75th Birthday Album (Exclusive)

As Alinda Gupta (all of 13 years!) eloquently says …

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Soul of a saint, The tongue of Shakespeare.

Old yet quaint, The man’s made of spear!

His heart so vigorous, His IQ so high!

His efforts so courageous, His sayings, OH MY! The king in the navy, The ruler of the sea.

Put his age in front and see, 75 years of glory!

Still filled with joy, Enthusiasm and courage!

Like a boy he enjoys, Who cares about the “AGE”?

Books are truly his best friends, And so are kids and checkers, Chess, ludo, the list never ends!

Filled with various interests!

He’s my grandpa forever, My guide, my inspiration.

Let go of him?! NEVER! He’s an ever existing sensation!

Alinda Gupta

Your 75th birthday is the perfect time to celebrate the gift of YOU to the world.

Who would have known how high he would rise and touch the lives of so many and have a lasting impression.

Lets begin the journey down the memory lane‌.

A Long long time ago a baby boy was born to a loving family, Father Shri Ram Kumar and mother Smt Munni Devi.

It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on‌.

A glimpse of his house with his elder brother and sister

The prodigal son, A meritorious student who taught while he studied.

A daring youth –swimming across the swollen RamGanga river.

The Sea was his calling – The Navy beckoned ,he joined The Indian Navy in1961.

During his career rose to the heights of a Commodore and explored unfathomable depths.

Добро пожаловать в Россию Welcome to Russia A snowy world awaited him…

Love and Romance was in the air‌.

Their Marriage was many years ago but the celebration continues till today

As they embarked on their journey together....

What a dashing couple they made Some winning moments

Some loving moments

The Stork came visiting and along came Sapnu

Apple of their eyes who instead loved to steal bananas!

Picnic times with friends

Enjoying Family times

Their accomplishing moments-Completion of their dream house.

Had a second daughter Shefali who could twist Papa around her little finger!

For dear Papa on his 75th Bithday - Wishing you happiness and health.

Life has indeed taken a full circle. Today I see my children connecting with my father as I did as a kid with him. He has a knack of drawing them into a conversation, giving a different view point, cajoling and augmenting a discussion. There is so much of him in Karan which is uncanny at times & proves the kind of influence he has had on both Shivi and Karan.

I was never an easy child to handle and I think I did test his patience to the limit, and probably contributed to him becoming philosophical in life.

I want to thank you Papa for many a things I enjoy today because of your relentless efforts in passing them on like healthy eating habits, swimming, love for nature and most importantly a positive attitude.The oldest memories of mine go back toVishakhapatnam, remembering papa in his crisp white naval uniform, my swimming lessons on his shoulders ,our trips on scooter to the club for his billiards and weekends at Goel uncle and friends .I remember very vividly him taking me to INS Sanjivini to see my birthday gift, a baby sister.

Life has been a series of events ever since and he has been there as a solid support for me at every single step, giving a push, advice, and helping hand. His style of support has been different, which helped me to grow confident and independent from early days. He pushed me into doing my physics project in ix/x grade on rocket

propellants which I did under senior scientist in IAT, Girinagar which became the talk of the school.

Papa is a man very different in his approach and thoughts and that is what makes him stand out .He is a thinker with an analytical mind but also many a radical views .Our endless arguments, many a times heated ones surely gave Mom a tough time. I want to give my Mom a lifetime achievement award for being the actual strong force behind my Dad and the backbone of the family.They complement each other beautifully . I don’t think it is possible for me to convey my love for you both in words . I think some things are left unsaid‌ Your Daughter, Swapna.

Daughters may outgrow your lap, but they will never outgrow your heart.

Dearest Papa, Your 75 birthday is a perfect impetus for me to write to you !

First of all many happy returns of the day ! 75 years of celebrating life is something definitely to cheer about.

On this occasion so many memories of you come rushing back .....

Do you recall that small green album we had in which there were photographs of of me when I was just born , I fear its lost! ! But I remember those photos in which you are holding a new born me on your forearm with an amazingly content smile .

I remember you making me -when I was five or six memorise stories to recite in front of any guests ! Also so many Sanskrit shlokas –it is amazing how the human memory works –I still remember a couple of them thanks to you which now I am trying to pass over to Shaurya though still am unsuccessful.

