Mysore Sandal Soap – A Refreshing “Feel Good” Bath

A “Feel Good” Bath

REFRESHING BATHING and LINGERING FRAGRANCE

Mysore Sandal Soap

By

VIKRAM KARVE

I am feeling good. 

Summer has arrived in Pune. 

It is a sultry hot morning – blazing sun, terrible heat. 

Yet – I am feeling good. 

I am feeling good because I have just had a bath with Mysore Sandal Soap. 

I feel clean and refreshed. 

I smell very nice and pleasant – with the lingering spicy fragrance of Sandalwood. 

I clearly remember my first tryst with Mysore Sandal Soap. 

Way back in the 1960s – we used to travel twice a year – from the “upcountry” – to Pune – for our vacations. 

Those days – Air Travel was a luxury – and – everyone travelled by the Indian Railways. 

Those days – there were no direct trains from “upcountry” stations to Pune (then known as Poona) – and – we had to travel via Mumbai (then known as Bombay). 

So – we came down from the “upcountry” by famous trains – like the Frontier Mail, the Howrah Mail, the Calcutta Mail or the Punjab Mail – feeling all scruffy and weary – covered with coal dust.

In Mumbai – we got off Dadar in the morning – and went to my grand-aunt’s house in Hindu Colony nearby.

The old-style house had a huge spotlessly clean tiled bathroom – and – it was there that I first discovered “Mysore Sandal Soap”

It was a leisurely relaxed bathing experience – the soothing lather of “Mysore Sandal Soap” softening my skin.

And – I would emerge from my bath – fully refreshed – exuding the tantalizing yet subtle lingering fragrance of sandalwood.

Then – after a sumptuous breakfast – we would board a bus from Dadar TT – or catch a local train from Dadar Station to Mumbai CST (then known as Bombay VT) – spend the day loafing in South Mumbai – window shopping, browsing books, a movie and a meal – and then head to Mumbai CST Railway Station – to catch the Deccan Queen to Pune.

Since then – “Mysore Sandal Soap” is my all time favourite bathing soap – and – I truly enjoy the luxurious bathing experience every morning – and – in the evenings too. 

Being an “old timer” – I prefer the subtle lingering natural fragrance of sandalwood – rather than the overpowering synthetic scent of present day deodorants. 

I believe that it is better to maintain body cleanliness and personal hygiene – which prevents body odour – rather than try to mask your foul body odour by spraying your body copiously with strong smelling deodorants and perfumes. 

A nice soothing bath – skin feeling soft and nourished – feeling clean and refreshed – smelling natural – gently exuding the lingering gentle comforting fresh fragrance of sandalwood  – that is what makes me feel good – rather than the present day practice of profusely deodorizing one’s body – till one reeks of artificial overpowering standardized perfume all day. 

Mysore Sandal Soap celebrated its centenary (100 years) two years ago in 1916.

(Mysore Sandal Soap has been manufactured since 1916 when Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, the King of Mysore, set up the Government Soap Factory in Bangalore) 

Here is a picture of the carton of Mysore Sandal Soap. 

I am sure you have tried out “Mysore Sandal Soap”.

No...? 

You haven’t used “Mysore Sandal Soap” yet...?

Then – you must have a bath with “Mysore Sandal Soap” soon. 

Do have a tantalizing bathing experience with “Mysore Sandal Soap” – especially on a hot summer day – and tell us how you liked it.

Morning and evening – on a hot summer day – have a bath with “Mysore Sandal Soap” 

You will smell nice – you will feel clean – and – you will feel “good”.

You can take my word for it. 

Have a nice day...!!! 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

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.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is a revised repost of my article on MYSORE SANDAL SOAP written 14 years ago in 2004 and posted online by me earlier a number of times including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/09/mysore-sandal-soap-lovely-bath.html  and  http://vikramwkarve.blogspot.in/2010/09/tantalizing-bath-and-lingering.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/02/refreshing-bath-and-lingering-fragrance.html  and  https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/04/a-feel-good-smell-good-bath.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/feel-good-bath-mysore-sandal-soap.html etc

Humor in Uniform – The Military “Metrosexual”

Unforgettable Memories of my IAT Girinagar Days


METROSEXUALS IN UNIFORM

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Meaning of the word “Metrosexual” :

A usually urban heterosexual male given to enhancing his personal appearance by fastidious grooming, beauty treatments, and fashionable clothes 

(merriam-webster) 

METROSEXUALS IN UNIFORM

This happened 32 years ago – in the mid 1980’s – when I was a newly appointed “Directing Staff” (DS) at IAT Pune.

I had barely settled down in my new job – when a paper landed on my table.

I had been appointed “Chairman” of the IAT CSD Canteen.

In actual fact – this was no great appointment.

This was a “bum job” – a sundry duty I had to do in addition to my primary job.

And – the high-sounding “Chairman” meant nothing – it was IAT parlance for what we in the Navy called “Officer-in-Charge”.

But – I was in seventh heaven – because I had never been appointed “Chairman” before.

Power went to my head – and I immediately decided to “take charge” – and “show off” my power of “command”.

I decided to pay an immediate visit to my new “empire”.

I summoned the Canteen Manager – an Army JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer).

I peremptorily ordered him to get the CSD Canteen opened for my visit.

“Sir – why don’t you come in the evening – when the canteen opens...?” he suggested.

“No. I want to take rounds of the canteen right now. And I want to speak to all the canteen staff...” I said firmly. 

The Canteen Manager JCO remained silent.

So – I asked the Canteen Manager JCO: 

“Do you have any problems...?”

“No Problems, Sir. I will summon the staff. We will be ready to receive you in 15 minutes...” the Canteen Manager said.

