A summary of the year gone by at Belvedere Towers, is actually a fairy tale that stretches almost 20 months since some of us moved here and made it home.
In the beginning, occupancy was low, and excitement was high. The newness of the place and the unbelievable connect most of us made with strangers who had become neighbours created an environment, which to people like my wife and I was a refreshing change from cold and crowded colonies of Delhi.
A Residents Welfare Association was born one Sunday morning, with
Savita Malhotra being elected President, being supported by office bearer volunteers -
Anupama, Shirley, Madhu and Kamal uncle - the oldest and most vocal volunteer in the complex!
Parties were organized, religious festivals were celebrated, and even lifts were redecorated with the co-operation of all residents and the passionate efforts of
Savita Malhotra and her team of selected volunteers!
The garden is a delight, thanks to the equally delightful energy of
Anupama who stalks the stalks, walks the walkways ensuring our horticulture department shows the most visible and beautiful results at Belvedere.
The Pantry in B Tower came alive under the watchful eye of
Moushmee Jha. And much to the dismay of parents like me, started selling colas and chips to the kids, right in the midst of their play area! But of course, this angst is offset by the fact that if ever we run out of something to offer unexpected guests, there's always our little pantry to count on.
The Party Hall became a popular venue for parties and I am told, even a wedding Sangeet happened there!
The Gym is fully equipped and constantly filled with an amazing number of fitness freaks among us - led by
Ketaki who not only tested the gym facilities to the max, always amazed me with her energy when swimming, and doing her walking rounds around the complex.
The Swimming Pool is small but beautiful. A coach was organized, who taught the youngsters how to swim - which culminated in a wonderful swimming contest organized for the kids at the end of the season. Of course, some not so youngsters such as myself also tried to learn, but scared off the coach with our questions just after two lessons!
Manjit sir, we want our money back!!
On a more serious note, there were some security problems we faced this year. But the way the residents came together, and despite many raised voices and heated exchanges, sanity and sensitivity prevailed, that helped sort out issues without making things ugly.
As the new year approaches, all I can say is the time we've spent till date at Belvedere Towers is extremely satisfying. And I'd like to thank every one who lives here - owners, tenants, residents, service providers, doers, enjoyers, even those whom I've never met or will perhaps never come in contact with, for making Belvedere Towers the great place it is to live in today.
