OUTING FOR FOSTERING FAMILY BONDING

 

FIRST COUSIN’S PENGUIN CLUB- a gathering of first cousins- brought together 24 couples, all aged between 65 and 80, for a heart-warming reunion in Lonavala. The members, children of three brothers and a sister had never met intentionally and collectively before, despite being part of the same family. This maiden gathering was a unique opportunity for them to interact closely, share stories, and get to know each other better. The cousins, all Kashmiri Pandits, born and brought up in Srinagar Kashmir, shared a common experience of being forced to leave their ancestral homeland in the Kashmir Valley 35 years ago due to Islamic terrorism. They had to abandon their homes, belongings, and livelihoods, fleeing for their lives. The trauma of displacement had a profound impact on their lives, shaping their future and influencing their decisions. Despite the challenges, the cousins had worked hard to rebuild their lives in various parts of India. They had focused on providing quality education to their children, who had grown up to excel in their respective professions. Today, the children hold good positions in reputable companies, a testament to their parents’ dedication and perseverance. And, after 35 years in exile, our eldest in the family took the initiative and prompted all the cousins to get together. However, only 16 of the 24 cousins could join this maiden three day meet: They are: M K Pajan and Krishna Pajan, Bharat Bhushan Mattoo, Chand N Razdan and Asha Razdan, Tej K Pajan and Usha Pajan, Vinod Pajan and Renu Pajan, R K Mattoo and Sunita Mattoo, Satish Ganjoo and Sunita Ganjoo, Rita Sadhoo and Pradeep Mattoo and Nirmala Mattoo. The group zeroed on a beautiful resort-Varu Woods-nestled in a quaint valley overlooking the Pawana Lake and engulfed by oodiesof fresh air, warm sunlight, morning dew, evening nip and greenery. The resort is away from the hum drum and madness of urban existence. The cottages are so designed that the occupants can sit on the varendah and face each other, chit chat irrespective of rain or sunshine. Indicentally, Vagu Woods belongs to a Kashmiri entrepreneur Mr Sudhā Shah. The Penguins Club reunion gave a pleasant chance for the cousins to reconnect with their roots and strengthen family bonds. Lonavala, with its picturesque hills and serene atmosphere, provided the perfect  setting for this gathering. It was agreed by one and all that most of the time will be spent together in the resort and the three day meet turned out to be filled with laughter, stories, and memories, as the cousins got to know each other and shared their experiences. The reunion was a resounding success, with the cousins deciding to meet once every six months to maintain close family relations. A souvenir, designed as a memento of remembrance, would serve as a symbol of their family bonding. The Penguins Club had brought them together, and they were determined to nurture this newfound connection. The Penguins Club reunion marked a new beginning for the cousins, a chance to reconnect with their heritage and strengthen family ties. As they looked forward to future gatherings, they knew that their shared experiences and memories would continue to bind them together. The reunion was a testament to the power of family and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. As they parted ways, they knew that their family bond would only grow stronger with time, a reminder of their shared history and their resilience in the face of adversity. All of us realized that Family bonding is essential for building strong relationships and creating lasting memories. This type of family gathering should become a must for all the displaced Kashmiri Pandit families, with regular reunions and family gatherings to spend quality time together. Getting back to nostalgia is a special kick one can get especially at this age. Encourage open and regular communication among family members through phone calls, video calls, or messaging apps gives a sense of satisfaction and belonging. By prioritizing family bonding, we can build a stronger, more supportive family unit that will last a lifetime. At the end, I’m thrilled to share my special thoughts on our recent trip, where we relived fond memories and created new ones. It was an absolute blast! I must thank each of you for trusting me to organize this event. Our seniors, with their vast experiences and diverse perspectives, made this trip truly special. My special thanks to Respected Baiji (M K Pajan Sab) for being a guiding force and helping me navigate our diverse group. Thanks to Dear Chikoo (Ashish Razdan) for the thoughtful gesture of gifting a crate of beer for his Mamas. What a wonderful way to remember us. And special thanks to Dear Vinay Sadhoo for arranging all kinds of drinks from Guru gram itself. The trip was filled with laughter, good company, and warm interactions. Our Bhabhi, sisters, and my wife truly shone like gems and pearls. The four day trip flew by, and we gained a deeper understanding of each other. Our bold ladies outwitted our gents and gained entry to the beautiful pool for splashing water and enjoying kindergarten poem Ringa Roses…..proud of you al

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Courtesy:  R K MATTOO  and  Spade A Spade-July 2025