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

By

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

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.

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

Humor in Uniform : Art of “Cleanship”

Humor in Uniform

“CLEANSHIP”

In the civilian world – the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” (Clean India Mission) was launched on the 2nd of October 2014.

But – in the Navy – this initiative is going on since time immemorial – only – it is known by a different name – it is called “cleanship” – and – in the Navy – all ships, shore establishments (stone frigates) and Dockyards are required to be kept spotlessly clean. 

Also – in the Navy – an Officer is supposed to be a “Jack of all Trades – and Master of One”

The one “Trade” in which you are supposed to be a “Master” is your professional job at sea and ashore (what they call “core competency” in the corporate world and industry) – but beyond that – you can be tasked with anything and everything – including “cleanship”.

So – in addition to your professional “tradecraft” (your primary duty in which you are supposed to be a “Master”) – in the Navy – you are given a lot of “secondary duties” – which you are supposed to perform to the best of your ability.

And – one of the most important “secondary duties” at which all officers and sailors are adept at is “cleanship”.

Like there is humor in all Naval activities – there are plenty of hilarious “cleanship” stories.

Let me tell you one such “cleanship” story from my wonderful Navy Days – this happened many years ago...

ART OF CLEANSHIP

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

During my long service in the Navy– especially in Naval Dockyards – I have observed that it is easy to create a junkyard (or garbage dump) anywhere you want to.

All you have to do is to dump some trash at the “selected site” for a few days.

Soon – others will follow suit – and they will start dumping their garbage, junk, litter, and debris (whatever they want to get rid of) at the same place – and in due course you will have a full fledged garbage dump or junkyard in place over there.

This is exactly what happened in a Naval Dockyard.

A desperate Manager was conducting a frantic “full-night overtime” last minute “cleanship” of his department workshops for a sudden “surprise” VIP visit the next morning.

All the junk, scrap, litter and debris removed from the shop-floors were meticulously piled up in a newly created trash-heap.

The Foreman was careful to ensure that this newly created junkyard (“garbage dump”) was strategically located well away from his department.

The Foreman believed in the “cleanship” dictum: 

“Never keep your “shit” in front of your doorstep. Shift your “shit” in front of someone else’s doorstep”

(The word “shit” is used metaphorically to denote all types of garbage, rubbish, junk, debris, trash etc)

That is why the innovative Foreman had ingeniously created the new “garbage dump” near the entrance of a Naval Unit which did not belong to the Dockyard – though the unit was located inside the premises of the dockyard.

The VIP visit was a success – and the “Top Brass” complimented the Manager on the excellent cleanliness of his workshops.

Meanwhile – the newly created “garbage dump” started growing in size – since everyone nearby conveniently started using it to dump their garbage there – rather than carry it to conservancy bins located some distance away.

Some construction work was in progress nearby – and workers found it convenient to dump debris here at this newly created “garbage dump” – rather than cart it all the way to the officially designated debris dumping site.

In a matter of days – the place looked like a full-fledged junkyard – with all sorts of rubbish, waste, junk, scrap, litter and debris heaped up in a huge pile of garbage.

I am sure a few officers – including me – must have noticed the trash heap – but in typical “mind-your-own-business” mentality they must have thought to themselves: “It is not my job to clear garbage – so why should I bother about it”.

(Of course – this did not prevent them from conveniently dumping their own garbage in that “junkyard”)

One day – the Navy Unit adjoining the “garbage dump” was visited by an Admiral from Headquarters – Rear Admiral “X” – who was the direct boss of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the unit.

The Admiral was surprised to see the huge trash-heap near the entrance gate of the Naval Unit – and he was appalled.  

Rear Admiral “X” told the OIC that he did not remember seeing this “garbage dump” in front of his unit – and the Admiral asked the OIC who had created this huge “junkyard” right next to the entrance of the Naval Unit. 

The OIC was clueless.

The furious Admiral ordered the OIC to remove the garbage pile immediately and render a completion report by evening.

The OIC “officially” asked Yard Conservancy Services to remove the “garbage dump”.

