.,ACU-IV, CBI

35. Mrs. Deepa Mishra, W/o. Shri Keshav Mishra, SSP, EOU-I, CBI

List of CBI Ladies Club Members

86



36. Mrs. Dharni Mishra, DPIO, CBI

37. Ms. Neerja Gotru, DIG, SC-III, CBI

38. Mrs. Binita Thakur, DIG, EO-III, CBI

39. Mrs. Pooja Kashyap, W/o.Sh.Dinendra Kashyap, SP, SU, CBI

40. Mrs. M. Sachdev, AO(P), CBI

41. Mrs. Krishna Dutta, W/o.Shri S.K.Dutta, Former Director, CBI

42. Mrs. Aarti Sharma, W/o.Shri R.C.Sharma, Former Director, CBI

43. Mrs. Renu Sharma, W/o.Shri P.C.Sharma, Former Director, CBI

44. Mrs. Priti Shanker, W/o. Shri Vijay Shanker, Former Director, CBI

45. Mrs. Chandak, W/o.Shri Ashwini Kumar, Former Director, CBI

46. Mrs. Anita Dutt, W/o.Shri J.K. Dutt, Former Director, CBI

47. Mrs. Vinita Sharma, W/o.Shri M.L.Sharma, Ex CBI Officer

48. Mrs. Lalita Sharma, W/o.Sh.S.K.Sharma, Ex CBI Officer

49. Mrs. Nishi Sinha, W/o.Sh.S.C.Sinha, D.G., NIA, Ex CBI Officer

50. Mrs. Preeti Dutt, W/o. Shri U.S.Dutt (IPS Retd.), Ex CBI Officer

51. Mrs. Seema Wasan, W/o.Sh.N.R.Wasan, Ex CBI officer

52. Mrs. Nupur Singh, W/o.Pankaj Kumar Singh, Ex CBI officer

53. Mrs. Shehnaz Khan, W/o.Sh.S.M.Khan, Ex CBI officer

54. Mrs. Saroj Modi, W/o.Shri Y.C.Modi, Ex CBI officer

55. Mrs. Sunitha Kamaraj, W/o.Sh.P.Kamaraj, Ex CBI officer

56. Mrs. Shalini Yadav, W/o.Sh.Ajay Kumar Yadav, Ex CBI officer

57. Mrs. Amrita Bhati, W/o.Shri R.S.Bhati, Ex CBI officer

58. Mrs. Nirija Shastry, W/o.Shri P.V.Ramashastry, Ex CBI officer

59. Mrs. Darkshina Zakhi Ahmed, W/o.Shri Zaki Ahmed, Ex CBI Officer

60. Mrs. Renu Bali, W/o.Shri M.S.Bali, Ex CBI officer

61. Mrs. Vinnie Singh, W/o.Sh.Balwinder Singh, Ex CBI officer

62. Mrs. Rama Daniel, W/o.Sh.Alexander Daniel, Ex CBI officer

63. Mrs. Neelam Gupta, W/o Arun Gupta, Ex CBI Officer

87



63. Mrs. Anita Kumar, W/o.Shri Ashok Kumar, Joint Director & HoZ, Chennai Zone, CBI

64. Mrs. Nageen Ahmad, W/o.Shri Javeed Ahmad, Joint Director & HoZ, Lucknow Zone, CBI

65. Mrs. Durgeshwari Singh, W/o.Shri Rishi Raj Singh, Joint Director & HoZ, Mumbai I Zone, CBI

66. Mrs. Suman Bala Sahoo, Joint Director & HoZ, Kolkata Zone, CBI

67. Mrs. Selvi Kandaswamy, W/o.Shri P.Kandaswamy, Joint Director & HoZ, Mumbai II Zone, CBI

68. Mrs. S. Urmila, W/o.Shri V.V.Lakshmi Narayana, Joint Director& HoZ, Hyderabad Zone, CBI

