Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: March 2019

Sunday, March 31, 2019

How a Mango Can Save Your Marriage

How a Mango Saved a Marriage

Story of the Happily Married Couple

VIKRAM KARVE

The Mango Season is here.

Here is a “Hapus” Alphonso Mango for you to relish.

Mango Picture – Two “Cheeks” and One “Seed” in the Centre

We – my wife and I – we are experiencing the “much married” feeling – we were married on 30 May 1982 and we have completed more than 36 years and 10 months of married life.

Every year – on our marriage anniversary – we cut a “Hapus” Alphonso Mango and share it together.

And – I tell my wife this “Mango Story” – which encapsulates the secret of a long marriage...

How a Mango Saved a Marriage

A “happily” married couple was celebrating the golden jubilee of their married life - the 50^th wedding anniversary of their very happy and successful marriage.

Both husband and wife – both of them loved mangoes.

So – they decided to start the glorious day by eating a delicious Alphonso Mango – first thing in the morning.

The moment she saw the Mango – the subservient docile wife thought to herself in her mind:

“For 50 years – I have always sacrificed my own desires – and I been considerate towards my husband.

I always gave my husband the deliciously sweet “Cheeks” of the Mango – those succulent fleshy slices next to the skin of the Mango – which I love to eat.

And – I myself always sacrificed my desires – and took the “Seed” of the Mango – and I ate the sour Pulpy Part enveloping the “Seed” of the Mango which I don’t like to eat.

Enough is Enough...!!!

Today – I am going to enjoy the delicious “Cheeks” of the Mango – yes – I will savour the heavenly sweet fleshy slices myself.

And – for once – I will let my husband have the sour fibrous pulpy “Seed”...”

So – the wife cut the Mango.

She took the sweet chunky slices of the Mango “Cheeks” herself.

And – she gave the sour pulpy “Seed” of the Mango to her husband.

The wife waited for her husband’s reaction with bated breath.

To her utter surprise – and contrary to her fears – her husband was very happy.

Her husband kissed her hand and said to his wife:

“My Darling – Thank You so much.

You have just given me the greatest joy on our wonderful 50^thwedding anniversary day.

For 50 years – I sacrificed my desires – and I never ever asked you for the luscious tangy “Seed” of the Mango – which is what I like the most.

I quietly ate the insipid Mango “Cheeks” you always gave me – even though I do not like them – because I always wanted you to enjoy and relish the tangy pulpy Mango “Seeds” – which are so tasty.

Now – on our 50^th wedding anniversary – you have understood and appreciated my sacrifice – and you have given me the “Seed” part of the Mango which I always wanted to eat for so many years...”

MORAL OF THE STORY

I am confused about the “Moral of the Story”.

Is the “Moral of the Story”:

“Sacrifice” is the key to a long marriage

A good marriage is all about mutual sacrifice and adjustment and consideration for your partner.

In the Mango Story – the wife was desperate to “please” her husband – and – the husband did not want to displease his wife by frankly telling her his own likes and dislikes.

So both husband and wife silently “sacrificed” their desires because they wanted to “please” each other.

So – does this story imply a “moral of the story” that – in a marriage or relationship – you must go out of your way to “please” your partner.

Is the “Disease to Please” a sine qua non for a successful marriage...?

Is this the moral of the story...?

Or – is the “Moral of the Story” something else...?

For 50 years – the wife kept giving her husband the “Cheeks” of the Mango which she liked herself – and eating the “Seed” of the Mango which she didn’t like.

Why...?

Why didn’t the husband tell his wife even once in 50 years that he liked the “Seed” of the Mango...?

Is the “Moral of the Story” about better mutual communication in a marriage...?

It is all very confusing.

So – Dear Reader – you figure out the “Moral of the Story” – while I cut a Mango.

And – please do tell me – which part of the Mango should I give my “Better Half” – the “Cheek” – or the “Seed” of the Mango...?

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

This is a revised repost of a story I wrote many years ago and have posted online on my blogs a number of times including at urls: http://vikramwamankarve.blogspot.in/2010/03/disease-to-please-mango-story-food-for.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/05/mango-marriage-how-to-remain-married.html etc

How I was made an “April Fool”

Today – is the 31^st of March.

