raahein 2

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Each one of us has to find out the meaning of the magical art works
in and around us in this universe.
What we see is not ‘the real thing’
What is ‘the real thing’ we do not see.
---
We all are made up of five elements.
Five elements are always depicted in five colours Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and White.
Each one of us has varied colorful personalities.
Now, to know the meaning of the artwork, take a flight of imagination
from the cover page to the back cover page.
---
There is one puzzle. Something is embedded in the art work on the cover page other than
the meaning of the artwork. I do not want to take away the moments of joy and the smile
upon finding it, hence not mentioning it.
Keep trying ….search and enjoy.
I want you to share your thoughts regarding the meaning and your ‘discovery’ on 59fc
email.
The game is on…
Caio!
-A fellow traveler

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To the memory of our dear friends...
Bhartesh Patel
Chandra Bhanu
Dr. Deepak Mattoo
Jawwad Ahmed Khan
Natwar Bhai Solanki
Nirmal Wadhwani
PK Lohia
Sanjeev Kharpor
Shrabani Mandal
Shravan Kumar Sharma
- Chandra Bhanu
Who left us on the way...

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Contents

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2. Acknowledgements
1. Reminiscences

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3. An Interview with Dr. N.C. Saxena
DR. NARESH CHANDRA SAXENA
IAS (RETD)
EX DIRECTOR, LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL
ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION, CHARLEVILLE,
MUSSOORIE

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FROM THE DESK OF MR PADAMVIR SINGH
IAS(RETD)
COURSE DIRECTOR 59FC AND EX-DIRECTOR,
LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI NATIONAL ACADEMY OF
ADMINISTRATION, CHARLEVILLE, MUSSOORIE
4. Message by Mr. Padamvir Singh

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FROM THE DESK OF MR. RANJAN DWIVEDI
IPS(RETD)
EX-JOINT DIRECTOR, LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION,
CHARLEVILLE, MUSSOORIE
5. Message by Mr. Ranjan Dwivedi

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A. The Formation
It was a routine get together of some batch
mates in Hyderabad when a suggestion
from Ms. Padmaja set off a flurry of positivity
and hope amongst those present. It was an
idea of gratitude, about a feeling of giving
back to the society much beyond what our
jobs allow us and to be more personal in our
collective approach. The idea of Buniyaad 93
was thus born.
The idea, shared on the yahoogroup of
the trainees of 59th Foundational Course
of Mussoorie 1993, was discussed
enthusiastically for days together. Many
members shared their own stories of
their mite contributions towards the
society in their own personal way. After
an overwhelming support from the group
members, members present in Delhi took
the lead and applied for registration of a
society under the Societies Registration Act
1890 at New Delhi
And Buniyaad 93 was registered on 11th
April 2014 with representation of all the
services to promote welfare of public by
engaging in the activities of philanthropy that
promote social, non-political cause aimed
at marginalized, vulnerable, disadvantaged
or similarly needy economically weaker
sections of society and thereby enhancing
public welfare..
6. Buniyaad 93 - an NGO

