Santa Visits Maitri

It was a premature Christmas for us. The Russian Santa Claus was visiting us on 20 Dec. 08. We had been informed well in advance about this visit and so we were preparing for the divine visit for a few days. There was hectic activity at the station since morning. Actually, since yesterday. The lounge was being decorated, menu was decided and gifts for the Santa and his entourage were prepared. I was on cooking duty with Narayan Singh. It was a hectic day.



Finally, at 6 PM, we saw the Russian vehicles approaching us in the distance. An announcement was made over the station public address system and we were all on standby, cameras et al. The vehicles halted outside the gates and an elegantly dressed Santa stepped out. He had a one and a half meter long beard. He was wearing a red robe with golden embroidery and a cap and gloves to match. He spoke Russian in a deep baritone voice. One of his interpreters translated his words in English.



He came inside the station and moved around authoritatively. He spoke of the spirit of Christmas and Indo- Russian friendship. The Santa had come from the northern most parts of Russia, 14,000 km from here. He gave some mementos to the station leaders and then we raised a toast to the Santa and for Christmas. This was followed by cocktails and repeated rounds of photographs. We were falling over each other to get photographed with the Santa in all his regalia. It was a fascinating day for us.

Towards the end of the function, the Russian leader distributed certificates to all the participants of the Indo- Russian convoy held in Nov 08, of which I was also a part. Finally, the entourage left, with most of the Russians dead drunk at 8 PM. This event left us all refreshed for the rest of the 40 days of our expedition. The festive spirit did not leave us untouched.