Tomorrow – is the 1^stof April – April Fool’s Day

So – here is my story for April Fool’s Day:

HOW I WAS MADE AN “APRIL FOOL”

PROLOGUE

One of my weaknesses is that I am a simpleton – I easily trust people – and – due to my trusting nature – I am most “gullible” – as can be seen from this story – where I was made an “April Fool”...

“APRIL FOOL” ON ALL FOOLS’ DAY

Unforgettable Memories of My Delightful Navy Life

A Spoof

VIKRAM KARVE

April Fool’s Day (also known as All Fools’ Day) is celebrated annually on the First Day of April.

It is a time for the traditional playing of pranks on unsuspecting people – the victim of such a prank being called an April Fool.

One of my weaknesses is my trusting nature – I easily trust people.

Because of my simple trusting nature it is easy for anyone to take me for a ride.

Yes – you can easily make a fool of me – and so – I have been made an “April Fool” so many times – right from my childhood.

In fact – owing to my trusting nature – I a simpleton – yes – I am quite a gullible person – and therefore – I am a prime target for April Fool Pranks.

When I hark back and think of the occasions when I was made an unsuspecting victim of April Fool Jokes – and when I recall all the April Fool Pranks I was subjected to – I can never forget how I was made a total “April Fool” – 36 years ago – on the 1^stof April 1983.

Here is my “April Fool” story – have a laugh...

HOW I WAS MADE AN “APRIL FOOL” – a “Memoir” by VIKRAM KARVE

New Delhi

01 April 1983

It was 10 AM (1000 Hrs in Navy Parlance) on the 1^stof April 1983 – and I busy with my research work in IIT Delhi.

(Yes – after slogging for 5 years in the Navy – afloat and ashore – I was selected to undergo the prestigious 2 year M. Tech. post graduate course in Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology New Delhi aka IIT Delhi from July 1981 to July 1983)

It was the last (4^th) semester of my 2 year M.Tech. Course – and I was busy with my dissertation work.

My ex-shipmate entered the “Tropo Lab” located right on top of IIT Delhi.

He was also doing M. Tech. at IIT Delhi – but in a different specialization.

He said excitedly:

“Hey Vikram – congratulations – your appointment letter has been issued – you will be going to IAT Pune after your M. Tech.”

I was very happy and joyfully excited to hear this.

Pune is my hometown.

I had never expected a posting to Pune in my Naval Career – as I thought that – except for a few “billets” at the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla – there were hardly any billets for Naval Officers in Pune – especially for Technical Officers.

In fact – I was worried that they may transfer me back to INS Valsura Jamnagar – where I had spent less than one year (1980-81) on instructional duties – before escaping from there – as I was selected for my M. Tech. at IIT Delhi.

I had no desire of going back to that godforsaken place again.

“You don’t seem to be happy to go to Pune...” my friend said.

“I am very happy to go to Pune...” I said, “but how do you know about my appointment...?”

“I had gone to INS India – to Base Supply Office – for some work. I saw your name in a NA List over there. I have just come from there – and I came straight here to tell you the good news that you have been transferred to IAT Pune on Instructional Duties after your M. Tech.”

[Those days Naval Headquarters (NHQ) published a weekly Navy Appointments List (NA List) which listed all appointments (transfers/postings) issued during that week.

Now – things must have changed – I understand that even the name of NHQ has been changed to IHQ.

Also – Base Supply Office (BSO) is now called Base Logisitics Office (BLogO) since the erstwhile “Supply and Secretariat” branch was renamed as the “Logistics” Branch.

By the way – IAT was the acronym for Institute of Armament Technology – which was renamed as DIAT (Defence Institute of Advanced Technology) – and later – a part of the institution was renamed as MILIT (Military Institute of Technology)

As you can see – the Navy has a penchant for changing Names (and uniforms too)]

So – to come back to my story – my friend said to me:

“What about you...? Is your name in the NA list...? Has your new appointment been issued too..?” I asked my friend.

“No – I saw only your name in the NA list. Why don’t you go down to NHQ and personally get your appointment letter...?” he prompted.