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B. Activities • Miscellaneous Skill Training: After a visit to the IL& FS Skill Training Centre, Okhla facilitated by Buniyaad’93 and ILFS Skills,
about 16-17 residents identified their areas of interest ranging from welding, retail, SMO, Eng for Emp and driving for short
The Society so formed decided to initiate at least two diversified intervention in New Delhi to begin with, as at any point of time, the
largest numbers of members of 59FC are stationed in New Delhi, and therefore it would be easy to continue with and coordinate
the activities.
• One intervention related to overall betterment of a poverty pocket of about 150-160 families in Thyagaraj Nagar, near INA
Market, New Delhi.
• The second intervention was for the selected 21 children whose lives were affected by HIV.
Intervention 1 - Tyagrajnagar Poverty Pocket, New Delhi
This intervention addressed the community driven demand for health & Sanitation, remedial teaching for primary and middle level
children, skill development and higher education.Detailed need assessment of the community was done through group meetings,
Focus Group Discussions and analyzing data collected by community volunteers. Following interventions were undertaken to
support the community through a combination of funding, convergence and mentoring support by Buniyaad’ 93
Primary level Tuitions
Primary level tuitions by Ms Mamta Chaudhary, a school teacher for two subjects (English and Math) have been undertaken since
beginning, on an average about 21 primary school going children (I to VIII) are currently benefiting from the supplementary teaching
for which space has been provided by the Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya, Tyagraj Nagar. This is the only activity which still continues, all
other activities are either over or have been abandoned for want of funds.
term training programmes of 30-45 days this was also was facilitated by the Buniyaad 93 team.
Toilet
Toilets were constructed in all the houses in the cluster with the help of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, the money for the
toilet was provided by the house owners DUSIB meeting was facilitated by the Buniyaad 93 team.
Women & Child Health
Gender Resource Centre was identified connected with the cluster community. Activities on health checkups , awareness building on
sanitation etc were also takenup.
In addition to all above donations of books and clothes were taken for the society members and distributed to the children of both the
interventions.
The habitation has achieved open defecation free status with the convergence of efforts with DUSIB, Delhi Jal Board and the
Community. Besides 2 residents who were able to pursue their higher degree, many of them have acquired basic computer skills(30),
web designing & soft skills(13) and sewing(2). Middle (21 children) and primary level (36 children) remedial teaching has been
conducted smoothly since July 2014 with learning outcomes closely/regularly monitored by BS 93 volunteers. The motivation of the
children was sustained with the help of Delhi tours, provision of T shirts/Track suits with BS93 logo and occasionally refreshments.
Middle and Higher Secondary level tuitions
Higher Secondary tuitions, were also arranged in the beginning but due to no interest shown by the students themselves, this activity
was dropped.
University and Professional Degree
Nandani a recent school pass out had sought assistance for her graduation degree from Delhi University. With handholding support
from Buniyaad’93 she has taken admission in Gargi College BA Programme. Deepmala another school pass out was helped in
getting admission in Fashion Merchadising Course. Both the students were provided part scholarship from Buniyaad.
Skill Upgradation
• Sewing classes: About 4-5 candidates attended sewing classes organized under Mission Convergence which were free of
charge and was facilitated by the Buniyaad 93 team.
• Computer Classes: About 34 candidates attended computer classes organized under Mission Convergence which were free of
charge and was facilitated by the Buniyaad 93 team.

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Intervention 2 - HIV Affected Children
Members of Buniyaad Society 93 became Foster Care Givers (FCGs) of 25 children residing in Delhi and affected by or infected
with HIV. Personal contact and familiarity was established with each child through personal visits of respective FCGs (Foster
Care Givers from among the BS93 members); Out of these, there were 15 HIV+ve and 10 HIV-ve children from 18 families who
were mostly orphans and were living with relatives or siblings. Siblings of HIV+ve children were also adopted by the Society as it
was not found feasible nor appropriate to disassociate from responsibility of rest of the children in an affected family.
Detailed analysis of their needs for Nutrition, Education, and sundry (miscellaneous) daily affairs was done for each Child. The aim
was to take care of their basic needs of health, nutrition, education, and immediate family concerns, and assist them to lead as
normal lives as possible in a secure and supportive environment. Medicines or other support was also provided to some from time
to time.
Educational Support
Most of the Children were provided with the financial assistance for remedial teaching/tuitions also and the efforts resulted in almost
all of them passing their respective classes. As and when needed, stationery items like note-books, pen, pencils and paper were
provided to these children. Due care was taken in ensuring that children derive value from these tuitions and quality of inputs is
maintained.
Nutritional support
Nutritional support was provided to 14 HIV +ve children. One child was given cash support through bank transfer. However due to
financial crunch the nutrition support was reduced drastically in December 2015 and other support withdrawn and subsequently
withdrawn for want of funds..
Health related
Health related support was given to some children on a number of occasions, especially those who had low CD-4 count, who fell
sick and had difficulties in accessing quick medical help at their regular treatment centres. The FCGs tried to find alternative means
of medical assistance through their personal efforts, helping children get proper tests, diagnosis and medication in time.
Miscellaneous Support
The FCGs had their interactions with the children and their families, they identified certain miscellaneous needs of some of
these children. All such genuine emergency assistance, including food, clothing, school fees and uniforms were provided. Other
miscellaneous support like school uniform, donated books, were also given till December 2015. Beyond which the educational
support was withdrawn.

