Back to work on this rainy Monday morning but what a night it was on Friday July 27th – our office party held at a venue close by, and we all celebrated and partied hard to mark the completion of 16 years of Khana Khazana India Pvt Ltd’s existence. It was a totally masti filled evening – time to let the hair down, with a rocking DJ, superb Mediterranean starters and food and an open bar. Needless to say, everyone turned up, dressed to kill and ready to set the floor on fire.
I must say, I was so surprised that my team put together a short film to portray our journey through these years…a big thanks to all who have put their hardwork in creating something so beautiful and touching. I definitely lived through the whole story with strong nostalgia, right then and there!
Just after the AV session, we had an award ceremony to felicitate the team mates who have made significant contribution to the company’s growth – those who have been dedicatedly been working day-in and day-out to bring the company to this pinnacle. Presented them with trophies and certificates amidst loud applause! Employees of the year were Sheetal, Jaaie, Saurabh, Pawan and Bipin. Some of the other trophies went to Rajeev, Harpal, Miti, Neena, Anupa, Satyaki, Sanjay, Ravi, Saurabh Saxena, Nanette….
Congratulations to everyone!
I thank all my guests who came – difficult to take all the names here but felt so good and comforted to see Dr Ram Prabhoo with Meena bhabhi present there with their smiling countenances and blessings. We go back a long way with them and they have helped us out in the direst times so many many years ago. Alyona got a bit emotional while telling about their roles in our lives. Dr Ram actually put on a chef’s hat and gave a recipe that he feels has helped me succeed. Thank you, Dr Ram for putting it so beautifully. Rajeev, my elder brother, was there throughout the party. He is the reason for the existence of this company and I whole heartedly admit it. My friends and business associates opened out their hearts and gave their perspective to the growth in the future. I liked what Ravi Saxena said about all verticals should now work in synergy. I reiterated it in my message to my team – that not only should we work in synergy but should also dream bigger! Harsha Bhatkal, as usual, was his chirpy self, and gave his version of our first meeting which I am sure must have surprised the ones who heard it for the first time!
We had invited our ex employees who have still kept their bonds with us intact all these years, inspite of moving out and moving on in their respective careers. Sunit Purandare sent us a recorded message from London – Aditi Mehta, one of first chefs, came and delivered a short message spoken from the heart, and Chef Debashish Mukherjee brought the house down with his tale of how he got into Khana Khazana! I feel proud of all those who have made it ‘big’ in their lives beyond Khana Khazana, and I wish that they just keep on rising and shining in their lives.
Then we also had the cake cutting to celebrate, slightly preponed though, the birthdays of Rajeev Matta and my younger daughter Kriti. I feel special times like these are what memories are made of – to be cherished – be relaxed and happy, and forget the strenuous everyday schedules. Kudos to everyone who silently put together the whole show with such panache and made it possible for everyone to enjoy so much!
Sharing a few pictures of the party here through this link –
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150976810782689.415209.60908652688&type=1
And also sharing some of the great bites like the ones we had enjoyed on Friday…go on and relish them!
Baked Prawns with Honey Mustard
Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Tiramisu
Till I write again
Sanjeev Kapoor
19.113019
72.869271
From My Kitchen 