As I said – I was really delighted to be transferred to Pune – my hometown.

So – so I immediately drove down on my scooter to NHQ.

First – I went to INS India – to the Base Supply Office – and I checked the NA List folder.

Yes – my name was very much there – at Serial No. 12 of the list of 20 names – and entry in the NA list said that – I was appointed on Instructional Duties to IAT Pune July DTBR

(In Naval Parlance – DTBR means “Date to be Recorded” – which meant that I could report to IAT Pune on any date in July – from 1^stto 31^stJuly)

I wrote down the relevant details of the NA list on a piece of paper (a chit).

Then – I went to the Base Supply Officer (BSO) – a Commander.

I showed him the chit – and I asked him if my appointment letter had come.

The Base Supply Officer called for the NA List folder.

The BSO looked at the NA List – and he said:

“This NA list has just been issued. It will take some time for the appointment letter to reach here. They take their own sweet time to dispatch the letters. Why don’t you go across to DOP and get your personal copy...?”

(DOP was the acronym for Director of Personnel at Naval Headquarters)

Those days we were very scared to go anywhere near DOP – because they were always on the prowl looking for “murgas” to transfer to “Kala Pani” – and other such remote places.

But I was so excited – that I drew up courage – and I walked into the office of the DDOP (Deputy Director of Personnel) who looked after our appointments.

I was delighted to see an officer who I knew very well sitting in the chair of DDOP – a Commander – he was a course-mate of my previous ship’s XO.

During those glorious sea-time days – when he was a Lieutenant Commander – he used to visit our ship quite often.

He was fond of drinking – and we had spent many evenings drinking together – and drinking together develops a unique camaraderie.

The DDOP was happy to see me.

He told me that he had just taken over as DDOP just a day earlier on the 31^st of March.

He enquired about me – about my M. Tech. course – and then – he asked me what I wanted.

I told him the story.

Then – I gave him the chit on which I had written details of the NA List – and – I asked him if I could have a copy of my appointment letter.

The DDOP called his deputy – the ADOP (Assistant Director of Personnel) – a Lieutenant Commander.

The DDOP handed the ADOP the chit with NA List details – and the DDOP told the ADOP to give me a copy of my appointment letter.

The ADOP looked at the NA List details.

Then – looking confused – the ADOP said to the DDOP:

“Sir – we haven’t yet issued any appointment letters for officers doing M. Tech. at IIT’s. Anyway – I will just check and get back to you, Sir.”

After a few minutes the ADOP came back and said to the DDOP:

“Sir – the NA list with this number has still not been issued.”

“What...? How can that be...?” the DDOP said, surprised.

Then – the DDOP looked at me – and he said to me:

“Are you sure you saw this NA List in the INS India Base Supply Office...?”

“Yes, Sir...” I said, “it is right on top in the NA list folder in the Base Supply Office.”

The DDOP picked up the telephone and he dialled a number.

He seemed to be speaking to the Base Supply Officer (BSO).

The DDOP read out the number of the NA list – he waited for some time – he listened to the voice on the other side – and then – he said to me:

“You just go down to the Base Supply Office and get the NA list folder – I want to get to the bottom of this mystery.”

As I was leaving – I could hear him speak on the phone: “I am sending the officer to you…”

The moment I reached the hutments where the Base Supply Office was located – I found a big gang of my friends waiting outside for me with broad smiles on their faces.

Among my friends – standing prominently with a big smile on his face – was the Captain of my previous ship – my ex Commanding Officer (CO) – who was now a Commodore posted in NHQ.

My ex ship’s CO told me that it was he who had orchestrated the whole practical joke.

I knew I had been made an “April Fool”.

That afternoon – as the “victim” of the “April Fool” joke – I had to treat everyone to Beer in the INS India wardroom – and the DDOP and Base Supply Officer (who were also parties to the “April Fool” prank) – they also joined in the “elbow bending” PLD session for a glass of chilled beer.

EPILOGUE

During the PLD Beer Session – I put on a mask of cheerfulness – but deep inside – I was feeling terrible.

I think the Commodore (my ex ship’s CO) and the DDOP noticed this – so they asked me for my choice of transfer on completion of my M. Tech.