Yard Conservancy Services “officially” told the OIC to “hop”.

Yard Conservancy Services said that this new “junkyard” did not fall under their “jurisdiction” – as it was not in their “official list of garbage dumps”.

The hapless OIC then personally went across to Manager Yard Services and pleaded before him.

“Okay – I will have the debris cleared next week when the scrap dealer comes to take away the scrap,” the Yard Services Manager said.

“No, No, my Boss, Rear Admiral “X” wants a completion report by today evening. Please help me…” the OIC was on the verge of tears.

Seeing the pitiable state of the OIC – the Yard Services Manager decided to help him.

But the real reason was that the Yard Services Manager wanted to earn some “brownie points” with Rear Admiral “X” – who was a “rising star” in the Navy.

“Okay – I will relocate the garbage dump to a temporary place till the scrap dealer comes next week,” the Yard Services Manager assured the OIC.

“Thanks,” the OIC said gratefully.

“And you don’t bother about making the completion report to your boss. I know Rear Admiral “X” very well – I will personally make the completion report to him once the job is done,” the Yard Services Manager told the OIC of the unit.

The “garbage dump” was relocated in the evening – after working hours.

By a strange irony – the garbage pile was dumped near the entrance of the very same department which had created the “junkyard” in the first place. 

The new “garbage dump” was 10 times the size of the original trash-pile.

On seeing the huge “garbage dump” in front of his workshop – and – recognizing some junk which had emanated from his workshop – the wizened Foreman laughed – and he said to himself: 

“If you shift your “shit” in front of someone else’s doorstep – you may find even greater “shit” in front of your doorstep”

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 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:

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 repost of my story DOCKYARDS AND JUNKYARDS posted by me online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/06/humor-in-uniform-dockyards-and-junkyards.html

“Sunday Routine”

Happy Memories of My Wonderful Life in the Navy

“SUNDAY ROUTINE”

“Liberty” and Leisure

Memoir 

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Today is Sunday.

Out here – in Pune – it is a bright Sunday Morning – and it is already getting hot – since we are in the midst of the blistering October heat.

Sitting indoors on this sweltering hot Sunday Morning makes me hark back to my halcyon Navy Days – and remember my “Sunday Routines” in the Navy.

Once you retire – every day is a “Sunday Routine”.

But when we were in the Navy – and our ship was tied alongside in harbour – we looked forward to our Sundays.

Unless you were on duty – Sunday was a day of Liberty when we could enjoy what the Navy calls “Sunday Routine” – our well deserved leisure time.

Let me tell you about a few of my typical “Sunday Routines”.

In the Navy – when you are at sea – you are on duty round-the-clock 24/7 – and there is no “holiday” – so there is no “Sunday Routine” in the true sense.

But when your ship is in harbour – you have “make-and-mend” (half day) on Wednesdays and Saturdays – and a “Sunday Routine” on Sundays and Holidays.

Unlike the corporate sector and government civilian babus – an operational organisation like the navy does not have the luxury of a “5 Day Week” – so we worked 6 days a week – and a weekly “off” only on Sundays – unless you were the “Officer of the Day” (OOD) – or you were put on some other “bum job” duty.

So – we eagerly waited for Sunday – and coveted our “Sunday Routine”.

“Sunday Routine” was our own personal time which we could spend as we liked – and we could do as we pleased.

Aristotle has wisely said: “The end of labour is to gain leisure”

We laboured the whole week to gain our “Sunday Routine” – and we were determined to enjoy our well earned leisure to the fullest.

Different individuals spend their leisure in different ways.

How you spend your leisure defines your persona.

There is a saying that if you want to find out the true character of a man – find out how he spends his leisure.

In the defence services – especially in the navy – how you spend your leisure mainly depends on where you are posted.

If you are lucky to be posted in a “maximum city” like Mumbai – there is a plethora of opportunities for enjoying your leisure.

On the other hand – if you are posted to a back-of-beyond remote desolate cantonment – your choices for spending your leisure are limited.