I remember the trepidation with which I had to solve mental maths with you – how you used to goad me on to score that elusive hundred percent in Maths and trying to cover the entire syllabus

in summer vacations before the session starts! I sometimes wonder whether I really made full use of your knowledge which you so much want to give us ...although it’s never too late to learn-do you sense a change of heart?

Anant always laughs at your choice of venue where we first met him –An Art Gallery of all places !At our marriage he was most impressed by how you managed to physically lift him –not an easy task by any means.

I remember how you used make us walk and take the bus instead of soft cuddling us. I have recollections of all us walking to Connaught Place from India Gate and eating out at Nirulas .

Your ability to think and interpret things differently really makes you stand apart in a crowd. You are brilliant having completed your schooling very early, having secured admission in IIS and yet you were not overtly ambitious .You have always made the best out of every situation and have been very happy in all circumstances ,something I must learn from you .

Pune was a wonderful place in the lap of Nature and I still remember the treacherous treks we made to Simgarh . We had some lovely vacations to Kashmir and Goa too where we treated like royalty.

College was great . I thoroughly enjoyed my hostel life. I loved to receive letters from you in College and deciphering them was always a collective effort. So many of my friends still remember your letters.

Your literary prowess is quite amazing .From Physics to Gita to English literature to Geet Gobind , Ghalib and what not – it’s truly remarkable. I just wish all this percolates a little to us too.

And then is your trademark ability to argue and the only person I can think of who can stand up to you is my mom in law !

Your love and devotion to Mummy is definitely worth admiring , I think you both make a fabulous couple.

I sometimes feel your generation has been a little unlucky .You had to listen and obey your parents and also had to be at the receiving end from your kids- me in particular .So please don’t blame our arguments and retorts on me - blame it on your generation! But on a serious note I feel really lucky to have a Father like you with whom I could feel free to say anything.

So on this occasion I can only say I LOVE YOU and wish from my bottom of the heart that you have the most wonderful and healthy years ahead.

Your daughter, Shefali

A great moment of pride

!

rever o f s d n e Fri hen

Friends T

staad U e h t s i He ous m a F e h t of hose w h c t a Delta B ip is h s d n i e r F ry! exempla ow

Friends N

erie d a r a m a this C o t e t time u f l o t s A sa e t d the o o t s s a n. – it h o i t i d a r t and

say y e h t s A r age u o y t n u co s but d n e i r f y b ears. y y b t o n

REMINISCENCES (Ustad, my dear friend, philosopher and soulmate)

When Shefali called up and asked me to write about her father, I readily agreed, thinking that it was going to be an easy task, having spent years with him, but when I sat down to writing, I found that it was not going to be an easy task.

Firstly I am still a novice at article writing and avoided such tasks altogether, unless it was inevitable; secondly, I am unable to decide where to start. I suppose, it would be easier if I begin from the beginning.

29th august 1960 – that memorable day when a bunch of us all landed in a corner of that God’s own country to be trained for a career in the Indian Navy, graduates from all disciplines, to be moulded into an area where none of us had any previous expertise. As the saying goes, birds of the same feather flock together and we did.

Many groups were formed out of sheer necessity, primarily a north Indian gang and a southie group ---Some with their nose up, some timid, some with superiority complex but all trying to find their feet in uncharted waters. I did not know much about Revti Raman Gupta during those days of our initial training. The only noticeable thing at that time was the “Starboard tilt” of his head and his difficulties to fall in step with the rest of us.

Our closer association commenced when we arrived in Pune for our technical staff course in 1967. Raman had reached a day ahead of me and when I landed up with wife Raji, he had already managed some family accommodation for himself and was getting ready to proceed

to Bombay to fetch Nirmala and their daughter Swapna. I had landed with my wife with plans to go to Bombay to leave her with my sister, as IAT had advised us not to bring families. Raman’s magnanimity was evident in his immediate offer to share his accommodation with us. In fact, he insisted that I cancel my plans to go to Bombay and settle down in his Quarters and he left for Bombay to bring his family.

Thus started our glorious innings together, our families bonded extremely well. Needless to add that the major credit goes to Nirmala, who was an incredible hostess, adept in her culinary abilities, housekeeping and eagerness to help. Our stay together in IAT Pune was most enjoyable and memorable. I think it was here that he proved himself to be USTAD, in the real sense of the term, having topped the class with distinction. The close association of the three of us—Raos , Ramans and us which really started in IAT continues today with even greater affection.

