The Delhi Gymkhana was known as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club before independence. It was setup for the British officers and officials who were, at that time, ruling over India. After independence the 'Imperial' tag was dropped from the name and 'Indians' took over the running of the club.
I used to enjoy going to the Gymkhana, as it is popularly known, till now. Having a medical disability has given me new insight on things. I realised today how the people there still cling on to the memories of the British Raj and how it has become more of a status symbol for people with the major advantage being the availability of cheap drinks.
Clinging on to old world habits, like a hand bell on each table to attract the waiter's attention, sounds like something right from the days of the Raj.
With the system of 'green cards' where by dependents get access to all the facilities, seems to encourage the idea that you can earn respect just because you are someones son or daughter. With respect to this I really like India Habitat Centre where dependents can only use a limited set of facilities and cannot use any of the Member's Only dining areas on their own. Every member therefore has to prove their worth.
Another thing which I could never understand is why they don't allow the use of cellphones in the bar? I mean it is so funny! People there, as it is, talk SO loudly that you would think you have entered a fish market. Yet you cannot talk on your cellphone. Or maybe they don't trust their members to talk in a normal or low voice when using a cell, which is weird for an elite club! But then again, with all the shouting going on inside, you would hardly be able to talk on the phone isn't it! :)
Abroad, yes I can understand why they have these rules. The people there actually speak in a normal voice instead of shouting at the top of their voice. So yes if someone speaks on a cell and even slightly raises their voice, it can disturb the people sitting nearby.
What we still haven't learned is that money and power does not make a good human being. Being the member or an offspring of a member of an elite club does not automatically make you an elite human being.
In fact if we were to think about it, most of the elite social clubs are nothing but a place where one can go and booze at a cheap price in relatively decent surroundings.
And I wonder what is so elite in that?
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