Let me describe to you – to compare and contrast – two typical Navy Style “Sunday Routines” – one in Mumbai – and one in Vizag – almost 10 years apart – both when I was posted on frontline warships – the first in the latter half of the 1970’s – and the second in the latter half of the 1980’s.

INS “XXX” (Harbour Sunday Routine – as an “in-living” officer)

Mumbai (then called Bombay)

Circa – 1970’s

This was the happiest time of my life.

It is great to be on a happy ship.

Ours was a frontline warship – the ship was new – the crew was good – we had a delightful wardroom with friendly officers – and the general atmosphere on the ship was harmonious.

The main reason for the ship being a “Happy Ship” was our Captain – who was a great guy. 

His credo was simple – all he demanded is that we do our jobs properly – and once we did that – we were free to do whatever we pleased.

(I have observed during my long service in the Navy – and in inter-service establishments – that – particularly in the defence services – much depends on the Commanding Officer (CO) – for creating a harmonious the atmosphere in a ship/unit – and a painful “killjoy” CO can make life miserable for all – like we saw on some other ships)

On a Sunday we woke up early.

(If you remember – I told you in an earlier article that I never had late nights on Saturdays – and I preferred to have my hangovers on working days).

Early in the morning – we crossed the gangway and went ashore.

Then we embarked on a long Sunday morning walk cum jog – walking out of Lion Gate, past Kalaghoda, crossing the Oval, past CCI, then onto Marine Drive to jog to Chowpatty – and back to Churchgate – where we picked up a copy of the Cole (for the day’s races) – followed by “chota hazri” at Stadium Restaurant.

Later – in the wardroom – we had a leisurely Sunday breakfast on board ship – of dosas and coffee – while “studying” the Cole – and the racing columns in the newspapers.

Ours was a wardroom of “punters”.

At around 10 or 10:30 we were off again – walking down to our favourite Stadium Restaurant Churchgate – for a brunch of sumptuous “Kheema Pav” followed by a cup of invigorating Irani Chai – while discussing our “forecasts” and “predictions” for the day’s races.

Then we caught a western railway local train to Mahalaxmi racecourse – so that we were well in time for the first race of the day – which began at noon – or sometimes a bit later at 12:30 or 1 o’clock in the afternoon.

(We took the precaution of buying a “return ticket” – for obvious reasons)

I loved going to the races. 

The atmosphere was electric – the bookie ring – the tote – the stands – the racecourse – the crowds – the excitement – the thrill – the horses – and – not to forget – the beautiful lady punters in their Sunday best – it was a thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon.

In the evening – after a refreshing shower – and fortified with a generous quantity of Scotch and Soda – our hip flasks topped-up – we headed out again – for dinner and a late night movie – followed by midnight ice creams or milkshakes.

The restaurant where we went for dinner depended on our luck at the races – either Olympia or Bade Miyan (on a luckless day) – or Gaylord or Kamling (on a lucky day).

Even during the off-season – when there were no races – there was so much to do on a Sunday in a “maximum city” like Mumbai.

Like I said – those were the happiest days of my life – and my most enjoyable “Sunday Routines” too.

I thought these happy days would never end – but two years later – I was yanked off the ship, and posted to Jamnagar (as an instructor) – and it was still a big culture shock for me after my wonderful days in Mumbai.

I was familiar with the dreary place as a “student officer” – but it was a big disappointment – especially after my glorious days in Mumbai.

I suffered and endured almost one year in that horrible desolate place – almost becoming alcohol dependent – since the main leisure activity there was drinking Rum (while listening to old Hindi Songs on Urdu Service).

I escaped becoming an woebegone alcoholic by getting “selected” for the “prestigious” M. Tech. Course at IIT Delhi.

After two years of “paid holiday” – followed by two years in R&D – and then two more years on instructional duties at IAT Pune – and I was back on a frontline warship in Mumbai.

“Bombay days were back again” 

(Yes – Mumbai was still called Bombay in the late 1980’s).

It was back to halcyon “Sunday Routine” days – I lived at Vasant Sagar in Churchgate – and for the first few months we had a great life.