15 minutes later – when I reached the CSD Canteen – located in a dilapidated “Nissan Hut” – I found the motley canteen staff assembled there.

The Canteen Manager JCO introduced them to me.

I gave them the usual “motivational” pep talk (which they must have heard ad nauseam from every incoming “Chairman”).

“Is there anything urgent...?” I asked the Canteen Manager.

“Sir – the monthly demand has to go by tomorrow to the CSD depot. I have already prepared the demand list. I will get the demand list to your office for your signature in the afternoon. If you sign it today – I will send someone to the depot first thing in the morning tomorrow...” he said.

“Why bring it to my office? I will sign the demand right now. That’s how we work in the Navy – we do things “right here and right now”...” I bullshitted the JCO.

The Canteen Manager JCO pulled out a huge list from the cupboard.

I was taken aback on seeing the huge demand list – so I asked the Canteen Manager: 

“Why have you made such a huge list...? Is this a bloody military canteen or a departmental store...?”

The Canteen Manager did not say anything.

I started reading the list.

Then – I took out my pen from my pocket – and – I started striking out items from the list with strokes of my pen

“Sir – what are you doing...?” the JCO asked, looking alarmed.

“Why have you ordered so many “cosmetics”...?” I asked him.

“Cosmetics...? Sir...?” he asked, looking clueless.

“Hair Dye, Fairness Cream, Body Lotions, Beauty Soap, Lipstick, Nail Polish, Perfumes…? What the hell is all this...?” I thundered.

“Sir – these “beauty products” are in high demand...” the JCO said.

“Are you telling me that soldiers are using “fairness creams” and colouring their hair with “Hair-Dye”...?” I shouted.

“Sir – some officers…” the JCO mumbled.

I looked at the JCO and said firmly: 

“All “faujis” – yes – all “faujis” – officers and soldiers – all “faujis” are supposed to be tough masculine men – we do not want effeminate “metrosexuals” in the defence services – military men are not supposed to use makeup or cosmetics. Is that clear...?”

“Yes, Sir...” the JCO said, “but the ladies…”

“Which ladies are you talking about…?” I asked the JCO.

“Sir - the “Memsahibs”...” the JCO said

“Oh – “Memsahibs” – “faujans”...” I remarked. 

“Yes, Sir...” the JCO said

“Well – the same principle applies to military wives too – okay. Both “faujis” and “faujans” are supposed to lead simple lives of “thrift and frugality”. Didn’t I tell you before – this is a bloody “military canteen” – not a fancy “beauty store”…” I shouted at the confused Canteen Manager JCO.

I continued to strike off all the “cosmetic” items from the list – while the Canteen Manager watched on.

“Sir – Sir – why have you removed “Hair Fixer” from the demand list...?” he said, looking alarmed.

“Isn’t “hair fixer” a cosmetic...?” I asked.

“No, Sir – “hair fixer” is like a wax – Sir – to put on your beard – so you can tie it up…” the JCO said.

I stroked my handsome full-set Navy beard – and said to the Army JCO: 

“Look at me – I have a proper full-set flowing beard – I never use “hair fixer” – and – I don’t tie up my beard…” 

“Sir – you are in the Navy – in the Army…” the JCO stammered, looking anxious.

He had a point.

Whereas we in the Navy kept our excellent beards free-flowing – personnel in the other services who were allowed to keep beards – they seemed to tie up their beards in some sort of net.

So – in the interest of “jointmanship” and “inter-service camaraderie” – I said to the Canteen JCO: 

“Okay, okay – if you feel “hair fixer” is essential – let “hair fixer” be there on the list…” 

“Thank you, Sir...” the JCO said, looking relieved.

I observed that the CSD canteen staff was looking at me.

I believe in “participative” management – so I decided to involve all the staff. 

I gave the list to the Canteen Manager.

Then – I said to all my canteen staff:

“Come on – all of you – go through the demand list and strike out all cosmetics and beauty products – and also remove all items which are not essential. We should have just one type of every item – for example – we should order just one brand of soap – which is essential for hygiene – soldiers have no need for beauty soaps – do you understand – just have one type of every item which is essential for “faujis” – preferably the cheapest item which “faujis” can afford – I want no fancy or luxury items in this canteen…”

Everyone used their initiative – and “non-essential” items were struck of the list with a vengeance – till the demand was reduced to just one page.

“Sir – what about the “beauty products” we already have stocked in the canteen...? Should we throw them out and write them off...?” a highly motivated “Fauji Johnnie” asked me.

“No – we cannot throw out items in stock. So you can keep selling these cosmetics and beauty products till stocks last – but – there is to be no further procurement of “cosmetic items”...” I said.

The stocks of “beauty products” did not last long.

The first “beauty product” to be “sold out” was Hair Dye.

I came to know that hair-dye was “out-of-stock” during our customary mid-morning Tea Break.

A “Cavalry” Colonel with suspiciously black hair approached me.

The Colonel complained to me that there was no “Hair-Dye” in the CSD Canteen. 

I had never imagined that this “Cavalry” Colonel who strutted around with a pompous swagger was actually a “Metrosexual” in Uniform.

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 blog post 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.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a Revised Version of my article METROSEXUAL SOLDIER written by me on Feb 20, 2015 and posted online in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/02/humor-in-uniform-metrosexual-soldier.html  and later on May 17, 2015 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/05/should-soldiers-use-cosmetics.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/09/metrosexual-in-uniform-military-humor.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/humor-in-uniform-new-age-metrosexual.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/05/metrosexuals-in-uniform.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/01/humor-metrosexuals-in-uniform.html