The public felicitation of State Health Minister Dr Daulatrao Aher for `gifting' the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences to Nashik was anything but a vote of thanks by a grateful administration.

The Dr Daulatrao Aher Naagari Satkar Samiti had declared that it was to be a ``civic reception''; however, the Nashik Municipal Corporation went unrepresented. Mayor Shobha Bachav also stayed away, which left Aher's admirers, who tried to make up by laying on the accolades, fast and thick.The absence of those who mattered can be traced to a certain function to mark the foundation stone-laying of the MUHS recently, In his profound wisdom, Aher had used the occasion to lash out at the NMC and its members for refusing the MUHS the use of the civic body's hospital being built at Kathada Market.

No surprises as to the outcome: the corporators have decided to move a resolution condemning Aher. It claims, among other things, that the doctor's demands were ``never ending''.

Letter OfIntent

Blessings however came in from an unlikely quarter: Anna Hazare.The social worker did not attend the function -- he apparently had to remain in his village for a Gramparivartan Din function -- but sent a message, which was read out during the programme publicly. Anna was ``happy'' to note Dr Aher's work in the field of public health. He urged Dr Aher to take steps to control population growth as well as gutka addiction.

The move came with its share of controversy: while Aher's supporters declared that the Gandhian would attend, Hazare's supporters wrote to him, advising against ``patronising corruption'' Aher is facing litigation over alleged financial malpractice in the purchase of equipment for the state-run JJ Hospital. They also threatened to take out a protest rally to the venue. Whether it was the threat that kept Hazare away from the function is yet to be confirmed.

What Was That Again?

A wish expressed frequently during the speeches at the function was ``to create anArogyachi Kashi (which could be taken to mean a `pilgrimage centre' for those in need of health services) in Nashik.

Nashik, for the uninitiated, is known as the Kashi of southern India with the Kumbh Mela being held here every 12 years.

Kashi however also means `something that is damaged beyond repair', or better still, `the last step before death.'

Many of those present at the function are reportedly still unclear about the message.