631) Leisure Time: Memories: My father Late Dr. J.N. Prasad's, visit to our residence in Mumbai:
I was rummaging through some old photographs, when I came across this set of a few photographs from my father's only visit to Mumbai, while we were posted in State Bank of India (SBI), Corporate Centre Mumbai.
We were allotted a flat in the SBI Quarters at Mahim, Mumbai after a wait of some one and a half years in mid-2000. It was then, that after a lot of persuasion that my father visited us around March 2002.
We were allotted a flat in the SBI Quarters at Mahim, Mumbai after a wait of some one and a half years in mid-2000. It was then, that after a lot of persuasion that my father visited us around March 2002.
On our part, we took him to Shivaji Park for morning walks, SBI Corporate Centre, Nariman Point, Gateway of India, Taj Hotel and Elephanta Caves after a short boat ride. He loved the travel by commuter train, trip to Chowpatty Beach, City Bus Rides, Juhu Beach, the street food ("Bhelpuri" & "Vada Pav") etc. He also liked "making friends" with my SBI colleagues in the campus and learning about their lives and aspirations and giving them helpful tips from his vast reservoir of experience and knowledge.
These photographs were found by me in an envelope which I had mailed to him after his Mumbai visit, and which I found kept safely in his old British glass cupboard, when he passed away in March 2007. I have not been able to find the remaining photos of his trip, which were in my personal library, perhaps as they have been lost/misplaced during our various postings.
This is a part of the recollection that I have of his visit. Sumita has given a small narration at the back of each photograph, which helped me to recollect his trip to Mumbai:
This photo was taken on the day, shortly after Dad had landed at our house after an exhausting trip from Lucknow by train.
"Oye" was a plant which we had purchased at the "Kala Ghoda" fair/festival a few months ago while we were still staying in the SBI Mahim Guest House. The little flower pot in which this plant has come, had another plant growing alongside. They both looked like desert plants so I called them "Oasis" "Oye" for this plant and "sis" for the second plant. After some time "sis" withered away and only "Oye" was left in the pot. Even today, after so many years, "Oye" is still there in our house and has given several off-springs, nine of which can still be found in our terrace garden at Pune.
The following photos were taken during our trip to the Elephanta Caves:
We are on the way to Elephanta Caves. This photo was taken by Sumita just before we boarded a ferry to the Elephanta Caves.
These ferries are the only way to transit to the Elephanta Caves. Sometimes one may face extremely rough seas, like we did once in driving rain (after "bunking" office), where our boat almost went down, but that was another adventure.
Sumita's comment: "Wow! who is that handsome dude. By the way, this is the last we have seen of that umbrella. Hope it is "sukhi" ("happy") wherever it is".
We had paused at a refreshment stallon the climb to the Elephant Caves. I remember taking the umbrella from him to help him climb the "daunting" steps at his age. I cannot remember where I left it. Anyway, umbrellas are a huge casualty while commuting at Mumbai. I think we last some six/seven umbrellas during our entire stay of five years at Mumbai.
Sumita's comment: 'Evidence that Dad actually reached to top! GREAT JOB!"
Yes, it was quite creditable at his age - walking all the way and keeping good pace with us. He even went around looking at all the sculptures inside the caves and updating his information.
Sumita's comment: "Monkey Business! Dad at the Elephanta Caves"
Ha, Ha ! The interesting part is that all the monkeys maintaining a safe distance from him, while they kept pestering other tourists. I guess that decades of teaching Medical College students had given him an imposing "aura", which the monkeys could sense. (Sorry, couldn't help that quip).
Sumita's comment: "On the Toy Train at Elephanta. Dad looking cheerful even after climbing those steps !!"
Sumita's comment: "Toy Train at Elephanta"
Sumita's comment: "Neat looking ferries"
These are the ferries which are the "Life-line" to the Elephanta Caves, bringing supplies and tourists every day.