During these years, we had many occasions to interact . we attended the weddings of each others children, went on long holidays together.

Raman’s Penchant for Hindi, Urdu couplets, Geet Govind, and Post cards are phenomenal.

He loved to write all his letters in Post Cards only and they always contained some phrases in Hindi and Quotes from Geet Govind. When he sometimes(rarely) chose to use an inland letter(Antardesiya patra), he could squeeze in a doctorate thesis into it and one had to read at least thrice to decipher what he was aiming

to convey. He was always eager to sermon and question everyone--- whether friend, foe or children. Children used to avoid his path (if they could) so as to avoid his incisive questions. But the fact is that it was all due to his sincerity of purpose. He was really the USTAD. I am sure that his approach must have contributed a lot to ensure that both his daughter are doctors today.

I can go on and on. I must say that the greatest gift GOD has given him (altho’ he didn’t believe in HIM) is NIRMALA , who has, over the years, been a pillar of strength to him. I remember that while in Bombay, his flat was his voice f o e n o it r a invariably The b is their s a t shared c in t is is d sometimes by friendship! more than one family. She took it all smilingly and has always played the role of a great hostess.

On this occasion of his 75th birthday we wish him all the very best of health and happiness. May God bless him with a very long life with his wife, children and grandchildren.

GV

Memories Gone By...

Theres something about the Armed Forces which brings about a sense of Camaraderie and binds people much closer than even Family at times…….Its these people that leave Lasting Memories that are so Poignant and Beautiful.

One such Individual who left his Mark in my childhood is Raman Uncle………..The very name Conjures up so many Fleeting Memories some Sharp and some still Nebulous …………..Raman Uncle……….. f ondly called “Ustad “by his friends , is as I remember a man of Eclectic tastes with an Opinion on any and every Arena with a Penchant for Poetry and Literature……..as I recall he pretty much wanted to have the last word much to the Chagrin of some………….

The Four individuals in my opinion who stand tall are my Father, Rao Uncle, Raman Uncle and Goel Uncle and The Friendship forged between them has still stood the test of time, more than the Birla Cement I must Say…..They all had Qualities which are Rare today like being Ethical, Possessing the Skills of Being Empathetic and Most of All amazing Fathers…….

We used to be Petrified of Uncle initially as he used to Quiz us on our Studies and other Trivia which at that time we felt and thought was irrelevant……… Its now that since I am a parent too, I realize that “Knowledge is Power” and that

there is No Substitute for the same. An Individual Whose Repertoire encompassed Words, Knowledge in Diverse areas has always been legendary………….But at the End of the Day he Meant Good…….

We had Amazing times in their house filled with Laughter, Good Conversation and Delectable food( Especially Matari and Achar) made by Nirmal Aunty. Swapna, Shefali, Rajesh and I got along like a house on Fire though sadly now we all Progressed our Different ways and lost Touch…… They were so Hospitable and their love was for all those who entered their Abode( Truly………

Athithi Devo Bhava)…………

In IAT Pune, Uncle would go Cycling to work as he believed in Not Polluting The Environment and Of course Saving Fuel , I assume………

He became extremely Fit putting many a younger Man to shame……..

When I met Uncle Recently in Delhi………The Body Had Shrunk, But the Mind was still Large, The thirst and the Quest for Knowledge was still Apparent, The Twinkle in his Eye and the Warm Smile still said to the world at Large that Hey am still a Force to Be Reckoned with……….So the Younger Generation…….Watch Out………I can still give you all a Run for your Money……………

Uncle for your 75th Birthday, I wish for you Happiness, love and May you be surrounded by the Love of Your Family Always…….Never change because you are Unique the Way you are………an Inspiration for a lot of people out there .I t has been a Pleasure to have encountered a Person of your Caliber in my Odyssey.

There ca nnot be a better bond for ging you friendshi p when y r ou read on....by S arita Iyer

Dr. Sarita Iyer

The Goel Family is just an extension of our family ,indeed we are blessed .