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8. Reliving Academy Days
7. Life in 1993

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A. Hostel Life
B. Life in Ganga
THE LADIES OF MAHANADI
We, the ladies of Mahanadi, were in a happy part of an aesthetic world. We lived in self-contained cottages, with verandahs opening
out into the common lawns. These lawns gave a majestic view of the Mussoorie Hills. The insignificantly placed exclusive entrance,
which you reached only after crossing the charms of AN Jha, hid the beautiful world it enclosed.
Mahanadi was well-visited, including from the simian friends, who would often raid our eatables inside the rooms, God forbid if
someone left a window carelessly closed. To see them running away with our clothes and other stuff was also not uncommon, leading
to screams for our dependable helps “bhaiiiyyaaaa”, whose magical inspiration would somehow convince the monkeys to return
things.
The ladies of Mahanadi were well escorted after a long, never dreary day, seldom allowing monotony in the colourful confines. The
private sunny afternoons on rare off-days were a picnic for us, and are some of the most beautiful recollections of Academy days,
all of us stretched out in the sun, drying our hair and clothes. This was a time when the outsiders were least welcome. The latest
soulful bollywood songs hummed by Punya on her way to her room on a silent evening provided an appropriate climax to just another
delightful day. Such a contrast with the kaali kaali aankhein parties of the gangaputras
At the very entrance and outside the first room of the block was a vintage black telephone, which may have been a source of
permanent disruption for the roommates, but it was our only connect with the rest of the otherwise insignificant world. Late night
conversations with loved ones, discussions on marriage proposals, happenings back home, were all stories we left behind there, as
we moved to a more real, empirical world ever since.
The ladies of Mahanadi and AN Jha were a source of envy for being the closest to the action- the classes, the Library, the Lockers
and the Karmshila. But we walked the maximum for the PT. Is there anything that could have added to our repertoire? Well, I guess,
a shortcut to the Polo Ground and an ease of doing business with the Ganga dhaba.

