South City-1
South City-1 Samvada Editors
SCRWA Office As A Campsite
When we were young camping meant adventure and fun with friends and a time to enjoy the unique joys of childhood. I for one was always excited when our school…
DHBVN Complaint Centre is Now Open in South City 1
South City -1 started getting populated in the mid-nineties and initially, all Electrical infrastructure was being managed by Unitech. About a decade ago, Unitech started having financial trouble and refused…
My New Venture
Mindful Wandering – to awaken our senses for better mental health. We are aware that high-stress lifestyles contribute to poor mental health and are marred by chronic lifestyle diseases. People…
Green to Grey – The Metamorphosis of Our City!
Flashback – Circa 2000 The car drive from Vasant Kunj was beautiful. While our eyes were feasting on the beautiful green and yellow mustard fields on MG road (yes, now…
Fire Drill At The Retreat
Retreat held a fire safety event on 14th April. Residents of all ages and backgrounds actively participated in the fire drill, learning about fire extinguisher types, proper usage, fire safety protocols,…
Oonjal- the Swing!
Visitors to our house visit our Pooja room. As they enter, they see the majestic Oonjal- Malayalam word for “Swing”. At 7 feet long, 2 feet wide, 2 inches thick…
Mobile Snatched in South City 1
Three mobile snatching incidents in a month! And all on the main connecting roads of South City 1. Next to Vita Dairy, opposite F block onthe main Patio road, and the…
Morning Walk with CAUTION!
young lady resident of C Block, Jyoti Makhijani, was out for her usual early morning run on 21 April at around 6:15 AM when she realised that there was a…
On the Road to Turning Trash to Treasure
The Citizenry of South City 1 will soon be a formidable force as it rallies around green initiatives like segregation and collection of E-Waste and Textile Waste so that it…
Ek Mulakaat Begum Parveen Sultana Ke Saath
It was a surprise when I met her in the airport lounge. We were travelling to Kochi for a short holiday. As we entered the lounge, we saw her sitting….
Space
On the earth We are so small Standing here Looking up at it all Sun, moon, galaxies And trillions of stars So beautiful and infinite Stretching on and on – so far. So much is undiscovered Filled with fascinating…
Samvada and Me
My relationship with Samvada began in the middle of 2018 and I have never looked back. The allure of the written word has enticed me as far back as I…
Mammography Camp
The Rotary Club of Gurgaon South City 1 organised a free Mammography Test camp in the Central Aracade on 27th April for women above 40 years. The camp was organised…
Bin Liners, Boon or Bane?
Although plastic Bin liners give a cosmetic uplift to the garbage inside, they in themselves add to the plastic waste mounting on the already mountainous Bandhwari landfill. A little math will…
The Misadventures of Domestic Deceit
Welcome to the thrilling world of domestic espionage. First, in our lineup of household intrigue is the curious case of the shape-shifting maid who goes by Roshni… or is it…
Rethinking Tradition: Beyond One-Day Gestures of Respect
Navratri is a time of reverence for the divine feminine, celebrated with fervour across India. Central to this is Kanjak Pujan, where young girls are invited, symbolizing the goddess herself. It’s a…
Say NO to Plastics
Recently I was preparing to buy some ‘giveaways’ for ‘Kanjake’ during the ‘Navratras’, and had thought of plastic tiffin boxes for the little girls! I was gently admonished by a…
Theft in the Palms
In a recent incident, a theft occurred in Palms on the day of Holi. The residents of a flat, who were away for the day, returned to find their home…
Not So Sweet After All
I am sure most of us have memories of having freshly squeezed fruit juice from one or the other shop, van or ‘thela’. The tantalizing experience of the juice running…
Losing A Green Limb
We all are aware that urban trees have an enormous positive impact on the well-being of the Environment as well as our own physical, social and mental health. Trees harbour…
Harmony ki Holi