Read on ....Cmde P K Goel Uncle writes

Revti – A Unique Person

First time I met Revti was in August 1960 in South Wardroom, Cochin ( Now Kochi ) where , we all Delta Batch officers who had joined the Indian Navy, had assembled. His robust personality, transparent simplicity, and scientific temper impressed not only me but one and all.

Ramans and we both got married one after another. Ramans in May and we in December, 1963 . In the Navy the proverbial shortage of married accommodation did not affect the young married couples because sharing accommodation was a way of life . When we got a two-room flat in Reviera , Marine Drive, Mumbai we had the pleasure of sharing this with Ramans . In this flat one room was occupied by my mother and between two of us newly married couples we had only one bed room. In the competition as to who would first put their bed in the balcony of the flat, it was difficult to beat Revti . We had wonderful time whilst we shared our accommodation in Reveira, or Rashid Mansion, Colaba , Mumbai or in DGNP flats in Visakhapatnam.

Raman is a keen environmentalist, a prolific author both in English and Hindi, a transactional analyst, a “ Geet – Govind “ specialist, a linguist and a person who is always eager to learn and share his knowledge.

Our journey together for over 51 years had very pleasant memories of our stay in Mumbai, Vizag and Delhi, and in the post retirement life. Our associations are of four generations old. Nirmal used to talk to my father on Usha’s behalf, as Usha was doing purdah from my father. Raman and we had best of relations and we can bank on them for anything and everything at any time.

Our children Deepti, Preeti and Swati are in best of terms with Sapna and Shefali. The flag is kept flying by the grand children – Utkarsh, Latika , Nitya, Shivi, Karan, Shaurya and Shikhar. We hope that the tradition shall be kept by the great grand – children also.

May Revti have a long, healthy, meaningful and successful life.

Pramod

Dear Raman Da, In a few months from now, you would be celebrating your 75th B’day . At the outset please accept our Heartiest congrats on this very happy and proud moment . You are perhaps the first one from the batch to do so. Sushma joins me in wishing you many many more years of very fruitful, healthy and happy life ahead! May you

Looking back I feel we are singularly lucky to have spent a lot of time together as individuals and also as families. We have the fond memories of one long year in USSR , where we studied together in the same class, strolled on the frozen sea and walked the streets of Vladivostok enjoying the ice cream in the thick of winters (-18 degrees C ) and making the best of not so good a situation that we were placed in . And then we were together in Bombay and staying in the Navy Nagar and often enjoying each other’s company and Nirmal ji’s hospitality. Rearing up children, exchanging notes on their education

the architect of the lives of your children. I am sure Swapna and Shefali are grateful to you today for what they have achieved in their lives.

By no means, I wish to take away the credit of the children for their hard work and dedication towards their success but the guidance and perseverence in shaping their lives was yours and that of Nirmal ji. John F Kennedy’s father had written in his book the definition of a successful man. He says the measure of success of a man is not the amount of money that he has amassed in life but the kind of family that he has reared. You are therefore a very successful person in having

Malhan Uncle and Aunty – a handsome couple with a heart of gold!

Rear Admiral KL Malhan writes..

continue to enjoy the sweet company of Nirmal ji , your very well groomed children in dear Swapnu and Shefali and your up and coming grand children and sons in law.

and careers ahead was also a common topic of our conversations. Not to forget of course, was the sharing of family accommodation in the early days of our marriages. Those were the good old days which we shall always cherish in our remaining lives.

Raman Da , you have been a good friend, a determined soul, self righteous ( sometimes to the extent of irritating your company ) and

reared Swapnu and Shefali --two gems. May God bless them and bless you and Nirmal ji . May you both continue to be cheerful and Healthy and enjoy long years of togetherness with love from Sushma and self, yours , Kharaiti Malhan

A true Indophile and a Firm believer of Transactional Analysis,

Lets take a peek into some of his loves in life other than Mummy of course!

Papa - the ever voracious reader, thinker and writer-a Few of his publications

Of Chess it has been said that life is not long enough for it, but that is the fault of life, not chess.

Papa will certainly vouch for this-

Much to his chagrin both Swapna and Shefali didn’t inherit his love for chess but mercifully Karan and Shaurya both have taken to the game Play on Champs

Saumya Gupta does poetic justice The black and white maze of men knights, knaves, soldiers, and mighty warriors Throw open challenges As their gazes pierce Through.