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C. Remembering Roomies
A room mate in a Foundation Course was a confidante and a companion in untested waters. This friendship began with coincidental
reactions to the early morning whistles and threats of Rana Sir and the walk to the Polo Ground. And before we realised, we became
friends forever, within a short association of three and a half months. We requested all batchmates to recall their memories of their
room mates in the hostels of LBSNAA. Quite a few of them have penned their recollections very fondly. It was a pleasure to note that
even though many had not met ever since, both of them have lived with similarly pleasant feelings. And we did not let them know that
they had already been written about. Here are some of these:
Meenaxi remembers the time with Archana....
(AN Jha hostel had 3 girls to a room)
I remember Archana Tyagi, JNUite, my roommate of Jha hostel (night dweller only), as a vivacious and enthusiastic person with a
million dollar smile. Her effervescent self is now amplified with two decades of policing as also her love for sports, gym, and zumba.
She is a fantabulous person to be around.
Archana remembers Meenaxi...
After the foundation course, I met Meenaxi after 20 years in Mumbai. A charmer, an excellent cook, and a great host, mother of two
beautiful and talented girls has remained the same Meenaxi I knew in the Academy. She is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys everything
from running to dancing. It’s a pleasure to be in her company.
Archana remembers Shefali Swaroop
I remember Shefali Swaroop, my roommate from Jha Hostel as a quiet, charming, cool person with least interest in outdoor activities.
It has been a long time since we have met but I know that she has developed interest in baking and has perfected baking
skills. Behind a tough officer there is a caring person. I wish her all the happiness in life.
Meenaxi remembers Shefali Swaroop...
Though I haven’t met Shefali Swaroop, my roommate of Jha hostel , in last two decades, but I vividly remember her sparkling
eyes, lean structure and her being one of the attractive girls of 59FC. She used to very often bunk morning excercise classes in
FC and loved lying in her cosy bed . Eagerly waiting to meet this soft spoken and cool girl I knew in Mussoorie!!
OP Singh recalls the times with Umashankar (K-20)....
My roommate in 59th FC- V. Umashankar. A humble person as I knew in those days with little interaction, as I was early to rise
and early to bed, and he was just the opposite. And he was conscious not to disturb me. I remember him for his bouts of asthmatic
attacks in the late night or early morning. It surprised me that I came to know of his marriage to Deepti many years later. Umashankar,
you breached roommate’s privilege!!!
Rahul Raman remembers Manoj Pandey...
Manoj Pandey IRS and my batchmate , was my roommate at Mussoorie. Pandey or Pandeyji for so many of us, Manoj was and still
is nothing even remotely similar to Dabang Pandeyji. A handsome man with turquoise eyes and a twinkle in them, Manoj was a fan
of drinking milk and was often seen complaining about the lack of enough quantity or quality of it. Even at the Academy, he continued
in the CS aspirant mode, much to my and so many of us’ delight , as we would rely on his notes. A classy guy with a great
sense of humour, he did not mind jumping around in room. A perfectionist trying to constantly improve, he would clog the room with
so many hand-outs, books, study material, etc , that it would be a task finding some vacant space to sleep.
We have kept in touch. I bet he hasn’t changed a bit. I now feel nostalgic. He is not from this world. Here is wishing him a great
health and family life. But, will he ever leave Delhi !
Dhananjay Kamalakar writes about Mohit Jain...
Mohit, is a very frank, straightforward and fun loving guy. His fundas of life are very clear. He posseses amazing clarity of thought
and purpose. His passion for films n bollywood music is outstanding. His love for bollywood music n songs struck a common bond
between us. I remember his music system in the room churning out Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh and duet hits. He could instantly recognise
any song and details of not only of film but also singer, musician, scene of the song. Whenever I meet him, he displays the
same charm, enthusiasm for life and passion for films n music. I was fortunate to have him as my roomie in 59 FC.
Satpal writes about Rajesh Nirvan...
I distinctly remember the first sentence spoken by my room-mate when I entered the room in Kaveri Hostel- “do you smoke?”. I took
it by surprise that how someone can ask direct question without saying even hello to a person meeting for the first time. I shook
my head to convey “No”. I could realize the importance of the question later when I found some of our batch mates finding it tough
to stay in a room with a smoker. Our bondage grew with time. I used to enjoy his bathroom singing. I found him to be very helpful,
disciplined and energetic. I am in regular touch with him since the Academy days. May God keep him ever charming and cheerful!
Sanjay Yashroy remembers his roomie...
What can you say about the best (and once upon a time, somnambulant) roommate one can ever get? That he could sleep while
standing, that too blissfully in the middle of the day, that he would always be a voice of sanity while many of us flirted with juvenile
stuff fuelled by hormones, that he could stave off inertia of rest to walk 3 miles in Mussoorie winter to call Mami, that he could just
prompt me to shed all my fears to go river rafting, that he remains my best friend in the big bad world, still mentoring and margdarshaking
me. I’m obviously referring to Madan ‘Mamu’ Oberoi, an officer and a gentleman...forever...
Manisha Verma writes about Padmaja...
Padmaja, the name conjures image of a wise, dependable, trustworthy and caring person. She was there for me in 1993 as
my roomie in Mahanadi. I rediscovered her years later during my visit to Hyderabad. She cooked for me lovingly and efficiently
organized batch mates meet at a short notice. 25 years down the line she remains someone I can reach out to, to seek advice on
matters both personal and professional. She continues to inspire with her professionalism, commitment to family, her sense of
humour and practical wisdom.

