Sri Gadigeppa Doddamani Biography

MY LIFE GADIGEPPA DODDAMANI A BIOGRAPHY

First Edition: January 2022

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN:

Dedicated to:

For the joys of my heart

My wife, Prabha; My children, Ravi and Sunita; And the memory of my uncle

My uncle: Somappa Muddappa Doddamani

My uncle: Somappa Muddappa Doddamani

GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT I WOULD BE WITHOUT YOU

GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT I WOULD BE WITHOUT YOU

Disclaimer

Copyright © Year 2021

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this eBook can be transmitted or reproduced in any form including print, electronic, photocopying, scanning, mechanical or recording without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of creative nonfiction. The events are portrayed to the best of the authors’ memories. While all the stories in this book are true, some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the people involved.

This e-book has been written for information purposes only. Every effort has been made to make this eBook as complete and accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes in typography or content. Also, this e-book provides information only up to the publishing date, so it may not include some information about the author’s life.

The author and the publisher do not warrant that the information contained in this e-book is fully complete and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions. The author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this e-book.

Preface

“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.”

William Jennings Bryan

Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to shoot for the stars. Ambitious to the core, I was certain I wanted everything life could possibly offer.

Today, I can state with the perfect balance between pride and humility that I have been able to shape the life I’ve always dreamed of.

This is not to say, however, that the journey has been without obstacles. The surprising twists and turns my life has taken turned into many lessons learned.

I wish for my story to reach far and wide. It is my deepest desire to help guide others who are on the road to becoming the best version of themselves.

Gadigeppa Doddamani

Acknowledgment

This book would not have been possible without the support of my family and friends. They have always pushed me to share my story with the world; their encouragement has been wellaligned with my own desire to offer guidance to anyone who may need it.

I would especially like to thank my daughter Sunita, who despite having a demanding schedule, has been deeply invested in this book. She has gone above and beyond to help bring this book to you all.

With very special thanks to my inspiring family, my incomparable wife, Prabha, outstanding son Ravi and brilliant daughter, Sunita, I love you all so much.

Gadigeppa Doddamani

FAMILY TREE

FAMILY TREE

(Generation Chart of Doddamani Family)

(Generation Chart of Doddamani Family)

Neeralagi, Dist:Haveri, Karnataka state, India

Neeralagi, Dist:Haveri, Karnataka state, India

I did research on family ancestry. The source of information was from village seniors and Helawas records. The Helawas are the people who keep record of family history for generations in this area.

I did research on family an cestry. The source of information was from village seniors and Hel awas records. The Helawas are the people who keep record of family history for generations in this area.

Basavanagouda of Devar Bennur. Taluk: Indi

Banappa of Laxmeshwar moved to Badami

Channabasavappa moved to Mannangi to Neeralagi

Mallappa Basappa Vadakappa

Nagappa Somappa Hadeppa

Basappa (Adopted)

1st Wife 2 nd Wife

Somappa Ningappa Muddappa Vadakappa Siddappa

Gadigeppa Gundappa

Somappa Nagappa Shanmukhappa – Chennamma (W)

Gouravva Gadigeppa (USA) – Prabha (W)

Ravi (USA)– Vidya (W) Sunita – Joe(H)

Elina Shaan Nikhil

Note: (W) = Wife (H) = Husband

Note: (W) = Wife (H) = Husband

Jaya Meera

2019 Family picture

Center: Gadigeppa and Prabha Doddamani

2019 Family picture

Left: Ravi, Vidya, Elina, Shaan and Nikhil

Center: Gadigeppa and Prabha Doddamani

Right: Sunita, Joseph Uhl, Jaya and Meera

Left: Ravi, Vidya, Elina, Shaan and Nikhil

Right: Sunita, Joseph Uhl, Jaya and Meera

Chapter 1

My Childhood Years: 1943-1956

One thing is for certain. I was born in a small village called Neeralagi in India. What’s not entirely known is when I was born. My arrival into the world was not documented, and so I decided my own date of birth as September 9, 1943. My uncle and aunt told me I was born the day after the Ganesha festival, which is celebrated each year during the second week of September.

Interestingly so, my school records indicate I was born on March 26, 1943. I think it was revised for the purpose of enrolling me in elementary school.

Whatever the reason might be, this birthday tidbit would come to matter the least in the grand scheme of things.