Look up solemnly to the Man who controls them With his salt and Pepper hair and Intense look Seeks to gain victory Over the other.

With an impeccable Command and poise He moves in for the kill, No mercy in his eyes As the victor, he Emerges. His serious Face breaking into a Smile.

Because the grit is his.

And so is the might.

Happy Birthday Dadaji Love always, Saumya

This is what Shaurya has to say..

Checkmate Nanaji!

When Mummy told me to write something for Nanaji, I thought about Chess. His advice on different Opening games and various ways to Checkmate has helped me a lot.

Scholars mate was one new move I learnt from him.

I and Nana have played many a games and solved Chess problems from Newspaper clippings. He always gives me chance to take back my wrong moves and keeps me happy.

Though I feel a little scared of him ,still I like to play with him. I only wish he had also taught my Mother to play Chess then I could have a constant companion to play with.

He writes wonderful postcards to me with dried flowers sticking to them . I feel excited to receive letters addressed to me. I will try to write back to you regularly now and hope to match up to your writing skills.

Happy Birthday Nanaji Your Grand son , Shaurya

HOW ARE WE?

I have always felt and been part of the Raman family-I call myself their third daughter. In fact I think I have actually forced them to kind of adopt me -if such a thing was possible. I have had the opportunity to stay at their home a number of times since childhood.

I have many memories of spending evenings, day picnics and even staying for the night there. Like all early recollections these are happy fleeting images in my mind, but the most lasting impression on me was when I came to live with them in my 12 standard.

When Dad was going to be posted to Delhi from Mumbai in the midsession of my12 boards, he sent me four months early to Delhi so that I would be able to prepare well. He got me admitted to Modern School, Vasant Vihar and arranged for me stay with the Ramans. I was welcomed with open arms at Pragati Vihar hostel, a small one bedroom unit apartment – where uncle, aunty and Shefali (Swapna having left to study at AFMC) were staying, but soon, we shifted to 35 Princess Park. I just loved this area, having spent my childhood at Pandara Road, but Uncle is the one sole person responsible for all my real knowledge of the area. From the history, to the sequence of the roads (Copernicous Marg, Tilak Marg, Purana Qila Road, Sher Shah Road, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Pandara Road, ShahJahan Road, Akbar Road, Rajpath,

Ashok Road, Curzon Road-now Kasturba Gandhi Marg – God I still remember them all) and the location of the tress (my favourite being the shade-giving and water-conserving Jamun or Indian Blackberry lining Ashok Road and Silver Oak on Curzon Road)….he made me aware of it all. Initially, when he constantly spoke or questioned about the area, like any teenager I resented and rebelled, but as I learnt a little, I got more and more interested. In the absence of internet I learnt all from books, magazines and walking around.

He even made me request, one of the naval guards stationed there (its by rotation) to allow me to climb to the top of the monument.

He obviously refused, citing that the staircase leading up is very dark and damp, but my constant pestering and perseverance finally made him relent. So the next day, armed with a torch and candles, overcoming my fear of bats and darkness, I managed to accomplish a visit to the top.

The plan view of New Delhi from that location is something that has got etched in my mind. I guess today I can trace my first real interest in architecture, and particularly in the history and growth of cities to that one moment atop India Gate.

In addition, this experience also made me realize how I could counter Uncle persistent questioning of me. At some stage when I had learnt enough

about India Gate he stopped asking me about it. I’m sure I had surpassed his expectations and even his understanding of the area. I then just always managed to know one more interesting facet on the subjects that interested him at that time. I’m sure this learning is something Shefali also picked up from me, much to his anguish.

I have lots of other cherished moments - the servant when we had shifted asking them, “when you have two daughters why does one call you uncle/aunty”; my first real cooking experience in a kitchen; my interaction with all their relatives who also readily accepted me on their visits-specially Mamaji’s (Moradabad) and Tauji’s (Bareilly) families; the bonds that I made with Mausi and all - I recall how I always got a gift when Shefali got one, even on her birthday; my late night studying stints with Shirish; my rakhi to Rohit and my often sneaked, much needed outings with Piyoosh. I treasure them all.

