Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: September 2019

Saturday, September 21, 2019

“Daddy” – Last Post

Remembrance – Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008)

Tomorrow is the 22nd of September 2019 – the 11^th death anniversary of my late father-in-law Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi who we affectionately called “Daddy”.

How time flies...!!!

He passed away in the early hours of 22 September 2008.

Eleven years have passed since the inimitable Pratap Dattatraya Joshi left for his heavenly abode.

Lest we forget him – on this day – his 11^th death anniversary – let me sound the “Last Post” once again.

As a token of my remembrance – here is the obituary “LAST POST” that I wrote for him when he left us for his heavenly abode on the 22nd of September 2008.

LAST POST

Obituary

Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008)

In the early hours of the 22^nd of September 2008, Pratap Dattatraya Joshi, breathed his last, and departed for his heavenly abode, at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.

Pratap Joshi was an epitome of simple living and high thinking.

Born on the 6^th of March 1932, he imbibed sterling values from his father, DP Joshi, a Teacher and Scout, a legend in his lifetime.

Brigadier PD Joshi was a product of the prestigious First Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA – or 1^st JSW – as he liked to call it – then located in Dehradun).

Brigadier PD Joshi was certainly not the archetypal pompous hard-drinking handlebar-moustachioed high-falutin “Colonel Blimp” type of Army Officer.

He was not an elitist snob, but a simple honest patriotic professional who believed in grassroot soldiering.

He was a simple, down-to-earth, Spartan, unassuming, dedicated, sincere, patriotic, scrupulously honest, erudite person possessing a golden heart filled with humility and compassion.

Throughout his distinguished career spanning 37 years, and even thereafter, he spread happiness, benevolence and goodwill owing to his cheerful disposition, kind-hearted nature and inimitable sense of humour.

Forever young at heart – Pratap Joshi did not suffer from the Auld Lang Syne Complex.

After retirement – unlike most retired “faujis” – he never lived in the past, languishing and brooding about the “good old days” – but he moved on with exceptional enthusiasm and childlike zeal to his new loves – music and social work.

Starting from the scratch – he studied classical music with sheer dedication, resolute grit and passionate zest for many years till he was bestowed with the prestigious music post-graduate degree of Sangeet Alankar.

Then he taught music to one and all, free of cost – making special efforts to teach the needy and underprivileged.

Travelling extensively – and roughing it out in the heart of the mofussil – to rural and far flung regions – he made a significant social contribution to enhancing primary education in backward areas, as the Chief Trustee of the Natu Foundation Educational Trust.

He eagerly contributed his expertise to Jnana Prabodhini and for improving the efficiency of Hospitals.

Pratap Joshi loved animals, especially dogs.

He always had pet dogs, and showered his unconditional love on them and all the dogs that he came across in the neighbourhood, pet and stray.

It was distressing to see Dolly desperately searching for him soon after he had gone away from us forever.

We shall always remember the love with which he snuggled and cuddled Sherry, our pet dog – a “Doberman-X” girl – when she was a baby.

(Sadly – Sherry also passed away to her heavenly abode in December 2014)

Pratap Joshi had a genuine zest for living – and he enjoyed every moment of his life – indulging himself in his favourite foods, movies, travel, music etc

If he liked to do something – he did it – anything he liked – without caring for what others would think.

He laughed – and he made others laugh.

I first met Pratap Joshi in March 1982 – and he left such a lasting impression on me that I became his fan ever since.

He was my father-in-law – more like a loving father who I could count on to stand by me, advise and inspire me, in happiness and in adversity – and I shall forever cherish every moment I shared with him.

My son, a seafarer, was his favourite grandchild, the apple of his eye.

It was a pity he could not be with his beloved grandfather during his last moments in September 2008 – as he was sailing on the high seas.

Such are the tragedies and travesties of life, and death.

We will miss you dearly “Daddy”.

You lived your life to its fullest and loved all of us from the bottom of your heart.

We are sure you will shower us with your blessings from your heavenly abode.

You were a noble and virtuous man who always did good to everyone you met and wherever you went.

Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008) – RIP.

May His Soul Rest in Peace.

VIKRAM KARVE

Obituary First Posted on 22 September 2008 in this Blog at url link: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2008/09/pratap-joshi-rip-remembrance.html

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Booze Wisdom – To Drink or Not to Drink

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

I “retired” from drinking more than 17 years ago – in the year 2002 – after 25 years of dedicated drinking.