My father, Shanmukhappa, and my mother, Channavva were farmers. They had a few acres of land and a small house in Neeralagi, which was home to about 300 people at the time. I lost both my parents when I was an innocent, oblivious two-year-old. My parents are unknown figures to me; I do not know my father beyond what his death record tells me. As for my dear

mother, life has not been kind enough to even afford me a piece of paper documenting her demise from this world.

Some seniors have told me that my father passed away because he was suffering from a knee injury and didn’t think it was necessary to seek medical help. As for my mother, she came upon a dead body floating in a well and grew to become severely depressed and died.

It was then that my uncle Somappa and aunt Gangavva looked after me and my elder sister Gouravva, even though they had eight children of their own to care for. It would not be an exaggeration to say that everything I am today is because of them. My uncle especially was a constant pillar of strength and support in my childhood. His single-handed efforts set me up for the successful life I lead today.

I was born in a poverty-stricken family where even the most basic things were considered luxuries. Skipping meals was not uncommon. I used to work in the fields even though I was not physically able to. Still, I harvested the crops and prepared the land for seeding. I even used to cut small bushes and trees and bring them back home; the wood was used as fuel to cook food. I also looked for work in other people’s

houses. On days that I wasn’t able to find work, I used to attend school.

My uncle was a poor man, and was considered to be more educated even though he had only studied until the seventh grade. He taught me the importance of education very early on. He used to tell me that it is the key to a contented and well-rounded life. He said that the only way out of poverty is education. His actions always matched his words, and he made sure I committed myself to a life of learning.

In Neeralagi, I couldn’t study beyond fourth grade. To continue my education, I used to walk a mile to the nearest village, Kundur. That is where I studied until April 1956, when I completed seventh grade. Again, it was my uncle’s constant encouragement and focus that pushed me. When I was eight, my sister got married to a school teacher in another village called Harkuni. My maternal uncle Rudragouda Patil of Kundur took care of the wedding expenses because my uncle, who was already doing all he could to raise us, couldn’t afford to.

It was a simpler time. During the summer months, I would go visit my sister in Harkuni. Every so often, I would also go see my maternal aunt in Masanakatti which is near to my village.

Chapter 2

High School: 1956-1960

I was more or less on the precipice of puberty when I started attending high school. At 13, I went to Municipal High School in Haveri. It was the nearest place to my village. My uncle supported me in joining the Hukkeri Matha in Haveri where room and board were free for all students who came from humble backgrounds.

There were 24 students who were similar to me. All of us used to go on daily rounds to collect food from a number of designated houses. The kitchen attendant would then take all the food we had collected and distribute it equally among us.

Since my school was nearly a mile from Matha, I used to go on foot. The school had waived my tuition fee because my family’s income was below poverty level. During the first year, I began learning the English alphabet.

Interestingly enough, we were being taught by a drawing teacher. My education during the four years of high school was imparted in Kannada. This was also the time I learnt Hindi because it was deemed compulsory on account of being

the national language.

There was a time when I needed Rs. 15 to register for a Hindi examination. My uncle, whom I lovingly referred to as my father, didn’t think twice before selling some utensils for the purpose. His wife was against this, but he did it anyway for the sake of my education.

He didn’t stop there. He went on to borrow a bicycle and rode 17 miles from the village all the way to Haveri just to give me those Rs. 15 even though he was quite ill at the time. He was running a temperature but he didn’t even let that get in the way of coming to my aid. To this day, I am in awe of the unwavering support he extended to me. I will forever remain indebted to my uncle. I doubt even my own father would have done so much for me. He was, after all, my grandmother’s son. Her presence in my life was equally important. I remember one instance in particular when it was the end of the school year and all the students were heading back home to spend the summer with their families.

I could not afford the bus ticket which cost

8 Annas at the time, and so I walked 17 miles to go back home. When I finally reached, I found my grandmother home alone as everyone else was at work. I told her I was famished; there

was no food in the house. To feed me, she went to the neighbor’s and got me something to eat.

During every summer vacation, I used to get labor jobs in my village. Usually agricultural jobs. Once summer was over, it was time to go back to school.

I successfully completed my high school education in May 1960.

Chapter 3

Higher Education: 1960-1966

Once I completed high school in Haveri, it was time to go to college. I moved to Hubli for the purpose, and enrolled in the undergraduate program at P.C. Jabin Science College.

