CHANGED LIFESTYLE
As I said before, we had a happy and busy life in Pondicherry. Our outlook on life also started changing and this life was very different from our Delhi life, where we had our set group of friends and we were happy interacting with them.
Here, in the new life, we were always in touch with a cosmopolitan set of people from all walks of life – not only from different parts of India, but from different parts of other nations, too. Our life also became busy with luncheon gatherings, tea and dinner parties.
We had been in Trichy, Chingleput and Saidapet for a period of two years where Babuji underwent administrative training. Life in these places was also different from the Delhi life, but it was nothing like life in this new place.
Talking of dinner parties, I have to tell you about our first get-together. On the very day Babuji took charge of his post, we were invited to a sit-down dinner hosted by the Rotary Club.
‘SIT –DOWN’ dinner! I was aghast!!
I was full of fear and apprehension. It was the first of its kind we were invited to. Though I knew how to use cutlery in an off-hand manner, at a sit-down dinner one had to use the correct spoon, fork and knife for each course. And I was very ignorant of these things.
To add to my confusion, Babuji was seated at another table, while I was seated at the centre table, at the head of which sat the Chief Commissioner – the head of the state. Thank God I did not show my fear or nervousness on my face. As soon as we were seated, I started a conversation with the lady sitting next to me. When the food started coming, one after another (and it was a five-course dinner), I waited till the lady next to me picked up her spoon and fork. I followed her example and the day was saved for me – the ordeal over.
Later in life, more than three decades after, Gowri and Mohan, with Parvati, took me out to lunch at a famous restaurant. I was amazed at the way Parvati, a three year old kid, handled the food with her knife, fork and spoon so deftly. Thanks to the tea garden culture where she was growing up.
Here, in the new life, we were always in touch with a cosmopolitan set of people from all walks of life – not only from different parts of India, but from different parts of other nations, too. Our life also became busy with luncheon gatherings, tea and dinner parties.
We had been in Trichy, Chingleput and Saidapet for a period of two years where Babuji underwent administrative training. Life in these places was also different from the Delhi life, but it was nothing like life in this new place.
Talking of dinner parties, I have to tell you about our first get-together. On the very day Babuji took charge of his post, we were invited to a sit-down dinner hosted by the Rotary Club.
‘SIT –DOWN’ dinner! I was aghast!!
I was full of fear and apprehension. It was the first of its kind we were invited to. Though I knew how to use cutlery in an off-hand manner, at a sit-down dinner one had to use the correct spoon, fork and knife for each course. And I was very ignorant of these things.
To add to my confusion, Babuji was seated at another table, while I was seated at the centre table, at the head of which sat the Chief Commissioner – the head of the state. Thank God I did not show my fear or nervousness on my face. As soon as we were seated, I started a conversation with the lady sitting next to me. When the food started coming, one after another (and it was a five-course dinner), I waited till the lady next to me picked up her spoon and fork. I followed her example and the day was saved for me – the ordeal over.
Later in life, more than three decades after, Gowri and Mohan, with Parvati, took me out to lunch at a famous restaurant. I was amazed at the way Parvati, a three year old kid, handled the food with her knife, fork and spoon so deftly. Thanks to the tea garden culture where she was growing up.
posted by Maiji @ 7:44 AM
3 Comments:
At 12:17 AM,
Pradeep Nair said…
Pondicherry is one place, I and my family like to visit. We are in Bangalore now. May be some day we will.
At 1:56 AM,
Rushina said…
Dear Maiji,
Good afternoon!
This is Rushina Munshaw - Ghildiyal. I am a food writer, columnist and author based in Mumbai.
I just happened upon your blog and I think both you and your blog are awesome. I would like to write an article on you if you can spare the time and are agreeable.
Please email me at the email address below and let me know how you feel about this. I am happy to call you and speak on the phone if you wish.
--
Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal
Gastronomy writer and content
Email: rmgsg@gmail.com
Blogs: http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com, My Mumbai Cookbook blog - http://mymumbaicookbook.blogspot.com/
At 11:39 PM,
Moontan said…
I was pointed to this blog by Abraham Tharakan and I'm so glad I've found it.
Not only do you write beautifully, but you bring into clear focus a charming, chivalrous India with it's big heart and open-mindedness that we are in danger of losing forever.
Bless you.
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