Dear Reader:

Let me share some “Booze Wisdom” with you from time to time on my blog.

Here is the first tip from a Retired “Drunkard”:

Never Drink when you “Need” a Drink

I wrote this article many years ago in my series on “The Art of Drinking Alcohol”...

Cheers...!!!

Read on...

BOOZE WISDOM

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Golden Rule of Drinking Alcohol

VIKRAM KARVE

The Navy taught me many things.

One of the things I learnt in the Navy was how to drink alcohol.

Let me delve into my “Alcoholic Archives” – and – once again – share with you some of my “Boozy Wisdom” from my select writings on “How to Drink Alcohol”...

Cheers – Enjoy !!!

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Yes – DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

People who drink to drown their sorrow – should be told that – sorrow knows how to swim.

~ Ann Landers

One evening – a friend of mine landed up at my place – and he said to me:

“I have had a really terrible day at work. I need a drink...”

“I will get you a cup of tea...” I said.

“Tea…?” he exclaimed astounded, “haven’t you got some whiskey or something...? I told you I am feeling terrible – everything went wrong today – I desperately need a drink…”

“I know you are dying for a drink – you are craving, yearning, thirsting for that “soothing” sip of alcohol. That is why you must not drink now. You must never drink when you need a drink...” I said.

My friend pleaded – but – I did not budge.

I gave him a cup of tea – which he drank with great reluctance.

Then – he walked off in a huff – calling me all sorts of names – he said that I was a miser – a “good for nothing” friend – an “unofficer-like” officer.

But – I knew I that had done the right thing.

Yes – I had done the right thing.

I did not give him a drink when he “needed” a drink.

Because – that is my first golden rule of drinking alcohol – or – if you like – let’s call it “Booze Wisdom”...

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Yes – don’t drink when you desperately want to have a drink.

Do not touch a drop of alcohol when your mind or body craves for alcohol.

Sounds funny isn’t it...?

Let me try to elucidate.

Never drink when you need a drink.

Do not drink when you are feeling any negative emotion like despondency, sadness, anger, irritation, envy, unhappiness, frustration, emotional pain, bad moods, down in the dumps feeling, or any negative vibes.

Never touch the bottle when you are in negative mood – otherwise – the bottle will “unbottle” you.

Remember – if you drink alcohol in these circumstances – the bottle will “unbottle” your dormant repressed inner feelings – and – release your pent up negative emotions – and – make you feel even more miserable – and – spoil the mood of all those around you.

Let me tell you something I have observed in real life.

If you want to know the true character of a man – just get him drunk – and – what is hidden inside him will come out – and his true inner self will be revealed.

(Maybe – the same applies to women as well – but I did not have the opportunity to observe women getting drunk – so I cannot vouch for it)

Alcohol “opens” you up.

That’s what alcohol does – isn’t it...?

Alcohol reduces inhibitions – makes you more talkative, more expansive and more expressive – loosens you up – and helps release, bring out and amplify your inner emotions, talents, passions, sentiments.

That is why some persons become more creative after imbibing a drink or two – since alcohol unleashes your inhibitions – and releases the music, the poetry, the creativity hidden within you.

If you are happy inside – after a few drinks you will start physically expressing your happiness – maybe in a boisterous manner – and outwardly – by laughing, cheer and bonhomie.

Once you drink when you are in high spirits – you may even articulate your secret unexpressed love – you become amorous and romantic – and try to realize your hidden desires – and reveal without compunctions all your inner secrets – which otherwise you would never disclose when sober.

But – the converse is also true.

By reducing inhibitions – alcohol may bring out the worst in you – by facilitating the release of pent up negative emotions like anger, envy, dejection, despondency, frustration – and these unleashed amplified negative emotions may result in undesirable, unpleasant and even disastrous consequences.

Have you noticed how some people get violent, argumentative, rude or even melancholic, moody, sullen, depressed, unsociable, unpleasant after a few drinks...?

Never drink when you “need” a drink.

“Intoxication isn’t an escape from your problems – it just worsens the situation by amplifying your problems further”.

Dear Reader – in my opinion – the best thing is to be a teetotaller – and avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

But – if you must have a drink – please do make sure that you are feeling positive vibes – and – you are peaceful and happy inside

And – Never Drink when you desperately “Need” that Drink.