As the winter transitions into spring, the surroundings are filled with a pop of floral colours. The trees and flower beds are all laden with numerous flowers. We also welcome…
General Guidelines for Construction in South City 1 by SCRWA
In the first week of March, there was a news item about the death of a worker on a construction site in South City 1. We came to know that…
Clothes Drive
To prevent Textile Waste from ending up in landfills and garbage heaps across the city, Saahas Zero Waste and Slim Homes have partnered to organise the collection of the same…
Karate Belt Test Held at Palms
The Palms hosted the belt test for the students of Alan-ThilakShito Ryu Karate School on Sunday, 10th March 2024 where over 35 children participated showcasing their skill and technique in the…
Fire Contained at Ivory Tower, Residents and Staff Work Together
A fire broke out in an apartment of Ivory Tower, in Retreat, on the morning of March 27th. Thankfully, thanks to the quick action of the security staff, housekeeping crew,…
Palms wali Holi
At the clock tower at noon,With my pichkari,Running to find water balloons.To throw at my friendsWho carry stuff too Seher throwing a cloud of dark pink gulaal,Meya spraying me with…
Mission Jambur: An African Village in Gujarat
On a Junagadh trip, a friend once mentioned a hidden village – Jambur, home to people of African descent. Intrigued, I made it my mission to find them on my…
Gallimaufry
Samson and Delilah, Blue Tooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, & Hedy Lamarr How many of you know of Cecil B.Demille’s 1949 classic, Samson and Delilah, based on a Biblical Story? I remember…
Draining the Elixir of Life
Looking at the Table above one can see how small measures can yield huge results in terms of saving water. One look at the water economy in our houses will…
Eye Care Camp
Mr. Dinesh Jain and family, of 705 & 1106 Heights along with Dr. Garima’s Dental Care Centre (Sec 14) organized a successful charitable eye camp. Over 100 residents, including senior…
Congratulations Shampa
Shampa Moitra, a resident of Ivory Tower, The Retreat, was awarded for her captivating tulip photography during the Delhi Tulip Festival. The festival, organized by the New Delhi Municipal Council…
Garbage is the new GOLD for the SCRWA kitty
To anyone following the news cycle about Gurgaon in the last 6 months, it would be apparent that the idea of Swachh Bharat was not guiding the Mantra for its…
SCRWA Update: Hello Goodbye, and Come Together
It is never easy to work in a large team with strong personalities. It becomes even more difficult when the team is working without a common profit motive. The current…
Chawanni Ke Angoor (Vintage Love Story from Palms)
As I enter their apartment, I’m met with a surprise from Om Uncle and Kailash Aunty. What could it be that I wanted to know from them? I say laughingly, …
A Tribute to Ved Prakash Suri
Remorse and regret are not easy emotions to deal with. However, this is what I felt when I heard of Ved Prakash Suri having passed away. I had connected with…
Is Creating A Perfect Life For Our Kids A Disservice To Them?
Last weekend, I entered what I call South City-1’s personal Bermuda Triangle, aka my daughter’s room. From the looks of it, it resembles a cat-ransacked area, but in the words…
Multifaceted Talent of The Retreat
Meet Ashi Modi, an eighth-grade student residing in Ivory Towers, The Retreat. Ashi is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for the atre, music, and the art of doodling….
Travel Diaries- Destination Junagadh
This place I have only heard, of as I faintly recall my daily soap-hogging days some 20 years back. So I started researching this place when a work trip came…
Conquering Exam Stress: A Collaborative Effort
Exam stress isn’t new, affecting individuals across generations. However, the recent rise in student stress and mental health concerns necessitates immediate action. Understanding the Root Causes: External and Internal Pressure:…
Every Drop Counts
As India faces one of its biggest droughts since Independence, stories of water scarcity and conflicts surrounding this are the new normal. Latur city in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra…
Are Our Concerns Valid About Today’s Younger Generation?