I stayed at Shri Naganoor Swamiji boarding where I got free meals. It closed two years later. I could no longer afford a room and board, so I made the tough decision to quit college and look for a job.

One day, I went to visit Shri Bapugouda Patil of Kundur to see if I could get his son’s address and contact information in Bombay. I desperately needed help finding a job. I was up front and told him that my uncle could not afford to pay for the remaining two years of college. I explained this was why I needed to find work, and soon. Upon hearing this, he got in touch with his neighbor Rudragouda Patil, my maternal uncle. He asked him if he could take care of my college expenses. My uncle said he couldn’t, so Shri Bapugouda Patil himself lent me financial support. That same day, he handed me a bag of rice along with Rs. 25. He instructed me to go back to Hubli and finish my

degree. Later, he got in touch to pay my tuition fee as well as my room and board. Thanks to him, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in 1964.

Not long after I had graduated, Shri Bapugouda Patil asked me to accompany him as he was going to visit an acquittance named Mr. Sadashiva Wadeyer. Little did I know then that Mr. Wadeyer was the registrar of Karnatak University. Mr. Patil explained my circumstances to him, hearing which Mr. Wadeyer agreed to hire me as a clerk on the university campus. I was not interested in the job, however, because I had managed to get admission on merit basis for Master’s degree program. I did not want to pass on that opportunity. Even though Mr. Patil was not entirely happy with my decision, he agreed to help finance my Master’s degree as well.

Certain people leave a deep impact on your life providing you the boost needed to achieve significant milestones. I found such a personality in Dr. S. Siddappa, Head of the Chemistry Department at Karnatak University. I vividly remember that it was the last day of registrations for the Master’s Program in Chemistry. The final list of candidates selected on merit basis had been put up. Although I had been selected for the admission, I didn’t

have the Rs. 50 that I needed to complete the registration process. Dr. Siddappa was the final authority on the admission and registration process.

I was anxious as the deadline was coming closer. I mustered the courage to enter Dr. Siddappa’s office while he was alone. I put forward my situation and explained to him that I didn’t have the registration fee at that moment but I would make sure to pay it in due time. It was at this point that he displayed magnanimity that I just can’t forget. He called up his secretary and asked him to collect the fee from me later. He went forward and signed my registration allowing me to pursue my goal of higher education without a hassle. His actions that day marked a turning point in my life and I will always be grateful for his compassion as it played an influential role in clearing the path for the progression of my academic career.

I continued my Masters with zeal but the journey was not smooth. An accident during the course of the program left a deep impact on me. I’ve been fortunate to come across the most kind-hearted people throughout my time. Late Mr. Bapugouda Patil was one of them. He agreed to pay my school fees and started to look for someone who could sponsor the room

and board. He sent out a letter to his friend Mr. Desai who was an affluent landlord. I met with him and he agreed to provide me with meals. However, he was an alcoholic and couldn’t perform many tasks on his own. He would ask me to read the newspaper for him. Although it was hard for me to keep up with my coursework, I still continued. One day, Mr. Desai was visiting his agricultural lands and some people who had personal enmity with him shot and killed him. I was heartbroken when I heard the news and stopped going to his house after that. I moved in with a friend where I started cooking my own meals. I worked very hard and received my Masters Degree in May 1966.

Chapter 4

Teaching

Upon attaining my Master’s degree from Karnatak University in Dharwad, India, I joined the faculty of P.C. Jabin Science College in Hubli. I was working as a demonstrator in the chemistry department. I was familiar with the environment. Because I had done my Bachelor’s degree here.

Two months into the job, however, I resigned. I joined D.R.M. College in Davangere as a chemistry professor. It was here that I met Mr. B.M. Bhooplapur who was the head of the physics department. He had been offered the position of principal of a new college, Arts and Science College, in Sankeshwar. He asked me whether I was interested in starting a new college with only 15 other faculty members. The idea of building the college from scratch attracted me, and so we both left Davangere. After the four years that followed, the very first batch of undergraduates received their Bachelor’s degree.

Principal Bhooplapur recommended me to go for the National Cadet Course (NCC) training in Purandar near Poona. What followed was

a three-month period of rigorous training, after which I was commissioned as Second Lieutenant.

