Back to the future

What is the present position?
We have asked PMC for permission to build a stairway from the ground floor to the first where the bakery would be extended,as we cannot have the bakery spilling onto the open space like it was earlier on. Architects are working on the plans. All going well we should be able to start the bakery in the first week of August.

There was also some controversy about the ownership issue and allegations that the bakery was a place for drug dealing at one time?
The property is in my mother’s name. After my father passed away things were not clear and there was a claim made by other relatives. We are fighting that case. As far as drugs are concerned there have been no instances reported to us in all these years nor has the police ever questioned any activities of the bakery. If there were customers involved in anything like this it was all outside the bakery and not on our premises.

Your father started the bakery after some very modest beginnings right?
My father used to sell cigarettes at the railway station and at the ashram. But simultaneously he continued his education. After completing his studies he started this bakery with Woody Gutzeit. Luckily the business took off right from the beginning.

Have other people/ organisations come forward to offer any financial help?
Initially there were many offers but we did not accept any because we thought the government would be giving us the compensation. Now there are no such offers but if anyone is willing to do so,we would accept gladly as the rebuilding would take almost 22-23 lakh which is a big amount. And the loan is never for the full amount. However I have had a lot of moral support from the people. I was very touched when one month after the blast a large number of people turned up to light candles in memory of those who had lost their lives at the bakery. Everyday I am asked when the bakery will reopen as its closure has affected both business and life in the rest of Koregaon park too.

So what will the new bakery be like?
I want it to be a surprise so am not disclosing any plans. But it will be a bigger and better place. No changes in the menu though. The staff too will be more or less the same. Right now most of them have gone back to their hometowns in Nepal but will be back as soon as we need them.

Finally what have these past 100 days been like?
They have gone in a blur- I have not had time to sit down and think. The first few days it was interacting with the police and then the media. Then the question of rebuilding as our main source of income stopped totally. We faced a lot of problems at home because of that. In between I had my exams also. But overall I think it’s been a big learning experience for me. I took on the responsibility of the bakery as my mother remains unwell and I don’t want my younger brother and sister to go through any struggles. I have put my own feelings on the back burner and have no time to indulge myself in usual carefree activities of college days. But it’s okay. I am happy with my decision and have no regrets. I have grown as a person and learnt tremendously in these last 100 days.