Yes – Do Not Drink Alcohol when you are feeling depressed or low or angry or have negative emotions.

Remember this Golden Rule:

If you must drink alcohol – always drink when you are happy.

You must enjoy your drinking when you are in good cheer and full of positive vibes.

So – this is my first golden rule of drinking alcohol:

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Yes – DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

If you must drink alcohol – remember the corollary to the above dictum:

It is okay to have a drink when you don’t “need” that drink.

So:

Drink – when you don’t “need” a drink

But:

Don’t Drink when you “Need” a Drink.

Remember this “Booze Wisdom” :

DRINK – WHEN YOU DON’T “NEED” A DRINK

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Cheers ... !!!

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This is based on my personal experience. It may or may not work for you. So please do due diligence before trying out this technique.

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.

Booze Wisdom – To Drink or Not to Drink

BOOZE WISDOM

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Golden Rule of Drinking Alcohol

VIKRAM KARVE

The Navy taught me many things.

One of the things I learnt in the Navy was how to drink alcohol.

Let me delve into my “Alcoholic Archives” – and – once again – share with you some of my “Boozy Wisdom” from my select writings on “How to Drink Alcohol”...

Cheers – Enjoy !!!

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Yes – DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

People who drink to drown their sorrow – should be told that – sorrow knows how to swim.

~ Ann Landers

One evening – a friend of mine landed up at my place – and he said to me:

“I have had a really terrible day at work. I need a drink...”

“I will get you a cup of tea...” I said.

“Tea…?” he exclaimed astounded, “haven’t you got some whiskey or something...? I told you I am feeling terrible – everything went wrong today – I desperately need a drink…”

My friend pleaded – but – I did not budge.

I gave him a cup of tea – which he drank with great reluctance.

Then – he walked off in a huff – calling me all sorts of names – he said that I was a miser – a “good for nothing” friend – an “unofficer-like” officer.

But – I knew I that had done the right thing.

Yes – I had done the right thing.

I did not give him a drink when he “needed” a drink.

Because – that is my first golden rule of drinking alcohol – or – if you like – let’s call it “Booze Wisdom”...

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Yes – don’t drink when you desperately want to have a drink.

Do not touch a drop of alcohol when your mind or body craves for alcohol.

Sounds funny isn’t it...?

Let me try to elucidate.

Never drink when you need a drink.

Never touch the bottle when you are in negative mood – otherwise – the bottle will “unbottle” you.

Let me tell you something I have observed in real life.

If you want to know the true character of a man – just get him drunk – and – what is hidden inside him will come out – and his true inner self will be revealed.

(Maybe – the same applies to women as well – but I did not have the opportunity to observe women getting drunk – so I cannot vouch for it)

Alcohol “opens” you up.

That’s what alcohol does – isn’t it...?

That is why some persons become more creative after imbibing a drink or two – since alcohol unleashes your inhibitions – and releases the music, the poetry, the creativity hidden within you.

If you are happy inside – after a few drinks you will start physically expressing your happiness – maybe in a boisterous manner – and outwardly – by laughing, cheer and bonhomie.

But – the converse is also true.

Have you noticed how some people get violent, argumentative, rude or even melancholic, moody, sullen, depressed, unsociable, unpleasant after a few drinks...?

Never drink when you “need” a drink.

“Intoxication isn’t an escape from your problems – it just worsens the situation by amplifying your problems further”.

Dear Reader – in my opinion – the best thing is to be a teetotaller – and avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

But – if you must have a drink – please do make sure that you are feeling positive vibes – and – you are peaceful and happy inside

And – Never Drink when you desperately “Need” that Drink.

Yes – Do Not Drink Alcohol when you are feeling depressed or low or angry or have negative emotions.

Remember this Golden Rule:

If you must drink alcohol – always drink when you are happy.

You must enjoy your drinking when you are in good cheer and full of positive vibes.

So – this is my first golden rule of drinking alcohol:

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Yes – DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

If you must drink alcohol – remember the corollary to the above dictum:

It is okay to have a drink when you don’t “need” that drink.

So:

Drink – when you don’t “need” a drink

But:

Don’t Drink when you “Need” a Drink.

Remember this “Booze Wisdom” :

DRINK – WHEN YOU DON’T “NEED” A DRINK

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Cheers ... !!!

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

1. This is based on my personal experience. It may or may not work for you. So please do due diligence before trying out this technique.