While teaching, I worked as an NCC officer. During the summer months, I attended several NCC camps as a commissioned officer. Two non-commissioned officers (NCOs) used to work alongside. The three of us were tasked with training NCC cadets.

I was teaching chemistry to undergraduate students. English was the language of instruction. Seeing as I was heading the Department of Chemistry, I was also responsible for managing the staff and laboratory.

I worked as professor for a duration of eight years, from 1966 to 1974. It was then that I migrated to the United States.

Center of frontline: Principal: B. M. Bhooplapur. His left: NCC Officer, Gadigeppa Doddamani.

Center of frontline: Principal: B. M. Bhooplapur. His left: NCC Officer, Gadigeppa Doddamani.

My Wedding

Even though arranged marriages are common in India today, they were pretty much the norm back in the 1970s.

My family hails from the Lingayat religion. As a community, we adhere to the principles of Twelfth century Saints known as Sharanas.

I got married in 1972, and it was an arranged marriage. My wife Prabha is from Belgaum, which is also in Karnataka. Her parents were Mr. Pavadeppa and Mrs. Susheela Mishrikoti. Prabha received her Bachelor’s degree from RLS College Belgaum in 1973.

The late Shri Bapugouda Patil of Kundur helped me greatly to pursue my education. His children, two sons and a daughter were set to get married on the same day as I was. I thought it would be great to get married in a joint ceremony. And so it happened that four couples sanctified their relationships on the same day.

The nuptials took place at their house in Kundur, near my native Neeralagi. In those days, photography was not as advanced as it is today. There were no smartphones or digital

The nuptials took place at their house in Kundur, near my native Neeralagi. In those days, photography was not as advanced as it is today. There were no smartphones or digital cameras. We hired a photographer to cover the event and he travelled all the way from another city. He took only one picture featuring all four couples. And one more picture of us as below

cameras. We hired a photographer to cover the event and he travelled all the way from another city. He took only one picture featuring all four couples. And one more picture of us as below.

Mr. Gadigeppa and Mrs. Prabha Doddamani Wedding picture on May 24, 1972

Mr. Gadigeppa and Mrs. Prabha Doddamani Wedding picture on May 24, 1972

Chapter 5

Migration to the United States

Studying in the United States had long been a dream of mine. I always wanted to pursue higher education there and it’s something I thought about often while serving as a professor at Sankeshwar in Karnataka.

I applied to few universities in 1972. In May 1974, I received a letter from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, and the rest as they say is history.

Not only did they grant me admission to their Master’s program, they offered me the position of a teaching assistant (TA). This covered my room, board, and tuition. Needless to say, I accepted their generous offer and started planning my trip.

The first thing I did was apply for my visa, which I received in July 1974. The next order of business was to request the management of the institution where I worked to grant me a leave of absence so I may go abroad and study. They allowed it, but without pay, as expected. Even after teaching for eight years during

college in India, I had no savings. I had spent what I earned taking care of my uncle’s children and their educational expenses. I also set aside some money for the wedding of his young girl. I barely had enough money to buy an air ticket to the US. On top of that, the Government had limited the amount of cash a person could carry aboard a flight to just $8.00.

I landed in New York on August 24, 1974. With $8 in my hand, I had to take a taxi to the home of the only person I knew in the state; Mr. Inamdar. The fare was $12. I borrowed $4 from Mr. Inamdar as I arrived and my life in America began. After staying for a few days in New York, I took a bus to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. As I arrived at the front of Shippensburg University, I realized a different world entirely. I made my way to the dormitory and then to my assigned room.

A week before my semester began, I was at the university campus trying to sync in with my new surroundings. Being a vegetarian, it was hard to find appropriate meals. The first person I met was my course advisor, Dr. Thomas Schroeder. He was kind and friendly. He spent time advising me regarding the courses I had to take and the responsibilities I had as a teaching assistant. The semester system was a new concept to

me as it hadn’t been introduced in India at the time. I saw America as a land of opportunities for me. It would open new horizons for progress and I was determined to make the best of it. I put every effort into completing my Master’s, finishing 30 credit hours in one year. The same year I also submitted and defended my thesis. My research was focused on Specific Ion Electrodes which included the process of membrane preparation as well as construction of new electrodes to find a PH value in juices and liquid food. In August 1975, I received my Master’s Degree from Shippensburg University.