“IAT Pune – I want to be posted to IAT Pune like you did in the “April Fool” joke...” I said tongue-in-cheek – and then I added, “but if that is not possible – please post me anywhere except Jamnagar.”

But – DOP did not transfer me to IAT Pune.

Thankfully – they did not transfer me to Jamnagar – as I had feared.

They gave me an appointment in New Delhi itself – which meant that I would’t have to move out of New Delhi.

Yes – 3 months later – I was transferred to a billet in New Delhi as Assistant Director Naval R&D.

I was enjoying my tenure in New Delhi.

Suddenly – 2 years later – in June 1985 – one day – out of the blue – I saw an appointment letter placed on my table.

I opened the letter – dreading the worst.

When I read the appointment letter – I was overjoyed.

I had been appointed as Faculty for instructional duties to IAT Pune July 1985 DTBR.

Yes – the “April Fool” joke had become a reality – and – I have been given my choice transfer to IAT Pune.

Maybe it was as a recompense for the “April Fool” prank – from the DDOP and my ex ship’s CO – and from all those who had played the “April Fool” joke on me...

All’s well that ends well...!!!

Wish You a Happy “April Fool” on ALL FOOLS’ DAY

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

This Story was written by me 6 years ago in 2013 and earlier Posted Online by me Vikram Karve on 01 April 2014 in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at 4/01/2014 11:39:00 AM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/04/humor-in-uniform-how-i-was-made-april.html and later reposted at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/april-fool-humor-in-uniform.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/humor-in-uniform-april-fool-on-all.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/humor-in-uniform-practical-joke.html

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Pune (Poona) Memories – A Walk Down Memory Lane – Strolling Down Main Street (MG Road)

Once in a while – I stroll down Main Street (MG Road) in Pune Camp.

And – whenever I do so – I remember this memoir I had written many years ago after a stroll on Main Street.

Strolling Down Main Street (MG Road) Pune

Travel Memoir

VIKRAM KARVE

Pune, the Queen of the Deccan, in the 1960s and 1970s, was indeed a “paradise” – one of the best places to live in.

Life was good.

It was easy to be happy.

The threshold of our happiness was so low that it was very easy to be happy.

Those days – in the 1960s – Pune was known as Poona.

Poona comprised two main parts – Poona City and Poona Camp.

(Poona was renamed Pune in the 1970s. So – for ease of understanding – I will use the present name “Pune” in this article – and – I will call the two parts of Pune as Pune City and Pune Camp).

Pune City comprised the “Peths” – the older Peths named after the days of the week in Marathi (Somwar, Mangalwar, Budhwar, Guruwar, Shukrawar, Shaniwar, Raviwar Peth) – and the newer ones like Kasba, Narayan, Rasta, Ghorpade, Sadashiv, Nana, Bhavani, Ganj, Ganesh, Navi Peth etc. Of course – the newer “posh” localities like Deccan Gymkhana, Erandawane, Shivajinagar etc were included in Pune City later.

Pune Camp comprised of Main Street (MG Road), East Street, Centre Street, Arsenal (Moledina) Road, and the adjoining Cantonment Areas.

(Today’s “suburbs” of Pune were villages or farmlands or desolate places...)

In those days of the 1960s/1970s – Pune primarily comprised of the “Peths” and Pune Camp.

We lived on Tilak Road, in Sadashiv Peth, and one of our most enjoyable highlights was the occasional visit to Pune Camp – to see the latest Hollywood Movie in royal style relaxing on those unique easy chairs at the inimitable West End Cinema, relishing tasty mouth-watering bites and soothing thirst-quenching sips at the Soda Fountain during the interval.

This was followed by a leisurely stroll on Main Street (MG Road) and East Street, window-shopping, bird-watching and snacking, nourishing fulfilling satiating continental dishes at Greenfields, maybe a browse at Manney’s, and then a hearty Chinese meal at Kamling or Chung Fa, or a Mughlai repast at Latif, or Punjabi Food at Kwality, Biryani at Dorabjee or George, or Sizzlers at The Place (the first Sizzler Place in India) next to Manney’s.