Sumita's comment: "Ferries under repair. Rajeev is displaying some weird key chains with a grass-hopper and a fly dangling from them (Plastic, of course)"
A trip to the Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai:
I remember that we left very early in the morning on a Sunday. I wanted him to experience sitting in a "Senior Citizen's" seat in a II Class Commuter train, but without encountering any traffic. We succeeded in our mission. He was very happy, sitting in a seat marked for senior citizens:
Sumita's comment: "Dad looking pleased as punch in a II Class commuter train enroute to Chowpatty. He is perhaps the only one looking this happy in a Mumbai local train"
Sumita's comment: "Caught unawares on Chowpatty beach"
Sumita's comment: " Chowpatty beach 6.30 A.M. Everybody is looking glum and grey like the Mumbai skies. After-effects of waking up early".
Sumita's comment: "The still un-open Bhelpuri stalls of Chowpatty in the background"
Sumita's comment: "On the Mumbai-Pune Expressway"
After an action-packed holiday at Mumbai, we are heading out to Pune for an equally great trip...........
My father Dr. J.N. Prasad was the first medical doctor from the small town of Maudaha in District Hamirpur, in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh.
Having studied medicine at King George's Medical College, Lucknow, he was on the faculty thereat and also had a roaring private practice in Ophthalmology , before taking up a senior Professor's assignment at the Physiology Department at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh around 1960. Operating out of the old building of the Medical College, he was instrumental in envisioning and setting up the modern building of the Medical College at its present location which caters to medical students from India and abroad apart from having excellent teaching, research and hospital facilities. In his senior capacity as a Professor, he also officiated as the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University for some time.
He passed away on 27.03.2007 at his residence in Lucknow, a few years after his Mumbai visit. Today is his 83th Birth Anniversary.
Sumita's comment: "Neat looking ferries"
These are the ferries which are the "Life-line" to the Elephanta Caves, bringing supplies and tourists every day.
A trip to the Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai:
I remember that we left very early in the morning on a Sunday. I wanted him to experience sitting in a "Senior Citizen's" seat in a II Class Commuter train, but without encountering any traffic. We succeeded in our mission. He was very happy, sitting in a seat marked for senior citizens:
Sumita's comment: "The still un-open Bhelpuri stalls of Chowpatty in the background"
After an action-packed holiday at Mumbai, we are heading out to Pune for an equally great trip...........
My father Dr. J.N. Prasad was the first medical doctor from the small town of Maudaha in District Hamirpur, in the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh.
Having studied medicine at King George's Medical College, Lucknow, he was on the faculty thereat and also had a roaring private practice in Ophthalmology , before taking up a senior Professor's assignment at the Physiology Department at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh around 1960. Operating out of the old building of the Medical College, he was instrumental in envisioning and setting up the modern building of the Medical College at its present location which caters to medical students from India and abroad apart from having excellent teaching, research and hospital facilities. In his senior capacity as a Professor, he also officiated as the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University for some time.
He passed away on 27.03.2007 at his residence in Lucknow, a few years after his Mumbai visit. Today is his 83th Birth Anniversary.
Links to some Leisure time short stories on this Blog by Rajeev Prasad:
6) Leisure Time Short Stories: Remembering Uncle Paul Haegar: A German Army Officer in World War II, who became an exemplary Horticulturist and transformed/landscaped the gardens of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) into examples of beauty and excellence
7) Leisure Time Short Stories : Connecting through several lifetimes: The Story of the "Panditji" (Priest) of the Hanuman Temple at Chandrasekhar Azad University, Kanpur
7) Leisure Time Short Stories : Connecting through several lifetimes: The Story of the "Panditji" (Priest) of the Hanuman Temple at Chandrasekhar Azad University, Kanpur
Rajat Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"We used to have such a great time with him! Getting our eyes checked, celebrating his birthday and watching cricket!"
Thank you so much, Rajat for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciate.
DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Sadar Naman".
Thank you so much , Khanna sahab.
DeleteAjeet Shukla has commented:
ReplyDelete"Sadar Naman".
Thank you so much, Ajeet.
DeleteChervatoor Mohankumar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Rajeev, my homage to the great soul. Let us all pray for him."
Thank you so much, Sir.