Three months before I completed my Master’s, the search for another university to initiate my Ph.D. had already begun. I received scholarships from the University of Detroit, Michigan and University of Reno, Nevada. I chose the former, and eventually moved to Michigan.

Although I started my Ph.D. program in the fall of 1975, I quit by the end of the semester. My advisor said the degree takes an average of 3-4 years to complete and that was too long for me to stay away from my family in India. After giving up my admission, the first thing I did was buy a ticket to my home country. I was ready to head out in a week when my roommate Mr.

Ravi Shahani, who was visiting Chicago at the time invited me to visit the state before I left.

As I met with Ravi’s friend in Chicago, he took me to visit an attorney. After a long discussion, attorney assured me that he could secure the labor department’s approval and my Green Card within a year. For two nights, I couldn’t get any sleep thinking about what to do. My family was anticipating my arrival. I had the ticket in my pocket yet I had to consider the possibilities that lie ahead. At this point, I took a leap of faith. I cancelled my ticket, informed my family and asked the attorney to start the procedure.

I wasn’t supposed to leave the US during the time that the process took. I wouldn’t be able to see my family for almost two years. The thought of staying away from my wife and kid for this long scared me. I had to do something about it. I visited the immigration office and requested the officer to grant me a permit that would allow me to visit my family back home. He graciously accepted my request allowing me to fly back for a month. While I was in India, I tried to get visa for my wife and son in US embassy. But that was not possible because I was not a permanent resident.

As I returned back to the US, I started applying

for a job. Since I was still on student visa which made it close to impossible for me to find a professional job that paid well, I had no choice but to work odd jobs. I got a position at a gas station filling cars for $2.30 an hour. I spent 10-16 hours each day pumping fuel into other people’s vehicles as the credit card system had not been implemented back then. It was hard and dangerous with winter nights being the hardest. I was even mugged at gun point twice and after a year, I quit. A small glove manufacturing firm hired me as an assistant in their lab. I was paid in cash daily. Despite being a step up from the gas station, I left the job after two weeks.

This is when I received the greatest news of my life. My Green Card had arrived. The first thing I did was to apply for Green Cards to bring my wife and son to the States. Soon, they too received their relevant documents allowing them to join me in the country. Things were finally taking a turn for the better. Since I was a student there before, the University of Detroit informed me about the job openings in the city central laboratory where over 100 (hundred) chemists across different departments working on EPA and CDC projects. I joined the laboratory as a chemist in the methods development group for a few years before being promoted as a

Senior Chemist. During this period, I was an elected President of Chemists and Technicians Association for two years. I finally became the Supervisor of Toxicology laboratory before retiring several years later.

25th Wedding Anniversary

Fast-forward 23 years; I had my own circle of friends. They were kind enough to put together a surprise party to celebrate my 25 years of wedded bliss.

What’s funny is that I had invited all of them to attend my anniversary celebration due to be held on June 15, 1997 at a Best Western in Farmington Hills. You can well imagine my surprise when they threw me a bash on May 16. My wife and I enjoyed both parties thoroughly, and got to mark our silver jubilee twice.

Mr. Gadigeppa and Mrs. Prabha Doddamani

25th Wedding Anniversary picture

Mr. Gadigeppa and Mrs. Prabha Doddamani

25th Wedding Anniversary picture

75th Birthday Party

75th Birthday Party

My grand, 75th birthday party was also attended by all my close friends. It was at Saffron restaurant on August 10, 2018.

My grand, 75th birthday party was also attended by all my close friends. It was at Saffron restaurant on August 10, 2018.

Gadigeppa Doddamani’s 75th Birthday party

Gadigeppa Doddamani’s 75th Birthday party

50th Wedding Anniversary

50th Wedding Anniversary

Our 50th wedding anniversary has been an undeniable blessing from God. It’s amazing to see how quickly the years flew by, yet it feels like I just met Prabha yesterday. They say that you fall in love as time passes by, and it couldn’t

be truer in our case. Arranged marriages often lack passion to start with. But as you spend more time together, you form an unbreakable bond unlike any other. To me, it almost feels like we keep getting closer as the years pass. It’s undeniable that raising a family helps to bond with your partner. However, I stray from the story of that beautiful day.

We celebrated our 50th anniversary with a bang. All our loved ones were there, and I have never felt more connected with my family. When you are young, you don’t realize the implication of these events.