Since time immemorial people have been gripping about the younger generation. Here’s why this time it’s true for one demographic The Hellenistic Greeks complained about children’s contempt for authority and…
Sweet Songs of Spring
Strawberries, Cherries and the Angel’s Kiss in Spring, My Summer Wine is made from all these things When Lee Hazlewood wrote these lyrics in the spring of 1966, he would…
Gallimaufrying
The Webster’s dictionary defines the term “Gallimaufry” as a ‘hodgepodge’ of opinions. In essence, it is a jumble of subjects that can keep one busy, thinking and maybe in the…
A visit from the Stork
A new life, like a tiny rosebud, its fist uncurled, holds the promise of joyous adventures and quiet solitude; times like placid pools & stormy seas; roller coaster rides and smooth…
Barricades
To secure the entry and exit points of the service lane of B Block in South City1, it was decided to place Barricades from 10 PM to 5 AM. Very…
Indian Coral Tree
Indian Coral Tree, or Tiger claw (Erythrina variegata) blooming at Vine Street, is a showy, spreading tree with brilliant red blossoms. Highly valued ornamental is one of the gems of…
All izz well, Car-O-Bar, Graffiti, and Police in Hindi Cinema
Cambridge Dictionary defines Graffiti as words or drawings, especially humorous, rude, or political, on walls, doors, etc. in public places. It is usually illegal and in volves unauthorized use of…
Republic Day @ The Retreat
This year’s Republic Day celebration at Retreat was a truly inspiring and heart-warming experience. Unlike previous years, it kicked off with a unique touch: a moving presentation by ex-defence personnel…
Residents of Retreat Celebrate Lord Ram’s Pran Pratishtha with Fervor
The Retreat, society in Gurugram, celebrated the historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya with immense devotion and fervour. As Prime Minister Modi unveiled the idol…
Unchecked Waste Breeds Concern for Retreat
A mounting pile of garbage and debris has residents of The Retreat (Rakshak, Heights and Ivory Tower), South City 1, sounding the alarm over a public health hazard brewing right…
South City Festivities for Praan Pratishtha of Shri Ram at Ayodhya
“रघुपति राघव राजाराम”, “पतित पावन सीता राम” This was probably the first bhajan that I remember as a 3-4 year old. My grandparents were big-time fans of Bapu and followed…
What is ‘Ram’ for a Fauji kid?
An old friend of mine, whose dad was in the Indian Air Force, sent me the following. It resonated so much with me that it took me back to the…
Interview of Kids Regarding Board Exams
With Boards Exams approaching, we spoke to a few children who will be appearing for their board exams this year, to understand what they expect from their parents and guardians….
Republic Day- The Palms
75th Republic Day was celebrated with great fervour at The Palms this year. Fortunately, the weather was also cooperative and families had a great time attending the flag hoisting and…
My India
So much diversity in culture So much rich cultural heritage Dignity and Integrity But still one united country So many festivals to enjoy So much food to relish So much…
Republic Day
This is our nation Our own creation The places we make Earn the most respect Our Great Mother India The one we salute Is the big reason We all are…
Insights From The Book- Top 5 Regrets Of Dying
Mrs. Chand Kapoor, a 94-year-old resident of Palms says, “ I have had a good life beta and I don’t have any regrets. All my three daughters are doing well…
A Pathway to Heaven on Earth
It is well known that Gurudwaras, Mandirs or any religious places for that matter, offer guidance on living a fulfilling, effective and joyous life in harmony with all living beings…
“We Didn’t Start The Fire No, We Didn’t Light It, But We Tried To Fight It”
On the 14th of January 2024, a huge pile of leaves along with some mixed garbage, lying just inside of the gate to the B Block Park, caught fire. Some…
The Wizards of South City 1
Indeed, they are the Wizards of I Block South City 1 since they are conjuring up gold from trash. The Residents of I Block (I-8 to I-49), have harvested their…
Lohri Flames Warm the Winter Night
Lohri, a vibrant winter festival, ignited the hearts of the residents at Retreat. On the crisp January night, the basketball court transformed into a joyous gathering place, illuminated by the…
Strays: A Balancing Act Between Resident Concerns & Legal Protections
South City-1, among many, is grappling with one more growing concern – the issue of stray dogs. While these furry inhabitants bring joy to some, they pose significant challenges for…
Night of Melodic Harmony at Retreat
As the first whispers of winter frosted the air in early December, the Retreat management organised a magical evening to warm the hearts and souls of residents. Under a canopy…
Veer Baal Diwas
26th December since 2022 is observed as Veer Baal Diwas to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons (chhote sahibzaade); Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh…
No Discrimination When It Comes To Thieving!