Over the years, Neeraj and I have had the opportunity to bond and spend lots of time with Swapna and Pawan and I guess some of the friendship of our parents has rubbed on us too. Utkarsh and Shivi I think carry the torch ahead and I have actually heard them refer to their relationship as third generation friends. Today, I have Neeraj friend’s daughter come to stay with us for some time and hope I am able to provide her with some good memories and experiences and set even half as good a role model example as uncle had set for me.

Preeti Goel Sanghi

We’re not losing a daughter, we are gaining a son, You’re new lives as husband and wife have begun Pawan and Anant are their cherished and sons

Remember dear Swapna and Shefali as you become a new wife You’re still very much a part of our life!

If only we knew grandchildren will be so much fun we would have had them earlier !

The three musketeers

Proud Grandad of Shivi who has indeed inherited his literary skills Read on what she writes..

The ‘Grand’ Trunk Road There are some things in my life that I associate with certain people. So one lazy Sunday afternoon I thought I’d put a few of my favourite things down on paper and see who deserves the most credit for introducing them to me. And as far back as my memory permits me to explore, which is about 13-15 years back, there is always the semi permanent feature of a house in Bareilly etched into the back of my mind. It’s got the figure of a beautiful slender woman right on the front which was always its most distinguishing feature for me. Speaking of women, there’s something that reminds of my Nanaji (who mind you is going to be featured quite extensively in this little narrative). A great passion of his is reading. It could be anything from a Reader’s Digest to the latest novel to simply a newspaper... quite a common hobby you would say. But when you really get down to the fine print, or let’s just say, ruffle through a few pages in that beloved journal of his, apart from the occasional dried flower or newspaper article cutting will be quite the collection of ‘model’ women smiling through the glossy magazine they’ve just been cut out of. Anyway jokes apart, with a widely published book (which I shall definitely finish reading someday!) and several weekly newspaper

articles to his name, his contribution to the literary world is significant. Another similar avenue that I was introduced to courtesy Nanaji was exchanging letters. I think our extended spell of ‘pen-pal’iness has provided the Indian Postal Services with quite a bit of revenue! The joy a person gets out of reading a hand-written letter, signed, sealed, delivered, can be paralleled by few other things today(least of all e-mails).

Moving on, there’s a real vibrant assortment of vision, sound and taste that comes to my mind when I think of some of the other things I associate with Nanaji.

It’s difficult to really begin with one thing but I’ll start from the beginning. For as long as I can remember and especially from the time I spent in Bareilly, I recall his untiring efforts to teach me chess. Inspiring examples of Humpy Koneru and Viswananthan Anand bounced around the house day in and out. His very recently concluded attempts of generating my interest in the game did not bear too many results, but my brother most definitely benefitted from the exercise (district level chess champ!). However I must mention the fact that the occasional games of

Chinese Checkers did render me as quite the expert in this field. I think the intense matches between Nani and Nana taught me more strategy than any dialogue could have!

Jalebis, kachoris, puris, samosas, apple and litchi juice from Baroda House, Dinanath lassi, shrikhand, the list of items on the imaginary menu that Nanaji has introduced to me is endless. I could fill several pages with recounts of the times we’ve gone out just to try out something new to tantalize our taste buds. In addition to being a great connoisseur of food, he is a patron of the arts as well, specifically the art of music. As a person who is completely ensconced in the musical world, it being my foremost hobby and passion, I can say it all started when Nanaji enrolled me in a music academy in Bareilly at the age of eight. After that, the furthering of my hobby- four years of vocal classical training, harmonium, table and taanpura were to a major extent encouraged by Nana and Nani. : ) If I actually get down to writing down each and everything that I associate with my Nanaji, it will take me well over the few hours of the day I have left. The cycle and rickshaw rides, numerous walks in the parks or markets, heated debates over a variety of topics, maths and science problems solved, kitchen recipes and books that we have read and discussed...the number of things that go unmentioned here are endless. But in his platinum years my relationship with Nanaji has only become closer and more fun! His zest for life is inspiring and gives youngsters like me a great dose of energy!

So Nanaji , Happy 75th!! Let’s make it epic! :D Lots of love Shivi

From our very own Karan Singh-who shares a unique relation with Nana.

A LEGEND That, is the perfect word to describe a person who has achieved nothing less than the upmost respect of those who have been honored to be a part of that person’s life {god! It took me ages to frame that sentence right!}. The legend I’m talking about is my Nanaji.

