Patch of Paradise

Narubhau, who was completely dedicated to the affairs of the printing press, would spend his entire morning in this premises, but come evening and his passion for parks would come alive to get manifested in the joy ride that the driver of his private rickshaw gave him, evening after evening.

His daily schedule was thus: after playing bridge between 4 and 6 p.m., at the Deccan Gymkhana Club, he would head for Sambhaji Park. Here, guzzling down one wholesome tender coconut water was mandatory. After which, he would spend a while, reading books and magazines at the Aksharmitra Vachanalay at the park. On some evenings, when his taste buds tingled for some spicy snacks, Narubhau even during his late 80s would indulge in sukhi bhel or sandwiches or hmmmm….pineapple pastries! And then he would return home.

The park for senior citizens, opened to public (read senior citizens) on November 8 which happens to be Narubhau’s birth anniversary, is just what he would have loved for himself. The frontal portion of the press has been dedicated to this park, comprising a small library where visitors can browse through newspapers and magazines, benches and swinging chairs where they could laze around and gossip, and of course a cafeteria where chatpata snacks are available. The idea is to facilitate senior citizens to spend some memorable mornings and evenings.

The park is open for three hours in the mornings and three hours in the evenings. Despite the hustle-bustle on Fergusson College Road, where traffic is incessant, grandmas and grandpas are sure to find solace, once they visit these adorable surroundings. For, not only is the concept unique and novel, but it is located in a premise, that was close to the heart of a man, who was always young-at-heart and believed that old age need not be a serious and depressing affair. One could pepper it with fun and relaxation. Virangula Udyan is one such ideal outlet.