DeletePoonam Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wow Bhiya so nice pic Sach Mai tauji taiji bahut hi pyare the hum sab log bahut miss karte Hai khas Kar ke Papa jab bhi Maudaha jate Hai Papa koi na koi kissa tauji Ka jarur sunate hai"
Thank you so much, Poonam.
DeleteRamchandra Lalingkar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Good old memories, that too, along with your father ! Whether he was medical doctor? My homage to him !!"
Ramchandra Lalingkar has further commented:
Delete"When he was in medical field, then how come you joined SBI as a PO?"
Yes, Rambhau. He was an MD (Physiology) and MS (Ophthalmology) He was the first Senior Professor to join the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College at Aligarh (AMU) & planned the setting up of the new Medical College building. Also officiated as the Vice Chancellor, AMU for a short stint."
DeleteI couldn't stand the sight of blood and surgery, Rambhau. I did write and not clear the Pre Medical tests for two years in a row. The SBI and 7 other Bank exams I cleared at the first go.
DeleteKapil Kaul has commented:
ReplyDelete"Great person. Fondly remembered. Whenever I visited Lucknow from Delhi, I made sure to visit him first. We used to have several rounds of lively discussions, mostly on the political scenario of the country."
I remember very well, Kapil. Came across these old snaps and thought I would share on my blog.
DeleteKapil Kaul has further commented:
Delete"Thanks for sharing the Photos and memories."
You are welcome. Kapil, anytime.
DeleteDeepak Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"WOW YAAD AA GAYI"
Thank you so much, Deepak.
DeleteSatyajit Pratap has commented:
ReplyDelete" Very very nostalgic n touching. And u look abs Rambo ...Macho".
Rajeev Prasad Thank you. Hardly a "Rambo". This is a photo from around 17 years ago, Satyajit. Gone pretty old now. :-)
DeleteViplov Ghosh has commented:
ReplyDelete"Recollecting old memories".
Thank you , Viplov. I remember, you had met him many times.
DeleteJai Prakash Mishra has commented:
ReplyDelete"नमन"
Thank you so much.
DeleteAnil Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"I am very very lucky
Blessed by him".
You are a brother, Anil. He was very fond of you, always.
DeleteAnil Gupta has further commented:
Delete"Getting emotional. Today his birthday"
Devendra Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"Naman, regards to the lovely memories.I remember that I have met him when I once visited you at Lucknow".
Yes, I remember that visit of yours, like it was yesterday.
DeleteJayashree Mukherjee has commented:
ReplyDelete"Good old days !"
Greeshm Sinha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Rajeev. I could never meet him. But I can see him full of life and energy. And the bondings you shared. Our respects and regards."
Thank you so much, GK for your lovely & thoughtful words.
DeleteVineeta Jain has commented:
ReplyDelete"Nice pic Rajeev! You are like a handsome dude in the pic!
I have fond memories of Uncle and Aunty and our visits to your Lucknow home . Aunty used to feed us with goodies like chocolates and chips made by herself!"
Thank you, Vineeta . These old photos have a way of bringing back old memories. Rummaged thru them after quite a few years.
DeleteTayyab Rizvi has commented on the first photograph:
ReplyDelete"Excellent picture"
Thank you so much, Tayyab.
DeletePunam Saxena has commented:
ReplyDelete"Down memory lane. Miss those days badly. Have you got more, Rajeev?"
Yes, Punam. A lot of time has gone by. Only "memories" have remained I don't know how I just thought of these photos and found them out in my personal library. Thought I would share them on FB. I do have quite a few photos - mostly Black & white.
DeleteSaroj Nanda has commented:
ReplyDelete"I remember him very well. A very kind hearted person."
Thank you, Nandaji. He was very fond of you.
DeleteSudhir Wadhwa has commented:
ReplyDelete"Sadar pranam".
Thank you so much, Wadhwaji
DeleteDinesh Omar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Sadar pranam"
Thank you so much.
DeleteAnand Joshi has commented:
ReplyDelete"Lovely memories , very nice places we also visited all these,nice pic 👍👍"
Thank you.