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Padmaja recalls the times with Manisha Verma....
Manisha Verma and I were room-mates. Was it Room no 5? I think I met her more often after FC . Manisha was busy with Nisarga,
the Nature Club and a particular kind of lotus, erm Pankaj.
She was as serious and intense about everything then as she is now.
Sanjay Dubey remembers Ajay Chandra
Ajay, Ajay Chandra true to his name, was unmoved and unconcerned about what is happening in the FC. Contended, composed
and a calm person, who would take things easy. Last to get up in the morning realising very early in FC the futility of Rana’s antics
and threats. I am yet to meet him after FC but have missed him by a whisker on quite a few occasions and am eagerly looking
forward to catch up with him.
Ajay Chandra on Sanjay Dubey...
Sanjay Dubey was outgoing, full of life, brimming with enthusiasm and positivity, warm and always friendly. Without malice towards
anyone and with a passion for the outdoors, he enjoyed life to the fullest. He was genuine to the core and always willing to take on
additional responsibilities; as is evident from the organisation of the 25 years Reunion of the Batch.
Neerja on Manisha Chandra
Manisha Chandra surprised me. Both of us could not believe that coming from the same city, same university and the same social
circle, we had never met in Chandigarh. I was privy to her initial courtship with Amrit and I have kept all secrets she asked me to. I
have conveniently forgotten them too. It was fun.
I learned that she had been a lecturer before joining the service, a la Sushmita Sen of Main Hoon Na. Always impeccably dressed
in beautiful saris, she would have the energy to drape afresh for every occasion. Noticing that I had reached the Academy straight
from the university, she would give me life advice on almost everything. Always much more informed than me, we would have long
gossip sessions now and then. I often wonder why we did not stay in touch later, we did make a great pair who depended so much
on each other.
Prabhat Kumar writes about Amol Kamat...
Amol is a great guy written IIT Bombay all over him . When I first met him as my roommate at Mussoorie, he was too occupied with
his shaving kit which he presumably had procured recently. It was aimed at providing him the ‘sauve’ look which he missed out
while preparing for UPSC . He was uptight with his sartorial choices, never missed out on Lounge Suits & red tie. Behold , same
was true while he marched towards mess for his dinner. There was so much to learn from him. He loved to open discussions with
numerals and algorithms. A proverbial Genius. I never met him loitering at Ganga dhaba . Days passed by thick and fast . We were
leaving Mussoorie now; he towards Nagpur, myself towards Hyderabad. We had ambivalence on our faces, smeared with eagerness
to know each other better.
We met each other more at tea break during the day than in the room, for he was asleep while I entered the room during night and
while I woke up for PT, he would have already left for the ground. Amol is a true hardworking ‘ Genius ‘.
Darzakhum Songate writes about Anurag Verma...
For one coming from a small village in Manipur, the SDO ( Sub Divisional Officer) was a big man; the Deputy Commissioner of the
District was a real Borsap, whose diktat was the law of the land. In an attempt to get into hallowed Civil Service, I was subscribing
to the good old Competition Success Review since I was in youthful class 11. Never knew that I would be sharing the same room
with an IAS topper. And Anurag Verma, my beloved roommate, of all people, with whom I share the humble toilet seat, turns out to
be a humble soul, with no airs about him. I am sure that he will be a success in administering the great people of the state cadre
allotted to him.
Vijay Kumar IAS on BK Singh
My room mate, during the foundation course, was Mr. Binod Kumar Singh. He is from Bihar. True to my love for Biharis, starting
from Jawarharlal Nehru University days, I was not surprised that my room mate in LBSNAA was also a Bihari. He was a nice guy,
very perfect in his day-to-day activities, very helpful and a good human being. I enjoyed my 3½ months of my foundation course
training with him. Recently, I had a talk with him over phone and I enjoyed the conversation very much. We recollected the past
and exchanged the present status of our families. He is one of the persons who will always remain permanently in my memory.
Santanu writes about Arvind Kumar...
The ‘Prince’ of the FC, Arvind Kumar, IPS, was my roommate. Even after 25 years, I recall the sweet adjustments that Arvind used
to make for me silently, everyday, especially in the morning, when all the Probationers were supposed to report for the tyranny of
PT at 6 am. I haven’t got the opportunity to speak to him since then, but I’d always cherish the memory of having him as my roommate.
Geeta on Veena..
I shifted to Mussorie for Foundation Course 25 years back. I was actually excited about the whole living-out-of-the-home and
starting life as a hostelite. I had read enormous stories about fun roommates do together and I was looking forward to
it.
So here I was in front of my allotted room door with my luggage. I knocked the door and a thin, tall girl, opened the door
and gave me a warm smile. “Hi, I am Geeta, your new roommate.” I introduced myself and extended my hand forward.
“Hello, I am Veena” she said while shaking hands with me. “Come on in”. I dragged all my luggage inside with her help and sat on
the bed for a while.nShe offered me water which I took. She seemed to be a nice person. After onenhour or so I judged it by the
way she was talking that she deeply cared for everything. I on the other side was a carefree and messy person and had the
super power of dropping things as I walked by. “I am a little messy and not well organized” I told her. She gave a blank look for 5
seconds and said “Arre! It’s okay. Since now you are away from home, you will learn to be independent and organized.”
I got positive vibes from her and was sure that we can be good friends.