The icing on the cake was a Meetha Masala Pan at George to carry home with us the lingering flavour and fragrance of the delightful evening.

Let me take you back in time, to those glorious days of the 1960s/1970s.

So come with me, Dear Reader, and let’s start from the West End of Main Street and stroll down memory lane.

Opposite West End there is Naaz, so let’s go in and relish those delectable Mutton Samosas, Bun Maska and refreshing Irani style Chai.

A few years later, Naaz split into two – a Non-Veg Naaz at the original location and a Veg Naaz at the other end of the building, towards George. “Liberalisation” and “Globalisation” took its it toll and in due course the Non-Veg Naaz was replaced by a Barista and then the Veg Naaz was replaced by a shoe store. Greenfields, the delicious breakfast place at the other end of Main Street has disappeared too.

Next we stop at Pasteur Bakery, for here we are going to sample their signature Almond Macaroons – wonderful, divine, scrumptious crisp crunchy crust, sumptuous rich moist chew, the lingering heavenly flavour of almonds, luxuriant sweetness, supreme, unforgettable, unsurpassed, fantastic – the best Macaroon I have ever tasted.

And then there is the one and only Marz-o-rin next door for Chicken Rolls, Sandwiches and Cold Coffee. I am so happy that Marz-o-rin still retains its friendly character and is still going strong, becoming better each day. The signature dish of Marz-o-rin is the Chicken Roll – it is matchless. I have tasted Chicken Rolls all over the place but there is nothing like the lip smacking one served by Marz-o-rin. Generous boneless pieces of delicious chicken, the lip smacking mayonnaise, and the soft mellifluous roll yummy treat I love it. If you are vegetarian, try the slightly tangy tomato and green chutney vegetable sandwiches. And wash it down with a cold coffee.

Well that's what we old fogies always did in the good old days and still do whenever we visit Marz-o-rin. Now there are many more delightful options, and comfortable seating upstairs and friendly atmosphere in the balcony where you can sit and observe the goings on below while enjoying your snack. I like the hot bakes, especially the Bean Bake Chicken or Cheese, Macaroni, and Spaghetti with the zesty sauces. And, of course, there are all kinds of excellent Burgers, Rolls and Sandwiches, including whole wheat versions for the health-conscious foodies.

“Health-Conscious Foodie” - now that's a nice oxymoron, isn’t it…?

The chillers are exciting too Kool-Blue or Green Apple on a hot and sultry afternoon. And there a variety of juices, shakes, and ice creams to choose from. You can try what you want, everything is appetizing and tasty, but remember, in Marz-o-rin you must relish the Chicken Rolls, vegetable sandwiches and Cold Coffee for old times sake. And don't forget to take a yummy parcel for the folks at home…!

A bit ahead, across the road, there is Mona Food – whose delicious fulfilling chola bhatura is still unsurpassed but Mona Food is no longer the simple, unpretentious, no-nonsense value-for-money eatery it once was, but it is still worth a visit so we will relish those delectable chole bhature some other time – we want to keep our appetite for dinner, isn’t it…?

So let’s build up an appetite, and just stroll, past Needlewoman, D. Phillips, Imperial Hosiery, Footwear, Clothes, Sports, Stores and Shops of all kinds – window-shop and bird-watch. The old faithful die-hards still patronise these stores, but the youngsters prefer shopping in the glittering Malls proliferating all over Pune.

But before we decide where to go for dinner, let’s not forget to get those peerless Shrewsbury Biscuits, Wine Biscuits, Chocolate Walnut Cake and Cheese Papri from Kayani Bakery and my favourite irresistible Sev Barfi from Bhavnagari Sweets.

Hungry…?

In a mood for some delicious Chinese food. Okay, let’s go to Kamling on East Street.

Kamling...? Hey, where’s that...?

Kamling was the best Chinese Restaurant in Pune, famous for its signature pork dishes (especially the sweet and sour pork) and inimitable American Chopsuey. Despite the fact that Kamling was patronised by number of distinguished personalities and famous film stars – it always remained a down-to-earth affordable restaurant.

Snap to the present.