On the morning of the 15th December 2023, Aashish Arora was on his way to the hospital with his father. As they stepped out of their house, C 8 South…
Pathcon 2023, a “Green Conference”
We all know that Education is a journey and not a destination and so it is with us Doctors. We Pathologists have quarterly continuing medical education programs which culminate in…
Lost Recipes
Ruma’s Cook Book- Kochur Loti (Cont. from Dec 2023 edition) Kochur Loti as we Bengalis call it, but its scientific name is Colocasia esculenta or Taro root. Taro root is the thick,…
Personality of the Season!
Or should I say PERSONALITIES! Meet Rakesh and Shikha Jain staying at The Palms, South City 1. Rakesh and Shikha both studied architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture…
Pursuit of a Simpler Life in the New Year’
In today’s world, where an abundance of social obligations and limitless digital distractions nearly drown out the voice of simplicity, it is even more crucial to connect with who you truly…
Reopening Of Safal Store In SC1
The saying goes, “You are what you eat”, so I am sure we all are looking for clean, toxin-free, organic produce which does not eat into your pocket as you…
Kisses and Misses, Fender Benders and Gaali Galoch
Acacophony of horns, some of them blaring loud, and traffic jams are the norm on the narrow Central Avenue of South City 1 and the Service Lane near Huda City…
The Essence of Giving
Once again this winter The Palms- Woollens Project took off to a good start. While our numbers have been dwindling our spirit has not. A small group of us knitted and…
Palms Christmas Carnival
Beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Decor, Secret Santa, Santa Claus Visit, Christmas Cake Bake, Christmas Craft Stall at the Christmas Fair in Palms – that’s how residents of Palms celebrated Christmas…
The Retreat Renovation
Retreat is undergoing a metamorphosis! All three buildings- Rakshak, Heights and Ivory Tower, are receiving a head-to-toe makeover. Interiors, exteriors, basement repair works and fresh coat of paint all over….
SCRWA Update by General Secretary
The Executive Committee of the South City RWA was voted to power by residents with massive support, big fanfare, and very high expectations. As the general sec-retary of this Executive…
Prabhat Pheri in South City1
This year, it is the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The Gurpurab celebrations begin with ‘Prabhat pheris’, the early morning processions, which began at the Gurudwara and…
The Battle Against Toxic Air
Come November and we all gave a collective gasp quite literally. The air as we knew it, vanished into thin air and in its stead stood this quite easily visible,…
ICC Men’s World Cup 2023
Just coming once every 4 years, is this ICC Men’s World Cup? I have to wait so long to watch this, but trust me it is definitely worth the wait….
Reincarnation of Festive Waste
Diwali is a time of celebration but we can transform it into a continuum of sustainable joy which is generated by our conscious efforts to create a lasting and positive…
An Initiative by SCRWA Waste Management Committee
South City 1 generates almost 1.5 Tons of Wet Waste every day. An unknown amount of horticulture waste is also being generated in our colony. Most of the horticulture waste…
Lost Recipes
Ruma Bhattacharjee is a resident of Ivory Tower. Ruma lost her husband in the middle of Covid Lockdown. And since then she has moved to Gurgaon to stay with herdaughter…
Focus on What You Want
My mother says Focus on what you want Then only the future will not come to haunt Life may be tough Things will get rough Focus on your long term…
Governing Body Elections In Palms-2023
The Governing Body elections were held in The Palms on November 19th, 2023 where the residents voted to choose their Governing Body for the next 2 years. This year the…
Facts Related To The Scrap Dealer Appointed By SCRWA
A few days ago, the SCRWA WhatsApp group witnessed a heated debate about the noise created by a group of scrap dealers in a Block in South City 1. Many…
So Beautiful, So Elegant, Just Looking Like A Wow!
