TUM JIYO HAZAARON SAAL - HER MAJESTY DECCAN QUEEN'S 82ND BIRTHDAY!!
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Lights, Camera, Action!
1st June - The day for which entire Pune waits eagerly...and what's so special? Oh Yes, its the Birthday of the Queen - The beloved DECCAN QUEEN! The train
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started off on 01.06.1930 has become a household name for thousands of commuters between Pune and Mumbai. The DQ has been a family member and a means for BREAD and BUTTER for them. The excitement was already building up. The women who travel up and down daily had dressed in finest of attires. The D-2 coach resembled a newly-wed bride.
At 06.30, when the WDS-6 shunter bought in the Queen at PF-1, there was a buzz and cheer all around. The queen had been well decorated for the occasion. Soon, the press wallahs, railfans and local citizens of Pune lined up on the PF and moved towards the Loco Side. Minutes later, A 21898 WCAM 3 of KYN shed was the lucky one to do the honours. The LP Mr. H.P. Pandey and the ALP Mr. G.P. Janghel seemed too excited as if they were saying - "Aaj hum dhanya ho gaye!".
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Soon, the President of Pune-Mumbai Pravasi Sangh Mrs. Harsha Shah and the Chief Guest Mr. Mangesh Tendulkar, a noted cartoonist were present to grace the occasion along with the office bearers of the Sangh, officials of CR, railfans and commuters. The loco was attached at around 06.50 and immediately, the members of the Sangh started decorating the loco. The ladies got down to the tracks and did "Aarti" which was followed by breaking of coconuts from the hands of LP. This was followed was cutting of the grand cake from the hands of Mrs. Shah and Mr. Tendulkar and LP. The LP and ALP were felicitated and everyone sang the customary "Happy Birthday to You" and "Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye, Tum Jiyo Hazzaron Saal" song amnongst a sea of emotions. Key-chains were distributed by the Sangh to the people present as a token of the occasion. At exactly 07.12, the starter turned amber. The 21898 gave a small snort as if it was saying "Chalo guys, time to move on now...." At 07.15 sharp, the loco give a loud horn and the wheels set in motion. Bye Byes, Applauses and emotions were very high as the Queen chugged out of PF-1 for a yet another day in the office.
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Happy Birthday and Thank You, Dear Deccan Queen for your selfless service to humanity. See you next year dear, till then take care of yourselves...