I remember wondering why people got sentimental over marriage anniversaries, but I assure you that it is a tear-jerker. Having the right person by your side can help you achieve more than you can envision. Rather than being two individuals, you become a single entity that faces the challenges life hurls at you. You never feel alone or lost, because there is someone by your side at all times.

The fact is I owe a large part of my happiness to my Prabha. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like had I not met her. She supported me through the tough times and celebrated my achievements. Soon, I realized

that our individual successes were actually our victories.

We are lucky to have met each other. In hindsight, I understand the notion that God plans your life to a dime. Prabha and I were meant for each other, and if you are struggling with finding the right person, don’t fret over it. There is someone waiting out there who is perfect for you.

Chapter 6

Volunteer Work

I am a firm believer in giving back to society. To that end, I have actively volunteered for the religious organization “Veerashaiva Samaja of North America.” VSNA for short, I committed to this non-profit for a total of 40 years. I contributed at all levels, and even served as president for two consecutive years in 1997 and 1998.

When I was close to retiring in 2016, the following email was sent out to past and present officers, as well as to the senior members of the organization.

A few years went by before I found myself volunteering at the organization once again. In the years 2020 and 2021, I was filing a lawsuit to protect VSNA from its downfall.

The email sent to the members reads as following:

November 30, 2016

Gadigeppa S. Doddamani

West Bloomfield, Michigan

My fellow VSNA Members,

I am writing this letter to effectively retire from my role at the VSNA. I wish to share what I consider my achievements to this great organization during my 37 years of service.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, the members of the VSNA, for all your help and cooperation over the years. Though I will no longer be an active member in this organization, I will always be happy and available to answer the VSNA’s call in the future, should the need arise. The following is a brief history of my involvement with, and service to, the VSNA.

Life Member: I accepted the VSNA Life Membership in the early 1980s and persuaded many more to become Life members and support its cause.

VSNA President 1997–1998: For the first time in the history of VSNA, secret ballot voting took place. Through this, I was elected president. I served the organization in various capacities and attended about 35 VSNA conventions.

Member of Bylaws Committee: In 1997, we hired an attorney in Michigan to write the VSNA

bylaws. I coordinated between the VSNA and the law firm to prepare them. The bylaws were implemented on July 3, 1998. Later, they were changed; once in 2005 and then again in 2012. During these years, I remained an active member of the bylaws committee. I helped get the VSNA registered as a non-profit corporation and for Michigan to be its home state in 1998.

VSNA Convention Trust Fund: For the first time in VSNA history, fundraising for the Convention Trust Fund was underway during the Detroit convention in 1997.

As VSNA president, I was instrumental in organizing and helping the fundraising committee. We raised a whopping $300,000. For the second time in 2016, I spearheaded the fundraising activity and we raised over $50,000 during the Maryland convention. These are the total VSNA assets we have had in 40 years. I feel very proud of the collective efforts that have made it more than possible for everyone to help the hosting of VSNA annual conventions in the years to come.

Chairman of Election Committee: We elected the present and the previous VSNA officers and BOR members. I had been persuading members to become VSNA officers for several

years prior to facilitate the smooth running of our esteemed organization.

VSNA Convention Chairman: I served as the Detroit Convention chairman in 2007. The vicechairman was a second-generation young man. He was selected specially to encourage other youths to actively participate in the coming years.

Orientation Course for VSNA Officers: I developed and conducted an orientation course for the benefit of new VSNA officers at 3 different conventions at 3 different locations: Detroit in 2007; Toronto in 2010; Palo Alto in 2012.

VSNA Service Awards: I received the following awards from multiple VSNA conventions.

• 2002 Convention in Columbus, Ohio for “Fostering the Growth of VSNA.”

• 2005 Convention in Maryland for “Outstanding Service to the Veerashaiva Community.”

• 2008 Convention in San Ramon, CA for “Outstanding Service to the VSNA Community.”

• 2011 Convention in Boston, MA for “Commitment Towards Success of VSNA.”

Chairman of VSNA Advisory Council:

I served as chairman of the advisory council after being selected by former presidents of the VSNA as well as chairpersons of the Board of Regents. I have been attending BOD meetings for the past 5 years.

My brochures listed below can be accessed on www.vsna.org:

• VSNA Annual Convention Manual

• Welcome to VSNA

• Orientation course for VSNA officers

Other positions I have held are as follows.

