``They come like bees to honey. Once they start coming, they just don't stop,'' says Sumitra Ranade laughing. A founder member of the Mandal, she chanced upon V.L. Kate and 25 of his friends exercising in the Park while her friends and she were taking their morning constitutional.

Says Ranade, ``We took about four months to discover that he had started classes and we asked if we could join. We complete a year of exercise on April 4. You see, women do not go out. At their age, they feel shy to join in, especially when they see only men. But within a week of our joining, the number of women had risen to 10.'' Hesitantly at first, but then more resolutely, more and more women joined in. Their number now stands at 160.

The best part of this class is that it is free and a daily affair. Explains Kate, ``After I retired in 1995, I'd come here for a walk and yoga. Soon, a friend joined in and by the end of the month, there were 25 people exercising with me. I start at 6.45 a.m. sharp, no matter how many people come.'' But pupils coming late is no problem. Things take on a relaxed air as people join in and take up whatever the class is doing. Kate says, ``We don't let anything disturb our routine. Not even heavy rain. We have permission to sit in the porch of the Balgandharva Rangmandir then.''

The routine has not changed in the last year. Kate begins with 15 minutes of physical exercise to work the stiffness out of the arms, shoulders, legs and feet. This is followed by 10 minutes of yoga and another 10 of pranayam. ``We exercise all parts of the body - from the eyes to the feet,'' says Kate. Toward this end, there are more than 60 different exercises in one class. S.S. Godbole, an advocate who has been walking for some time, comes here for this variety. ``It is absolutely essential for the mind and body.''

``But,'' says member U.R. Gotkhindikar, "stress management is more important. I used to be slightly diabetic but no more. It is great for relaxation.'' Y.B. Bhagwat agrees, ``After retirement, people get depressed. This exercise has given us mental relief.'' The serene environs of the park help. Large shady trees, nicely-maintained lawns and relatively clean surroundings contribute to the feeling of well-being. Says Godbole, ``In this fast moving world, man is a victim of depression and loneliness. This disappears in such a spontaneous programme. Our troubles are forgotten temporarily.'' He winks as he adds, ``All day long, I tell lies. But here, I speak only the truth!''

Suman, Kate's wife, says, ``After he retired, he would often get depressed. He had a few health problems as well. Today, all that has gone. Now, he is doing something for society. Women come here and forget all their problems. This is a starting point for their day.''

But for the members, who are all above 50 years, this is more a social event. ``We want friends of our own age now,'' says Suman. It is a common view. Says P.M. Doshi, ``I have always exercised at home. But I prefer this. There are no restrictions, no fee. We can join in at whichever point we want. And this is a big group; we have actors, comedians and poets.'' Agrees Godbole, ``Our social circle has expanded here.''

Kate explains that about every two months, they have a one- to three-day outing. Arun Phatak, president, Maharashtra Mountaineering and Allied Sports Federation, does all the organising. Godbole puts it in a nutshell, ``He is the catering member and we are the eating members!'' There is a great deal of fraternising. Ranade explains, ``There are no communication problems here. We try to help each other out over small problems.'' All birthdays are celebrated with a rose and three blessings. For one woman, it was the first time she celebrated her birthday.

The grand finale for the class is when they set about laughing. This lasts for 10 minutes, and one can see how this sets the tone for the day. They clap their hands together and then join palms with their neighbours. For many, it may be the only human contact they will have during the day. They go away saying, ``We can't wait for tomorrow!''