Ideas, Plans and much more

April is the start of a new financial year. It is also the month of Gudi Padwa / Ugadi which many of us observe as the New Year. In this month of New Year, we come to a fresh start with some fresh ideas from our friends who have breathed much fresher air than us. Varde kaka-kaki joined us at our last meet and were delightfully our hosts for this meet (and may be a few more as well). Not to bring out the age difference, but with an age variance of over 4 decades, a meet happens with positive discussions, is in itself an highlight worth noting.

Over a dozen GSBs gathered for this meet, which was more of a carry forward of our discussion from last meet along with some new ideas. Everyone had already become comfortable and much at home before we entered into the discussion; however for a formal gathering, we had a quick round of introductions and entered into the discussions. Various ideas and thoughts came forward and were channelized into positive plans for action. Sharing all the discussions in detail would be too lengthy for page, so here is a gist of what was noted:

1. Maha GSB aims to act as the bridge between GSB groups and the GSB by creating a network bond, thereby strengthening and working towards betterment of the society. This will help in perpetuating the origin and cultural uniqueness to the future generations.
2. One meet per month, preferably on a fixed day (eg: second Saturday of every month) was proposed along with the suggestion of developing an event calendar. It would help planning, execution and promotion. (as this discussion happened in Pune, we are planning a roll-out in Pune. Mumbai may soon follow)
3. Monthly meets were proposed to have a two-fold agenda. The first being an activity ranging from treks to summer camps or outings to talks from eminent personalities; followed by discussions and talks regarding further plans and actions. Thus, the meets would have involvement as well as bonding.
4. It was also proposed and accepted that meets need happen at various places across Pune (and Mumbai), so that participation from all areas can happen. Further as group builds, we can have local networks as well.
5. Seniors have always been a guiding lamp for us. Under their able guidance, need to inspire the upcoming generation into this network. That will help grow and sustain the network and our culture. 
6. All present were quite pleased with the interactions and the overall experience that it was unanimously suggested that we should share our experience with our GSB contacts and encourage them to attend a meet.

With so much of food for thought, we need some good food for our taste buds (some say that's a GSB trait). And it was answered with some lusciosuly soft dhoklas and sipping hot tea, thanks again to our wonderful hosts. With this we concluded the meet, agreeing to look forward for more fun packed meets ahead. And then we spent an hour talking about other things. While the meet concluded, there is a team of planning and execution, putting together ideas for upcoming months.

- based on inputs from Pooja Vengurlekar

If you have any ideas or if you feel you are good at execution, we look forward to your participation. Or if you are better at enjoying events, we still have something for you. In either case, do join us for our next meet. To know more and to participate, email us as mahagsb@googlegroups.com or feel free to call Ashutosh (9820992403). You can also join us on facebook to get regular updates of our events.

The regrouping (Mumbai version)

Friends share a magnetic bond. Whatever happens, they keep coming together. That is much the same with us at Maha GSB. Professional life and running around had delayed out regular meets. Not that we are less busy now, but that need to meet had taken priority now. So the regrouping meet was announced and as the saying goes ‘Good things and times continues’ and taste develops with maturity. Sunday, April 3 was the awaited day at Vivianna Mall, Thane at 11 AM.

It had been quite some time we all had met, since our last PUMBAI 2015. Hence, everyone was looking forward to the date. Usual questions about the venue, time was flying around. The answers were not that difficult, and anyway with friends venue doesn't matter as we have a grand time wherever and whenever we go.

The meet started without much of the delay at the Vivianna mall food court. At morning 11 AM, there wasn't any crowd, and we had ample gather. The meet started with Priti Tikhe (Kandivali), Archana Gaitonde (Andheri), Prasad Gaitonde (Andheri) and Akshay Keny (Dadar). A few moments later Rekha Jagmohan Rao (Thane), Pravin Kamat (Thane) and Shailaja Pai (Thane) accompanied with her daughter Soumya Pai.

The agenda of Maha GSB has always remained the same: to meet, talk and discuss and have a wonderful time (of course, accompanied by good food) This time we discussed aim and motive of our group; on how we could expand the platform to get more participation. We also discussed the events to be planned to build our network, the database of our group to be updated and any other suggestions. Introductions weren't much needed this time, the only new face being Rekha Rao.

In the discussion, suggestions were raised on re-creating interest in the group with events like Sports meets. It was also suggested that meets can also help to create job opportunities, develop Business as well as matrimonial proposals. Pravin Kamat shared keen information and updates about visiting Shantikunj, Panvel more often. Rekha Rao suggested about business meets, wherein friends come together and give business to each other, so as to flourish in their own ways. Rao being a Manager in a well know bank also stated about their bank expansion through branches and in turn creating job opportunities. To bring youth brigade together Archana Gaitonde suggested to include indoor and outdoor games. As Prasad Gaitonde had tied his marriage knot because of Maha GSB, he suggested that our group should bring forward marriage proposals for likely couples. Priti suggested that we should also meet our families so that our families also benefit from the Maha GSB network.

After much of food for thought, it was time to feed our taste buds. Sumptuous dishes like Mc Burger, Coke Float, Kheema Pav, Tangdi Kabab, Reshmi Kebab, KFC chicken nuggets and Chicken Biryani and Sweet dishes like Chocochip brownie, Moog Dal Halwa joined us at the meet. While we were busy feasting, amidst her busy schedule Shweta Prabhu joined in and discussed her schedule and her availability for upcoming meets. As we were almost closing for the day, the three musketeers: Sanket Kamat, Anup Hasabnis and Sanyukta Pantangoakar joined in. With loads of images, discussions and food, this meet was a grand success. By the time we concluded, there was a buzz about when we would again.

- reported by Prasad Gaitonde

Reading this blog, you definitely would have had some ideas on how we can build the network, or what activities can we do together. We are looking forward to those ideas. So do join in for our next meet. To know more and to participate, email us as mahagsb@googlegroups.com or feel free to call Ashutosh (9820992403). You can also join us on facebook to get regular updates of our events.