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After a couple of weeks of awkward laughing in conversations and forced activity together. We actually laughed, and started to feel
comfortable being around each other. All of a sudden, I realized I was closer to the person whom I met a couple of months ago than
I was to the friends I knew my whole life she was such a sunny and easy-going girl.
(An imaginary account of first meeting)
D. Activities
Write up by Sanjay Yashroy
Gurpreet Deo on Usha Titus...
Dr Usha Titus, my roommate in Mussoorie , was the topper amongst women in our batch. She was this smart savvy Keralite with intellect
written all over her but her most endearing quality was her warmth and ability to put the other person at ease . We got along
rather well ; in fact, effortlessly. I credit Usha with teaching me to wear the Saree elegantly.I look back upon our association with a
fair degree of nostalgia and sweet memories of carefree gossip and fun filled laughter.

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Poems by AST, DK Singh
Deepti Gaur
Koche
Gurpreet
Sharad
Dharini
9. Contributions from members of 59FC

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10. Some Milestones

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We requested all batch mates to share their special achievements with us, achievements beyond the official assignments. Many
have pursued academic interests in India and abroad, and upgraded their knowledge and skill sets. The Government, particularly the
DoPT, has been a great support in encouraging officers and exposing them to the best in the country and in the world. Many work as
consultants for international agencies. But here, we will not discuss about the many doctorates of philosophy and specialisations in
areas of public policy, economics or governance.
Some brave ones took up other adventures leaving aside the restrictions and challenges of a government job. Ajit Joy, Asha James,
Sanjay Yashroy, Amirullah are amongst these adventurers. We will be only sharing the personal achievements that our friends have
been able to undertake in the crests and troughs of life..........
BOOKS by Vijay Kumar, Bala Bhaskar, Sharad Chauhan, Sanjay Dubey
WE PASSED THE RUBICON
Being one of the earliest to have quit the service (in 1998), I have often been asked the question, “How does it feel”. The short answer
is, “Experience it for yourself”. The conversation ends rather abruptly at this point. If I wear my spiritual hat, the refrain would be that
it doesn’t matter where you. What matters in that contentment stems from within. And that the grass always seems greener, fresher
on the other side. But if i were to dabble in occasional pragmatism, it feels nice to do at a few things not bound by compulsion, and
not embellished by order-sheet notings, rules, sections and sub-sub-sections. On the other hand, being totally at the mercy of the
proverbial market forces also is daunting, especially since sharks of all hues abound everywhere. I’ve had interesting experiences
in the consulting, telecom and media sectors, and while they are widely perceived to be glamorous, the challenges are pretty much
mundane - targets, numbers, and yes, some reports too. Finally I was struck by the entrepreneurial bug. so I co-founded a company
that’s raising a VC fund. The lure of the lucre is matched only by the excitement of not taking instructions, unless of course they are
from a myriad of regulatory authorities. No such thing as free (or even easy) lunch.
So, it’s a mixed bag. For me personally, the sheer joy of being with friends and re-igniting old ties has gone on relentless, service
or no service. By some reckoning, the affection I have always received from batchmates strengthens my feeling that I never left the
service. And that’s how I intend to keep it – keep meeting, reliving the old days and welcoming the new ones. Amen!!
- Sanjay Yashroy
11. Mid Career Trainings- in pictures

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13. Audio and Video Files
12. Reunion in Mussoorie- 10-12 August