Page 50 - TSB ebook

TSB BASH, THE UNFORGETTABLE SPLASH -Bipin Bihari Pathak

The moment Gwalia added me in this group on 6th July, I could imagine some thing boisterous

n grand was taking shape. Old boys meet of school/academy friends has its unique colours

flavours fragrances, hence my attendance remains % in these. *Since the icon of the

other SBIPO88 group was that of my NDA squadron's one....i.e. Echo (Eagle) hence there
was/developed a queer nostalgic bonding with these groups*

Thus, as the memberships, momentum, magic grew, rounds of voting for venue finalization,
formation of core committee, flooding of posts ...... followed.Immediately after venue finalization

I got my tickets booked,as I had a special attraction for Hyderabad, because one of the 12
Jyotirlings *SRISAILAM * is pretty close to Hyderabad and will also be getting an opportunity

to meet NDA and SST friends after many decades in historical Nizam city . *Thus, it was a not-
to-be-missed-opportunity, for me*

A queer feeling was seizing thoughts, of getting an opportunity of *meeting UNKNOWN friends
beyond circle or LDFP*. Initial introduction through their DPs, then their posts in the group

depicting their tastes/likes/political inclinations/artistic bent or other interests. Soon group
discussion moved towards.... more engrossing issues like... T shirt size, participation with
espouse (y/n), contribution money remitted (y/n). With almost hourly updates, the crescendo

was building up like that of a Shakespearean drama.
At Head Offices, senior officers generally frown upon leave seekers especially for enjoying get-

togethers. Therefore I clearly told my friendly DGM that I will not be taking leave for next 2-3
months and *extracted a promise from my DGM beforehand for participating in nostalgia driven

TSB bash * Got his consent on condition of constant connectivity on mobile. I said.. DONE.
The next 2-3 months, *flew off like the dreamy days of a would be marrying Bride from her

engagement day to boisterous band-baza-barat functions, celebrations.*

Meanwhile, my squadron mates *67 Eagles * made a GTG programme at Dehradun on 24th

and 25th Nov. Again had to make a change in journey and I extended my leave to 10 days to
include visit to Prayagraj for Sangam snan, meeting NDA friends after 33-34 years. After much

cajoling and persuasions, better half agreed for this long journey.