| Minutes of Meeting |
Those we love can never be more than a thought away; for
as long as there’s a memory, they live on in our hearts--
On Thursday, 9th September 2021, RCPD had organized a
condolence meeting as a tribute to late Rtn. Surinder Aggarwal.
Many of the members and their spouses came forward to talk about their association with him.
Rtn. Anil Goel recalled how he met Rtn. Surinder in 1988 and came to know him more as ‘bade
bhaiya’ than anything else. Recalling all the amazing work that Rtn. Surinder had done after
forming the Kalyani Nagar Residents Association, Rtn. Anil said, ‘What we do for ourselves does
with us; what we do for others’ lives on forever’.
Rtn. Ashwini Malhotra spoke about the circumstances that resulted in him becoming the youngest
President of the club, immediately after late Rtn. Surinder’s year as President. He recalled all the
guidance and support he received from the latter in the tone of a concerned and proud family
member rather than as an IPP. Rtn. Ashwini concluded his tribute by singing the song, ‘Geet gaata
hoon main’ as a tribute to the late Rtn. Surinder.
In his tribute to late Rtn. Surinder, Rtn. Yezdi referred to him as the most positive person he had
ever met and how his every action and demeanour used to exuberate positivity. He recalled how
the latter had pushed the PMC authorities at the time of building the toilet blocks in Bund Garden.
Help had come from unexpected quarters due to the efforts taken by late Rtn. Surinder.
Talking about the handsome sailor who dropped anchor in Pune, Rtn. Pundalik recalled his first
meeting with late Rtn. Surinder in 1986 and how the families soon became close. He struck Rtn.
Pundalik as a man of action who was impatient with formality, an impression that remained till
the end. He recalled the fund raiser fashion show that had been organized years ago and how Rtn.
Surinder had hosted a party for over 100 members of the RCPD family just to get the planning
underway. Referring to his good will having created a ‘spiritual kawach’ over his family, Rtn.
Pundalik ended his tribute by singing ‘Diye Jalte Hain’ in memory of his late friend.Rtn. Ranveer and Ann Neelam recalled how their association began with late Rtn. Surinder thanks
to their daughters studying together from the 1st std. He recalled how it was on Rtn. Surinder’s
insistence he had joined the club in 1990 and remembered being amazed and impressed at the
dedicated with which late Rtn. Surinder dealt with any task, big or small.
Recalling his friendship of about 35 years, Rtn. Anil Latey spoke about how late Rtn. Surinder was
a true man of co-operative action. He distinctly recalled every project that his late friend undertook
and how he ensured that not just Rotarians but their families also got involved in seeing the project
to its fruition.
Rtn. Vikram Nabar shared some unique photographs of late Rtn. Surinder and talked of what he
saw as the latter’s tenets for life. Referring to him as a ‘front bencher’ in all RCPD meetings, Rtn.
Vikram recalled how late Rtn. Surinder would always be ready to spring into action and take up
any work that the situation demanded, even if it were painting the pedestrian crossing! His active
participation in every fellowship event right down to ensuring the timely service of dinner were the
many ways in which he remained the life of every event.
Referring to his association with late Rtn. Surinder, Rtn. Hari recalled the many ways the latter
had helped to shape the Deccan Chamber of Commerce to what it is today. Rtn. Hari spoke of how
Rtn. Surinder had a knack of making even the most formal meetings comfortable and transforming
every association into a close friendship. He had been a friend, mentor and guide to countless
individuals, all of whom will sorely miss his influence in their lives.
International Night at Boat
ClubLoveena and Avinash both spoke on this occasion as well. Referring to her papa as her ‘pillar of
strength’ and her idol, Loveena thanked him for moulding her into the person she was today, and
for the extended RCPD family that he had made her a part of. Avinash shared some lovely
photographs from their family albums of his late grandfather in the Merchant Navy and of him
working on a multitude of projects including the Sonori village, Joggers Park, Swacch Kalyani
Nagar rallies etc. He ended by reading out a very emotional and heartfelt letter that he had written
for his Nana, talking of growing up with him and wanting nothing more than to be more like him.
Rtn. Pradeep Bhai gave a beautiful vote of thanks summing up not just everyone’s tributes but
also collective emotions. He ended by dedicating a poem of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, ‘Aap Kinke
Saath Hain?’ in memory of late Rtn. Surinder.
Before adjourning the meeting, President Asis Ray also thanked all the members for their
wonderful tributes and assured Ann Promil and her family that they would always remain an
important part of the RCPD family. |
