Nashik Diary

Then, when the Chief Minister visited an ashram school at Khadak Jamb while touring Malegaon-Chandwad, the patriarch in him found another opportunity to express himself. He was so impressed by a dance performed by some tribal girls that he exclaimed: 8220;May God give you good husbands.8221; As if matrimony is the most important thing in a girl8217;s life! Tch, tch, Mr Joshi8230; times are a-changing.

Late Latif

IN the past, there were ministers like Ramdas Athavale, who were notoriously late keeping appointments. Now there is Gopinath Munde. During a recent visit to Nashik, the Deputy Chief Minister reached the venue of his first engagement at Kalidas Kala Mandir about an hour late. Nevertheless, theorganisers 8212; the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Jana Kalyan Samiti 8212; started the programme without waiting for Munde. Eventually, he did arrive and deliver a speech, but excused himself from the luncheon programme. Instead, he chose to lunch at the residence of an industrialist manufacturing switchgears.

No one knows what kept him so long, but Munde turned up for the next programme on his itinerary about two hours late. The function, organised at the police headquarters, was attended by senior officials and politicians, including Chairperson of the Legislative Council Prof N S Pharande. But these worthies had to wait for hours under a leaking pandal in the driving rain for Munde to turn up.

Munde8217;s next engagement was the release of the performance report of MLC Nishigandha Mogal scheduled for 3 pm. The function began only at 5.30 pm, thanks, again, to the Deputy Chief Minister. Yet, there was no word of apology from Munde.

Love8217;s Labour Lost

Spurned by the woman with whom he was besotted, theprotagonist in William Somerset Maugham8217;s Of Human Bondage realised that love cannot be won, not even by kindness and generosity.

A youth from Waghdardi in Manmad, Anil Haribhau Narote, recently discovered that even violence was futile in sowing the seeds of love. Tired of being given the cold shoulder by the woman of his dreams, Anil confronted her last week at a deserted spot. But the girl was just not interested. In a fit of rage, he stabbed her and as she lay bleeding, Anil stabbed himself as well. Both are now recuperating in hospital.

Instead of wooing Lady Love, Anil managed to append his name to the list of criminals, charged with attempt to murder.

Promise Of Empty Spaces

State Health Minister Dr Daulatrao Aher, elected to the Legislative Assembly from Nashik district, pulled out all the stops to kick off his dream project, the Maharashtra Medical University, of which he is pro vice-chancellor.

The university was inaugurated by Governor P C Alexander on June 10 after anordinance was promulgated and is temporarily housed in a building leased out by the Nashik Municipal Corporation along Gangapur Road. The vice-chancellor, an officer on special duty and a chief executive officer have also been appointed while six persons have been deputed for administrative work.

However, the university complex stands desolate, a mere brick-and-mortar shell of a building. No work is carried out and officials seldom visit the campus. Apart from signboards which point to the Establishment Section,8217; Examination Section8217; etc, the university comprises only vacant spaces. Haste makes waste. What say you, Mr Aher?