I still remember that day when I decided to sit with Nanaji so he could teach me chess. It was nothing less than torture. But in the long run, it was the best decision I had ever made for I was being taught by a true chess master!

My frequent trips to Bareilly would be incomplete without the company of Nanaji for walks, stories, lassie, chess and our very own friendly arguments!

Every time Nanaji and I would meet, he would always indulge me with new quotes to ponder upon, articles to read and poetry to appreciate. His love for maths, nature and FOOD showed every time I agreed to set off with him for a trip around Chandni-Chowk or the Bareilly market.

So, a toast for all the laughs we had, the little maths we did, the literature and language we read, the jalebies and samosas we ate, the lassie’s we drank and all the check-mate we accepted from each other and many more to come (from me). May this B’day be the best you ever had (yet).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

And many more to come.

From, Karan

Your family is God’s gift to you, as you are to them. Read on to know how they feel about you…

Dear Chachaji, 75 is considered a milestone but for you it is just a number.

Where there is Age , there is Wisdom, Where there is Wisdom , there is Respect, Where there is Respect , there is Love, Where there is Love , there is Wish to see that person living happily everafter.

Sending the same your way.....A VERY HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY! Congratulations on this day, hope that it was full of smiles and embraces from those that are most dear and I benefit from this occasion to say to you,” thank you for being my father-in-law.”

Archana

Archana bhabhi’s smile and culinary skills are equally delightful !

The extract of three & half decade of Father-Sonin-law relation is much more to express about , I respectfully call “chacha”.

Celebrating his 75th Great Birthday, the numbers itself appear jugglery - Subtracting or Adding the number comes to 2 or 12 symbolizing in him a lively childhood entering a quizzing teenage , Multiplying it comes to 35 – an educated / enlightened youth . And reversing the numeral position it comes to 57 –a matured personality as he possesses and always has been.

He is all-in-one and above all a wonderful human being.

He has stood thick & thin all time with us.

Besides numerous qualities, he is caring and respects other’s feelings , always keen to share / impart knowledge, a great reader, and in the class of a learned person but is not haughty. I believe, hands which nourished his achieved status are none other than of our respected, talented and smart Chachi Ji. All have two shades Good & Bad, when I ponder, I found him having missing the latter one. He is of personality like the coin of Sholey movie, which always shows “Head” whether it falls left or right.

Sarita too shares the similar feelings & has all the more regards for him, we memorise the past and long for his company whenever possible. May God keep on blessing him – hale and healthy.

Sarita N Sushil

For Dear Nanaji, At the outset, our best wishes & heartiest congratulations for your birthday!!

Mausi asked me to write few words about our memories, our moments, which is quite a task, because there aren’t few, there are many!

Having said that, the most precious ones are from my childhood days especially from my summer breaks which I spent in Bareilly….

Holidays were always a scarce & were fully aimed at doing every other thing but study; Naani ke ghar jayenge… mauj masti manayenge……. was the sole agenda! But this had few hardships…… Nana ji would always give us books to read, some essay to write, some article to analyze….some shlokas to decipher or may be some poem to learn.. Lemme’ share this today with all of you that none of us ever liked it …

We made all gr8 schemes to find the way out of this… next day we’ll first check if nanaji is sitting in his lawn or not… if yes we would literally change our routes…… we would use the kitchen garden side to jump the wall & go to play!!

We’ll make sure that we didn’t get caught by him by any chance :P; Inspite of all the efforts & tactics… we had our BAD days when there were no other options but to succumb to his “cruelty” :B But today, I realize that everything that he did onto us has contributed so much positively in our lives! For me… it has hugely influenced my thought process… my perspective towards life… has magnificently enhanced my personality! I

honestly don’t have not much words but my heartfelt gratitude for him!

The best school bag I ever possessed was gifted to me by Choti Naani ji & Nanaji, bought from Nainitaal with a promise to do excellent in my class… I stood 3rd in that year Naani ji! Thanks so much for the lovely bag… I still find it to be my priced possession! There are so many things that Chote Nanaji has taught us…. Chess…

Puzzles, Chinese Checkers, Mind Bender Card Games…etc. & that too with the best techniques & moves of each game…. I follow the same moves today as well!!

