When the lockdown was relaxed for the first time during Covid, Kalimpong was our first outing. Indeed it was breath of fresh air! And the vista from the Mayfair terrace are still etched in the mind.
My information sources tell me Darjeeling and Kalimpong were both part of the then kingdom of Sikkim. Until the Chogyal was persuaded by the Brits to donate those parts so that the sahibs could flee somewhere in their colony during the steaming summer months.
Sunil, What a stunning , yet succinct tour de force ! I had always admired him from a distance. This was a man truly ahead of his times. I recall Sanjiv once telling me that some unsavoury business people had once come to their house and were shouting ! RP Kaka was aghast since the unspoken rule in the house was that conversation should be a hum, never a din! He promptly ensured that the visitors’ demands were met and they were escorted out post haste! What a rare and splendid measure of the man! And yes, both Harsh and Sanjiv have imbibed RP Kaka’s trademark humility and gracious demeanour. I have never seen them indulge in anything that “ SHOUTS”, whether it is a cause célèbre or marking a landmark , much less personal milestones!
Personally, I have long felt that RP Kaka should be celebrated far more, and, his achievements should be case studies in B Schools !
Having worked with the group for a few years, and while I never knew RP saab, your article truly brings many of his facets to life. Beautifully penned. My kudos.
When the lockdown was relaxed for the first time during Covid, Kalimpong was our first outing. Indeed it was breath of fresh air! And the vista from the Mayfair terrace are still etched in the mind.
Ahhhhh!!!!!
Meenu, we fell in love with Kalimpong - and were wondering what took us 30 years to come here!!!!
My information sources tell me Darjeeling and Kalimpong were both part of the then kingdom of Sikkim. Until the Chogyal was persuaded by the Brits to donate those parts so that the sahibs could flee somewhere in their colony during the steaming summer months.
And you might well be right. I’m afraid much of my commentary was innuendo. Thanks for clarifying!
Hope you enjoyed reading about Kalimpong!!
Yes, I most certainly do!
Sunil, What a stunning , yet succinct tour de force ! I had always admired him from a distance. This was a man truly ahead of his times. I recall Sanjiv once telling me that some unsavoury business people had once come to their house and were shouting ! RP Kaka was aghast since the unspoken rule in the house was that conversation should be a hum, never a din! He promptly ensured that the visitors’ demands were met and they were escorted out post haste! What a rare and splendid measure of the man! And yes, both Harsh and Sanjiv have imbibed RP Kaka’s trademark humility and gracious demeanour. I have never seen them indulge in anything that “ SHOUTS”, whether it is a cause célèbre or marking a landmark , much less personal milestones!
Personally, I have long felt that RP Kaka should be celebrated far more, and, his achievements should be case studies in B Schools !
Having worked with the group for a few years, and while I never knew RP saab, your article truly brings many of his facets to life. Beautifully penned. My kudos.
Yes, love does make us dependent. Whether you give or take. Thanks for opening my eyes wide.