69. Mrs. Rashi Rathore, W/o.Shri Hemant Priyadarshi, DIG & HoB, Bhopal, CBI

70. Mrs. Samita Jha, S/o.Shri S.K.Jha, DIG &HOB, ACB, Ranchi

71. Dr. (Mrs.) Shibboleth Khonglah, W/o.Shri H.Nongpluh, DIG & HoZ, Guwahati Zone, CBI

72. Mrs. Urmila Rajpurohit, W/o.Shri S.Suresh, DIG & HOB, Jaipur

73. Mrs. G.Nagmani, W/o.Shri G.Nageswara Rao, DIG & HOB, Vishakapatnam

74. Mrs. R. Shreyas, W/o.Shri R.Hitendra, DIG & HOB, ACB, Bangalore

75. Mrs. Meenakshi Nath, W/o.Shri H.C.Nath, DIG & HOB, Guwahati

76. Mrs. Ekta Modak, W/o.Shri A.D.Modak, DIG & HoB, ACB, Mumbai

77. Mrs. Malini Murgan, W/o.Shri S.Murugan, DIG & HoB,SCB, Chennai

78. Mrs. Dharamshila Chaudhary, W/o.Shri R.C.Chaudhary, SP & HoB,AHD,Ranchi

79. Mrs. Uma Narayanan, W/o.Shri E.Narayanan, SP& HoB,BS&FC, Mumbai

80. Mrs. Anat Vijaya Soni, W/o.Sh.Vijay Kumar Singh, SP & HoB,ACB, Patna.

81. Mrs. Nidhi Srivastava, W/o.Shri Nilabh Kishore, SP & HoB,ACB, Dehradun

82. Mrs. Nimisha Singh, W/o.Shri Ratn Sanjay,SP & HoB,ACB, Lucknow

83. Mrs. Vidya Kulkarni, SP & HoB, ACB, Pune

84. Mrs. H.Uma, W/o.Sh.H.Venkatesh, SP & HoB, Hyderabad

85. Mrs. Kajal Koyal, W/o.Sh.Yatindra Koyal, SP & HoB, ACB, Bhopal

86. Mrs. S.Shyni, SP & HoB, BS& FC, Kolkata

87. Dr. (Mrs.) Geetha, W/o.Shri Deepak M.Damor, SP & HoB, ACB, Gandhinagar

88. Mrs. Indu , W/o.Shri Vineet Brijlal, SP & HoB,ACB, Chandigarh

89. Mrs. P.C. Thenmozhi, SP & HoB, EoW, Chennai

90. Mrs. Sheeba, W/o.Shri Krishna Kumar V.K., SP & HoB, ACB, Cochin

91. Mrs. Kamla, W/o.Shri S.Vijay Kumar, S.P., HoB, BS&FC, Bangalore

92. Mrs. Suja, W/o. Shri Thomas John, S.P. & HoB, ACB, Nagpur

93. Mrs. Kamlesh Gavali W/o.Shri S.S.Gavali, S.P. & HoB, ACB, Goa

94. Mrs. C.Upasak, W/o.Shri Rigzin Upasak, SP & HOB, SCB, Chandigarh

95. Mrs. Vijdya Mankar, W/o.Shri P.K.Mankar, S.P. & HoB, ACB, Port Blair

96. Mrs. L.Prahladevi, W/o.Shri V.K.Reghukumar, S.P. & HoB, SCB, Thiruvanantapuram

97. Mrs. Anita Manjhi, W/o. Shri P.K.Manjhi, S.P. & HoB, ACB, Dhanbad.

98. Mrs. Manpreet Kaur, W/o.Dr.Arman Deep Singh, S.P. & HoB, ACB, Jammu

99. Mrs. P. Murmu, W/o.Shri L.M.Majhi, S.P. & HoB, ACB, Chattisgarh.

List of Wives of Heads of Zones andHs of Branches in CBI

88



Aruna Tiwari

89



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