DeletePushkin Sinha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Remembering one's parents speaks of the culture one carries.Great of you to remember and describe the great memories on your wall. We all salute you for this great remembrance and pray to God that his soul may rest in peace always and continues to shower his blessings on u and your family.
Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful comment, Pushkin.
DeleteDipak Mukherjee has commented:
ReplyDelete"Dear Rajeev, I fondly remember my meeting with uncle. Have known his great personality from you as much of aunty. Love. Dada."
Thank you so much, Dipuda for your comment. We did have a great time at Pune, when we visited you from Mumbai on that trip. He was very happy to have met everyone at Pune and talked about the care you took of him.
DeleteDad really enjoyed himself on the Mumbai trip
ReplyDeleteHe did have a great time. He explored the whole of Mumbai including its Transport systems and Street food. Went site-seeing at a few prominent landmarks of Mumbai.
DeleteOn my father's 100th Birth Anniversary the following comments have been recorded:
ReplyDeleteKapil Kaul has commented:
"Fond memories Rajeev. Beautifully expressed. Oh how I miss those days. Such beautiful family structures and friendship bonds are sought in memories only. Where I live,neighbours hardly interact with each other. Miss your mom too. She would pamper us with some snack every evening. If you can, both of you come over and visit me ."
Thank you so much Kapil. Yes, I do rememb er those days serveral times. Now with the passage of time, we are slowly taking over the mantle of the elderly generation. I went through a heart surgery and still recovering.
DeleteSatyajit Pratap has commented:
ReplyDelete"God bless 🙏... A100 years of learning and many more moments of wisdom and experience of living, Uncle must have left for you both...
Though we continue to admire and Love our Amma more, in introspection I find, it's our Pitaji's who leave behind a treatise of learning and wisdom and culture for the lineage... Very small bits of love, nudges to awaken us.. Stern looks to caution us... Each of which are but not only steps of guidance but as well a treatise guiding us through this journey of enlivening memories and learning....
Sushma Khanna Sudipti Luthra Kalpana Pratap"
Very aptly said, Satyajit. It is their generation which still guide us to be better in all respects.
DeleteRajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Wonderful post and pic -Nostalgic Dear Rajeev we cherish the memories of the amazing times of our stay at Kalpatru flats ,Mahim when my father also visited from Amritsar and you accompany him for some outings.I also remember of our share of nourishing OYE ,the favourite plant of Sumita ,Whenever you people went out on holidays and kept Oye at our place for taking care..Gr8 time👍👍👍"
Yes, the Mahim days were very memorable. We had a great time during our posting at Mumbai and meeting wonderful friends like you. I still remember the days spent with your father too and cooking rice in your pressure cooker.
DeleteAjay Mohan Jain has commented:
ReplyDelete"I also have fond memories of him as I stayed with him for one night at your Mill Colony house at Nishatganj Lucknow.
My deep regards
Sadar naman 🙏
Thanks, Ajay.
DeleteAnil Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"I am sharing a old photo of tau ji and tai ji from my album
Loving remembering sweet memories 🙏🙏"
Thank you Anil for sharing this photo. I too have this photo in my possession.
DeleteRajat Gupta has commented:
ReplyDelete"A very happy birthday to a great, and always impeccably dressed man. "
Thanks Rajat for the beautiful words.
DeleteNeeta Omar has commented:
ReplyDelete"बहुत ही बढ़िया भैया."
Thank you so much, Neeta.
DeleteAshok Kulshrestha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Heart touching memories of great soul, his blessings with us in form of REIKI ENERGY."
Thank you so much, Ashokji.
DeleteKapil Kaul has commented:
ReplyDelete"Fond memories Rajeev. Beautifully expressed. Oh how I miss those days. Such beautiful family structures and friendship bonds are sought in memories only. Where I live,neighbours hardly interact with each other. Miss your mom too. She would pamper us with some snack every evening. If you can, both of you come over and visit me ."
Thank you so much Kapil. Yes, I do rememb er those days serveral times. Now with the passage of time, we are slowly taking over the mantle of the elderly generation. I went through a heart surgery and still recovering.
Delete