Director of Veerashaiva International Resource Center (VIRC)

I was the first director of VIRC from 1998 to 2002. The VIRC brochure can be found on the VSNA website. Given my association with VSNA, I have held on to all possible souvenirs and newsletters. I raised $1325 for this project. The names of everyone who donated are listed on the VSNA website.

First Split of VSNA in 2010

When JSS Swamiji announced his intention to start a JSS mission center in the United States, we feared this would result in the splitting up of our small community. A case in point for us

was Karnataka, which has now broken up into so many sects. Each sect has its own Swamiji. We officially requested Swamiji to support VSNA instead, taking care of whatever projects he wished. Despite our collective effort, Swamiji went on to initiate a JSS mission in Maryland. It came as no surprise when a few VSNA members broke off from the main chapter to volunteer at the new organization.

Second Split of VSNA in 2013

In 2013, some VSNA members in the New England area decided to start their own organization by the name of the International Basava Center (IBC). It was built on the same model as the VSNA. Of course, we couldn’t sway them and did what was best at the time. We simply wished them good luck.

God bless VSNA.

Sincerely

G. Doddamani

Gadigeppa Doddamani: President VSNA in 1997 and 1998. Annual Convention picture.

Gadigeppa Doddamani: President VSNA in 1997 and 1998. Annual Convention picture. Right side of Swamiji in the above picture

Right side of Swamiji in the above picture

Donation To VSNA

November 1, 2021

From: Gadigeppa Doddamani West Bloomfield, Michigan

To: Mr. Harish Hiremath. President, VSNA

As a devout believer in the principles and practices of the way of life of the 12th century Veerashaiva Saints, we - my wife Prabha and I – would like to donate $100,000.00 to the VEERASHAIVA SAMAJA OF NORTH AMERICA (VSNA) to promote and propagate their philosophical pithy pronouncements, the Vachanas. This we believe and trust to be in the fitness of the lofty principles that led to the founding of the VSNA some 44 years ago. This donation of ours’ requires the following conditions and stipulations.

1. After the stipulated period of 20 years, the VSNA shall equally divide and distribute our entire donation among five charitable organizations in the United States.

2. This donation of ours’, if invested, ought to generate $100,000.00 for VSNA during its tenure of 20 years for the use of its activities

as described in its preamble of the bylaws.

3. The above stated stipulation shall have the approval of the General Body as new Article of the Bylaws of the VSNA Corporation. This approved article shall not be subjected to amendment(s) during the course of its tenure.

A Word About the Donors:

Although Mr. Doddamani has served VSNA at all levels including as its President, for the sake of formality the following provides information about his background.

He was born in a small village in Karnataka, India. Orphaned at childhood, His uncle, himself very poor, raised him. Gadigeppa somehow managed to get high school and college education living in Swamiji Mathas. After getting his M.Sc. degree in chemistry, he taught in a college for eight years. Then in 1974, he moved to USA as student on assistantship.

After getting a graduate degree in US, he began his career as research chemist in Detroit, Michigan. After 32 years of service, he retired. His wife, Prabha, also worked as a chemist for 31 years. Now they lead a retired life in Michigan. Their son, Ravi, an engineer,

lives in New Orleans, LA and daughter, Sunita, works as an Asst. Attorney General of the State of Michigan. They have five grandchildren.

The Doddamanis’ are the primary donors of the Basaveshwar Bhavan, a community Center, in his native village in India. This facility was dedicated to the public on February 7, 2020. Information on this center is available at: www.basamitin.wixsite.com/bhavan

Sincerely

G. Doddamani

Chapter 7

Basaveshwar Bhavan

The first thing to understand about Basaveshwar Bhavana is that it is not a temple; it’s a community center. It was opened to the public on February 7, 2020. The center can accommodate up to 500 people at any given time, and it is located in my ancestral village and birthplace, Neeralagi, Karnataka, India.

I bought a land, worth Rs. 90 Lakhs in Neeralagi and donated it to the Samiti with the sole intention to build the Basaveshwar Bhavan. Plus, I also made a financial contribution of Rs. 30 lakhs for its construction.

