"Writer daughter raises toast to PM dad"
It was a week of book releases in the capital. The week started with the book release of Prime Minister’s daughter Daman Singh. Must hand it to the Delhiwallahs that even as Delhi was jammed and traffic had come to a stand still because of a heavy rain, the guests here actually arrived on time. This is Daman’s second work of fiction. Daman as in her first book is still clearly blessed with a dry sense of humour which kept the guests laughing. Her mother Gursharan Kaur released the book with most of her family, that is sans papa, were present. Her older sister Upinder with her husband and son were present. Daman’s husband Ashok Patnaik is a senior I.B Officer and they have one teenage son both of who botened carefully as excerpts of the book were read by educationist Abha Adams. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and his wife Isher Ahluwalia were present and looked very much at home as part of the family affair. At the launch of her second book Daman raised a toast to her father for the high moral standards set for her and her sister’s by him. Daman is now turning her attention on her parent’s biography where she wants to understand her parents as a couple and individually too. Though no one spelt it out the day could also have been termed as a celebration of sorts as the P.M has topped the list of ten top leaders of the world just that day.
"Kites dot Independence Day sky"
The sky in Delhi this year on Independence Day saw thousands of kites flying free in the sky. It was a great tribute on 15th of August. The old Delhiwallahs from Lal Kuan where the kite bazaar is, just let loose thousands of peace kites for Independence Day. Though its also part of seasonal joyfulness since traditionally during the saawan kite-flying is a common feature on important occasions like Rakshabandhan and Janamashtami. Even as there are fashionable and modern kites with pictures of heroines, film actors, wrestlers and fancy signs on them, the Tricolor out numbered them all. There are Chinese kites also available now which are a bit more expensive but are in demand for their elaborate and exotic shapes. If you ask one of the old Delhiwallahs about kite-flying being very popular on Independence Day and Republic Day they will give you a variety of reasons. It was an expression of freedom and has been going on for decades. Patangbaazi as they call it in tricolor is to show their patriotism. It is also become a part of specific festivals and occasions in various parts of the country. On other time in Rajasthan and Gujarat it is auspicious on Makar Sankranti, in South it is on Pongal, in Punjab Basant Panchami but in capital it is Independence Day and Republic Day when you will see the sky full of this tricolor kites. It could also be that this generation of elders is trying to introduce the idea of nationalism and pride by involving children into activities like this rather than going to the malls where they are packaging patriotism by announcing promotions and discounts for Independence Day.
"Khushwant, 95, proactive as ever"
The second book release where Gursharan Kaur Singh had a great time was at Khushwant Singh’s book launch. On his 95th birthday Khushwant may have become frail but he is as proactive and productive as ever and his sense of humour is all there. At this birthday party cum launch of Khushwant’s latest book, it was clear that the Prime Minister’s family shared an old relationship with Khushwant. For a change in this book there was no malice just praise for Manmohan Singh. He has rated Manmohan Singh as best Prime Minister the country has better had, even than Nehru. Seated next to Khushwant Singh patiently, Gursharan Singh heard praises of Khushwant Singh from MJ Akbar and Mani Shankar Aiyar. MJ said that Khushwant has trained an entire generation of journalists and how he taught them how to get out of the way and not fall in love with words. Khushwant even praised Mani Shankar Aiyar for his attack on Common Wealth Games Chairman Suresh Kalmadi. With people who have been close to him through his life, Khushwant seemed relaxed and happy on his birthday party. Gursharan Kaur went home happily as Khushwant bookmarked page 69 in which he has praised the Prime Minister and gave to her. It was clear to all that evening that Khushwant had not lost his acidic tongue as he commented on various goings on in the political scenario in the country.
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