As I was living it up – chanting “Happy Days are here again” – our luck ran out – and the base port of our ship was changed from Mumbai to Vizag (Visakhapatnam) – and we were off to the Eastern Seaboard.

I had been to Vizag only once on my earlier ship – but I did not see much of the Naval Base – since our ship was berthed on the iron ore jetty in the port trust – and we were in Vizag just for a day or so – and we spent our liberty hours ashore in the town.

But it seemed that – as far as Vizag town was concerned – nothing much had changed in the last 10 years.

As compared to Mumbai – Navy life Vizag was a big comedown – as you will realize – when you see how I spent my “Sunday Routine” at Vizag (Visakhapatnam)

 

INS “YYY” (Harbour Sunday Routine – as an “MLR” officer)

Vizag (Visakhapatnam)

Circa – 1980’s

I was now married (MLR or “Money in Lieu of Ration” in Naval Jargon) – and I was living with my family in Naval Park Vizag.

Sunrise is early on the eastern seaboard – so I would get up at 5:30 on Sunday morning – and I would head for my Sunday morning super-long walk – up Dolphin’s Nose – down to Continental Beach – and then head back straight to the “Sunday Market” in the HSL complex near Scindia – and reach there by 7 – just as the market (haat) was opening up.

The entire naval community would be there at the “Sunday Market” – mostly ladies whose husbands are sleeping off their hangover – and some early riser husbands like me.

In Vizag – this Sunday Morning Market was a “must visit” since you lived far away from town in Naval Park – to pick up your weekly stock of vegetables, fruit and fish.

At around 8 – I returned home – I had a bath – we breakfasted on the idlis I had brought from the Sunday market – and at 9 o’clock – we all settled down before the TV set to watch the epic serial Ramayan.

(Later – when Ramayan was over – we would watch Mahabharat from 9 to 10 every Sunday morning).

Then we (self, wife and son) headed to the swimming pool – and spent an hour swimming and cooling off – and chitchatting with friends.

At 12 noon we were sitting in the makeshift club located in the parking lot of the officers’ mess for the Sunday afternoon Beer Biryani Tombola.

(Yes – in Vizag it was the rather prosaic and boring Tombola at the Navy Club – in lieu of thrilling and exciting Horse Racing at the Mahalaxmi Race Course which we enjoyed in Mumbai)

Then – I headed back home for a “beer and biryani induced siesta” –  which made me feel groggy.

In the evening – maybe we headed for town – full family of 3 on my Bajaj scooter – mostly accompanied by friends – and walked around Ramakrishna Beach – or maybe saw a movie at Jagdamba – followed by dinner at Daspalla.

Then we headed back home – and hit the sack.

Vizag was a big comedown from the glorious “Sunday Routines” of Mumbai.

One thing good in the Navy is that nothing is permanent.

So – many years later – in the year 2000 – I was back in Mumbai – and I enjoyed my “Sunday Routines” even better than before – since the Navy gave me a lovely house in Empress Court – opposite the Oval – in Churchgate.

What better location can you ask for in Mumbai – especially to enjoy your leisure? 

EPILOGUE

My best and most enjoyable “Sunday Routines” were in Mumbai (Bombay) and Delhi.

And the most lackluster and dreary Sunday Routines were in Jamnagar – arguably the worst place to be posted to – during my younger days in the Navy.

The Sunday Routines in places like Vizag, Kochi (Cochin) and Pune were somewhere middle-of-the-road – as I have described above.

In IAT Pune – on Sundays – we could go trekking up to Sinhagad or in the hills of Girinagar – or we would head for Pune City – to spend the day with our parents/relatives (Pune is my hometown).

How about you? 

How do you like to enjoy your Sundays?

And especially if you are a “fauji” – do tell us how you enjoyed your “Sunday Routines” in the “fauj” – in the army, the navy or the air force.

VIKRAM KARVE

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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.

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This is a revised version of my article earlier posted online by me Vikram Karve in my academic and creative writing journal blog at 7/08/2014 11:30:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/humor-in-uniform-sunday-routine.html  and later re-posted at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/04/leisure-management-navy-style-sunday.html