Nanaji always has something new to discuss, teach, share…….. his positive outlook towards life & people is an all time inspiration for me, rather for everybody… Enjoying life, Appreciating Nature, Art, Children, is his specialty & such enthusiastic words from him always spreads cheerful vibes all over!! There are very few people in the world who are so selfless, vibrant, and just great! And he is the one!!

We love you Nana ji & Nani ji…. Thanks for everything!!

Your Granddaughter, Shreya

Her affection for Papa towers as do her children !

Dear Uncle, How strange to write about a person…………..a person who has managed to touch your life in so many ways. It is difficult, incorrect too; but a challenge still. People may take this as an opportunity to express their gratitude, garnish it with a few adjectives……..and then forgetting about it in order to get on with their daily mundane lives yet again. Not for me……

As I grow older, I am supposed to get more experienced and know so much more.

Surprisingly, each day amazes me more. Each day, I get more surprised as to how could uncle manage to retain his own. How could he stand apart as an island in this retinue of typical basal sensibilities! And still, be a pillar for all every time. It’s amusing, interesting, and still highly amazing.

Not easy to exemplify each instance when we have been affected & moulded by the thought process of Uncle. It is not possible with my mediocrity & bias. But you could not have been complete without Aunty, Swapna & Shefali. It is this foursome that makes you a complete persona.

I could never have reached this height or this depth in my life had I not got married into this family. And all are well aware that this would not have been possible without your intervention.

I look forward to having a longer, and hopefully, a more sensible write-up for your 80th birthday.

Thanks for everything………….you made a difference!!

Yukti Chawla

This is what Aru writes...

I always associate Chote Tauji with Princess Park residence and the summer holidays which we used to spend there. As a child, I was scared of him as he would ask me to read articles and write a gist of them and also ask lot of questions about trees and plants, which I didn’t know about.

As I grew up, I realized how important it is to expose children to tough questions at a young age and thus prepare them to face unknowns as a challenge. Shefali told me that he is going to be 75 years old, for me he is still the same age as I knew him as a child. In fact, I am inspired by the way he carries himself, it will be difficult to guess by someone outside the family that he is 75 years old; he still rides a bicycle! Further, it will be difficult for anyone to challenge his intelligence and match his range of reading even at his age now. I am very proud to say that he is my Chote tauji :-) Arunima

Hopefully Aru you won’t scare little Aarav with difficult questions like Papa did!

Mom and Dad have had some unforgettable holidays!

Ankur managed the herculean task of cajoling Papa for this wonderful tripKudos to him This is what he says

Dear Respected Foofaji, You have been a source of profound inspiration to all of us.

Your passion for being a keen learner at all times and live life to the fullest is deeply inspiring.

You have a vibrant enthusiastic and magnetic personality to such an extent that we all are consciously and subconsciously attracted to you.

Aap har Mehfil me Chaar chaand Lagate hein.

The atmosphere of intense laughter that you create in a social gathering is highly addicting and infectious.

Under your expert guidance , love and affection we all have learnt so much.

The time I have spent with you during childhood has been a special memory for me.

Even after getting into medical school, your insight into the philosophy of life has inspired me greatly.

We spent a lovely time with you when you came to UK and those memories are fresh and a source of true happiness for us.

Aapka Beta, Ankur

In their Golden years they have had their share of peaceful and content moments l

Dancing with abandon!

We hope you and Mom continue to have such wonderful dancing years together!

Blossoming with beauty and joy with dear ones

On the Occasion of Papa’s platinum year an ode to you, Dearest Mom and Dad, I find myself wondering...

Did I give you your due..

For all that you’ve done for me Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories For helping me deal with life’s stresses For helping me accept my defeats And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work, Good judgement, courage, and being true The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we’ve shared Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I’m thanking you now You taught me right from wrong....

I hope you know how much you’re loved and appreciated I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Swapna and Shefali

CREDITS Our heartfelt thanks to all friends and family for their invaluable time and efforts .

Special credit to Preeti Goel Sanghi! Our saviour.

Mrs Abhinanda Agarwal for putting this idea in my head.

And last of all Alinda Gupta, Saumya Gupta, Karan Anand and Shivi Anand –You guys really outdid yourselves with your amazing poetry and writings!