Kamling has vanished – and in its place there is Mayur Dining Hall where you can savour an excellent Vegetarian Thali. (I believe even Mayur Dining Hall has relocated)

And many other heritage places have disappeared too – like Naaz, Greenfields and the West End Soda Fountain and Lords, the best tailoring shop in Pune, but many like Pasteur, Marz-o-rin, Mona Food, Dorabjee, Chung Fa, Sizzlers, Burger King, and George are still going strong, and Main Street still hasn’t lost its captivating charm. Some eateries like Olympia on East Street, which served delectable kababs and rolls, have transformed into new avatars.

Even the iconic Manney’s Bookstore shut down a few years ago.

After a stroll down Main Street (MG Road) – I feel hungry.

I want to have a leisurely “heritage” meal.

I decide to head for Dorabjee.

So – I walk leisurely towards Sarbatwala Chowk till I reach Dorabjee and Sons.

I dive in through the low entrance of Dorabjee’s and look around.

The eatery is crowded, with noisy families bashing away regardless greedily devouring the heaps food before them.

The mouth-watering aroma, and the sight of the appetizing food, creates in me such ravenous pangs of hunger that I quickly sit on the only vacant table and order a Mutton Biryani – the signature dish of Dorabjee.

As is the hallmark of authentic speciality cuisine restaurants the menu is select just a few choice dishes a single page.

There's Sali, Curry, Masala and Biryani in Mutton and Chicken; Kheema, Brain, Eggs, and combinations thereof, cutlets in gravy, and a few Veg dishes, for appearance sake.

On Sunday afternoons, you can have Dhansak, maybe on your way to the races in the season.

I spoon some Biryani onto my tongue, seal my lips, close my eyes, turn my senses inwards with full consciousness to imbibe and savour the unique medley of juices released by the succulent piece of mutton, the bitterish-sweet taste of the slightly burnt crisp fried onions, and the spicy flavoursome rice.

It is superlative delicious authentic cuisine at its best.

Dorabjee serves the best heritage mutton biryani in Pune – no doubt about it.

Yes, Blue Nile, George and Good Luck serve good heritage Biryani too and now there are many new high falutin places in Pune which serve good biryani too but the charm of these heritage eateries remains.

I don’t know why, but it appears that, of late, the unpretentious Blue Nile is trying to masquerade as an upscale restaurant – the quality of the biryani is certainly not what it used to be.

But Dorabjee still remains the same, as if time has stood still. The fervent atmosphere of the place and exquisite quality of the food is such that one can eat enthusiastically, with wholehearted zest and gusto. ; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.

At Dorabjee, you can enjoy every morsel of your food with passionate ardour; not apologetically and self-consciously, as one tends to do, trying to be prim and proper, in highfalutin restaurants.

And as I reach blissful satiety I realize that a well-filled stomach radiates a kind of spiritual happiness.

The ideal way to end this rich spicy repast is to cool it off with a Falooda. Falooda is to Mutton Biryani what Mastani is to Mutton Kolhapuri.

So – I walk down Sachapir Street, cross Main Street, and head for Badshah on East Street to down a deliciously sweet and chilled Rose flavoured Royal Falooda.

Of course, what better way to conclude the nostalgic food walk than with a Meetha Masala Pan at George to carry home with you a lingering flavour and delightful elevating fragrance.

Pune may have changed – and the “food district” may have shifted to Koregaon Park – but heritage institutions like Dorabjee, George, Kayani in Pune Camp – and a few heritage eateries in Pune City still preserve the flavour of yesteryear Pune.

But these are a few exceptions as everything seems to be getting “standardized” and Pune’s unique culinary culture and landmark heritage foodie institutions are slowly vanishing.

Pune – the “Oxford of the East” – the “Queen of the Deccan” – the salubrious “Pensioners Paradise” – a city which once famous for its laid back lifestyle, lovely charm and unique culture of its own – is fast metamorphosing into a faceless metropolis.

VIKRAM KARVE

This is a repost of my article written around 13 years ago in the year 2006 and posted online earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/02/living-in-pune-down-memory-lane-food.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/08/yesteryear-pune-strolling-down-main.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2016/03/strolling-down-main-street-pune-travel.html etc