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DABBAWALLAHS INVITED TO CHARLES WEDDING

It is an invitation that most Page 3 types here would love to get their hands on. But the invite for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles on Friday has gone to two ordinary mortals, Raghunath Medge and Sopan Mare.

Medge and Mare, the president and secretary respectively of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association, have not only got the invite, but even the air tickets to London and back, and an all-expenses paid stay in the UK capital.

Their visa and other travel documents are also ready, as the two office-bearers yesterday indulged in last-minute shopping before flying to London for the royal wedding. Charles, during his visit to Mumbai about a year-and-a-half ago, had interacted with the 'dabbawallahs' outside Churchgate station, and had been impressed by the efficiency of the tiffin-box carriers.

On hearing that Charles was wedding Camilla, Medge and Mare sent them a traditional Maharashtrian gift, a turban for the groom, and a traditional saree for the bride. In return, the Prince of Wales sent them the invite, the air tickets, and also arranged for their stay at a luxury hotel in London.

"This is an honour for all 'dabbawallahs' in Mumbai," Medge said yesterday, accepting the generous invite. "We are indeed excited over the visit." The two 'dabbawallahs' will also be carrying traditional Maharashtrian sweets for the bride and groom.

Though both are not conversant with English, Medge was hopeful that the visit would be memorable. He is expecting to interact with Indians living in the UK, and does not foresee any problems, even regarding food.

Last week, the 'dabbawallahs' had another high-profile visitor in Mumbai, Sir Richard Branson, the founder-chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways. The billionaire businessman traveled with them in an over-crowded suburban train, wearing a Gandhi cap, and also their traditional attire.

Mumbai's tiffin-carriers deliver lunch packs in tin boxes to thousands of office-goers daily. They collect the tiffins from homes and deliver it to offices, and have evolved a glitch-free system that has won them plaudits from international organisations.