Pune Saree Meet and a stop in Khopoli

 

This was originally posted in a saree group on November 18th

This is a gratitude post for Pune. Pune is really my saasar ( sasuraal/ in laws home). But I am one lucky gal that here too people make me feel like maaher ( parents’ home). 

Besides meeting other friends and family, yesterday I was part of the Pune SS meet. Nearly 18 beautiful ladies gathered to celebrate saree sisterhood and World Peace Day. Everyone came in white or off white sarees and a smile on their faces. The smiles frequently escalated to giggles and laughter and more importantly remained intact till the end of the meeting. They came from far and near and spent precious time here. Each one’s love and enthusiasm was palpable. We all tried to make the best of every minute we had together. 

This event could not have been as smooth and special without the diligent efforts of Sharmila Joshi who I have immense respect for. Despite all difficulties she took out time to make sure venue, menu and all at the famed PYC gymkhana was perfect. She was more than adequately supported by dear Revati Patankar Oak and Shilpada Tamhankar in coordinating with other sakhis to make this happen. The menu selection was excellent and every item yummy. Not only did many have a chance to connect with each other because of this, I too got to mingle with this delightful bunch. 

My saree for the day was a Bhujodi in eri silk in off white with ghicha and eri threadwork in beige and brown. I succeeded in a hat trick with a solo shot on the street prior to leaving for the meet 😃. 

Sharmila, Revati, Shilpada, Madhavi Dharia, Manasi, Rashmi, Jayanti, Suvarna, Sunita, Shubha, Anuradha, Preeti, Antara, Padmaja, Cinzania, Sharvari, Anupama, Vasanti. 

Thank you all dear friends for your love and friendship. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

November 18th I left Pune and took a Uber taxi to Khopoli where I was to meet the resident doctor in charge of Tata Memorial Center’s Khopoli unit for Preventive Services. It was a very pleasant meeting with Dr Pratibha Patil at the Khopoli Municipal Hospital. She gave me a good introduction to their programs in Khopoli that aimed at raising awareness and providing tests for cancer screening in the local population. I found the program very well planned and implemented. She introduced me to her staff. It was amusing to see really young faces of doctors working with her. Barely in their early 20s. Really cute young people. 

While I toured the facility with Dr Pratibha I told her my connection to this place. In 1964 soon after their wedding in October my parents had joined the place as medical officers. At that time it was known as Gram Panchayat Hospital. When I was born my parents still worked at the place and their quarters on the premises was my first home after my mother returned from Mumbai. From what my parents told me as an infant I would stay awake all night and my father was the one who would stay up with me. He told me he had to hold me in the courtyard and I would be just gazing at the shimmering leaves of the big peepal tree that stood there. 

Incidentally that tree was still intact on the premises and so were the old quarters where we lived and the adjacent old hospital building. That possibly could be the last time I may get to see the building because I was informed by Dr Pratibha that there are plans to demolish these structures. I tried to store them in my heart and memory ( and camera) as they were testament to my time with my dear father. 

That afternoon after I was done with meeting Dr Pratibha a family friend Chandu Joshi took me to his home and treated me to fresh homemade sitaphal milkshake. Then saw me off in the taxi to Mumbai. Dr Pratibha had graciously arranged for this taxi. I could see Chandu hiding tears as he bid me goodbye. My eyes weren’t dry either.