Rangoli and Diwali decor in various homes in The Palms, South City 1 was a sight to see this year. Everyone, including kids, participated in the festivities by making beautiful…
Prabhat Pheri
Retreat residents participated in Prabhat Pheri this year with as much enthusiasm! From senior residents to children all were part of the ceremony and were seen participating in the event…
South City 1 Celebrates Dussehra
Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil and at a personal level, it symbolises victory over ten malevolent and destructive qualities people are afflicted with. These are Kama (Lust),…
The Palms AGM Highlights
The Palms, South City 1 recently concluded its AGM with 81 apartment owners in attendance. The meeting was held in the central lawns on 1st October’s warm Sunday morning. The…
Dr Priyanka Halwasiya’s Terrace Garden In South City 1
Grow your Veggies – Part 2 In our last issue, I had written on how we could grow our organic vegetables, and this time I would like you to see…
Furry Tales
In our present times, with our fragmented and disconnected cultures, ugly politics, stressful technology and fast-paced lives, the one unconditional love we can depend on is that of our pet!…
Durga Puja At My Retreat Home
Durga Puja is not just a Puja for Bengalis, it is a celebration of life. We started doing Durga Puja last year as it was one of my dad’s unfulfilled…
Let’s Make South City-1 Better!
The major services that are required by residents of South City include: Security services are essential to guarantee a peaceful existence for Resi-dents. The numerous in stances of thefts and one…
South City 1 Is Awash With Dirty Pictures!
Garbage, garbage everywhere and not a spot that does not stink! This has been the most popular refrain throughout Gurugram and the same echoes resonated in the many WhatsApp Groups…
Role of an RWA
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) play a vital role in promoting community cohesion and enhancing the quality of life in urban areas like Gurgaon. With rapid urbanization and population growth, RWAs…
2023 Diwali Mela at The Palms
The festive season brings more opportunities for social interaction and Palms Diwali Mela is an annual affair which residents look forward to every year. This year Palms organised a very…
Retreat Diwali Mela
A Diwali Mela was organised at the Retreat, with stalls of garments, accessories, home decor, food stalls and a play area along with a DJ and dance floor. Residents enjoyed…
Green Endeavours by Mala Akbari
Mala Akbari, a restaurant at 32nd Avenue, takes a step forward to manage its waste responsibly. Seema Menon (G3) requested Slim Homes to conduct a workshop in this regard on…
Gowshala Dismantled In South City 1 But All Izz Well
Morning: Sunday, 17th September Residents of South City-1 woke up to enjoy a lazy Sunday but were surprised to see more than 3 dozen cows roaming on Central Avenue near…
A Personal Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana
With the launch of the PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana, it is time we got fired too, and launched one of our own. There are so many skills that our…
South City 1 Marches Towards Becoming a “Zero Waste Colony”
On Saturday, the 23rd of September 2023, SAAHAS NGO, with permission from SCRWA, conducted an e-waste collection Drive in South City 1, along with a Door-to-Door awareness regarding the proper…
B K Mathur on A Personal Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman YojanaGood 
Raji Anand on Peeping Toms: Councilor ElectionsYes, all must come in large numbers to v
meena wanchu on Luxury RedefinedTrue, new luxury is Nature! Green Earth - meena wanchu on Ghasola village fire & UsKudos to the solidarity of the Palm Soci
Saurabh Agarwal on My First Nightout With My Friends (Bharatpur Trip)Very well put together.... Keep up the g
mamta Agarwal on My First Nightout With My Friends (Bharatpur Trip)Extraordinary, very proud of you. - mamta Agarwal on My First Nightout With My Friends (Bharatpur Trip)Wow, Vanya so proud of you, it's really
meena wanchu on Durga Puja through the lens of an Atheist TeenIt is surprising to know that at such an
Anil Alagh on Durga Puja through the lens of an Atheist TeenShort and sweet. May Ayush return to exp
manisha mishra on Bringing Maa Durga Homeawesome one shampa..😍 
aru gaur on Karvachauth Celebrations At the RetreatThank you Shampa for capturing the beaut
Vandana Bakshi on Durga Puja through the lens of an Atheist TeenSuch a well articulated post, I am very