It’s a fully functional community center, with cooking and dining arrangements housed in the building’s lower level. There is also a free supply of drinking water for all the villagers that they can access as and when they wish. Additionally, there is ample parking. Up to 100 vehicles can park comfortably in the designated area. All in all, the Bhavana is for everyone in Neeralagi and its neighboring villages, no matter what their caste or creed.

Like most community centers, the Basaveshwar

Bhavan is a place to hold educational discussions, host luminaries, and mediate constructive debate. It is also the perfect location for social and cultural events, weddings, and yoga and meditation classes.

In addition to the aforementioned, the Bhavan is a non-profit institution that aims to spread 12th century sharana’s values of life and living, as well as Kayaka and Dashoha principles. It is also completely detached from politics and open to everyone.

Gadigeppa Doddamani was honored by Mr. Udasi M.L.A. during the opening ceremony of Basaveshwar Bhavan on February 7, 2020.

Gadigeppa Doddamani was honored by Mr. Udasi M.L.A. during the opening ceremony of Basaveshwar Bhavan on February 7, 2020.

BASAVESHWAR BHAVAN

Published by: Shri Sharan Basaveshwar Abhivraddi Samiti

Neeralagi Tal: Hangal Dist: Haveri

Karnataka State, India 581202

Bhasaveshwar Bhavan was opened to the public on February 7, 2020.

The above article appeared in the local major newspaper “VIJAYAVANI” in kannada language. It is about me, the founder and major donor of the Basaveshwar Bhavan.

Basaveshwar Bhavan opening ceremony on February 7, 2020 by Mr. Gadigeppa Doddamani (USA) and Dr. Dattu Sastry (USA)

Basaveshwar Bhavan opening ceremony on February 7, 2020 by Mr. Gadigeppa Doddamani (USA) and Dr. Dattu Sastry (USA)

Center: Mr. Hadeppa Doddamani President of Basava

Samiti and Mr. Ningappa Karjigi Secretary of Basava Samiti

Doddamani

Center: Mr. Hadeppa Doddamani President of Basava Samiti and Mr. Ningappa Karjigi

Right: Dr. Dattu Sastry and Mrs. Puspha Sastry

Secretary of Basava Samiti

Right: Dr. Dattu Sastry and Mrs. Puspha

Sastry

Left: Mrs. Prabha and Mr. Gadigeppa

Left: Mrs. Prabha and Mr. Gadigeppa Doddamani

Opening Ceremony of Basaveshwar Bhavan on February 7, 2020

Opening Ceremony of Basaveshwar Bhavan on February 7, 2020

Opening Ceremony of Basaveshwar Bhavan on February 7, 2020

Opening Ceremony of Basaveshwar Bhavan on February 7, 2020

Chapter 8

Traveling the World

“To travel is to live.”

This has been the mantra of my life ever since I moved permanently to the United States, and I can’t complain.

I have had the privilege to visit a number of international destinations that had long been on my bucket list.

After moving to the US in 1974, my family grew, and I enjoyed many vacations with my dear wife and two children. I can proudly say that I have risen from humble beginnings and managed to build the life I had so dreamed of.

The world is simply brimming with beautiful sights that are just waiting to be taken in. I’m one of those people who love capturing memories by taking as many photographs as possible. I believe it’s important to be able to have the opportunity to look back fondly on beautiful moments that are enjoyed alongside family. Photographs also serve as powerful reminders that life is indeed beautiful, and not everyone is privileged enough to have the means to be

able to afford this luxury.

The world is replete with stark opposites. There are regions torn apart by war, and there are places that the sun doesn’t tire of shining upon. We must always take this into account while traveling or while enjoying the simple luxuries life has been kind enough to offer. It is important to practice gratitude because, who knows, we might not get the chance to do so again.

Aside from the philosophy, let me tell you a little bit about the places I have visited to date.

The Middle East

Dubai, Doha and Bahrain

Our trip to the Middle East took place more recently. In April 2019, my wife and I packed our bags to visit the Middle East. When we decided to take this trip, we were subjected to a few odd looks that seemed to say, “Why are you going to the Middle East of all places?”

To them, I said it’s a place of great majesty and is home to a beautiful culture and traditions. I went on to further state that I wished to witness the beauty of the land first-hand, let me just say, that this holiday was definitely one of the most memorable.

Dubai

We kick started our trip from Dubai, as it is a city, we were all somewhat familiar with. The city is now a hub for a lot of commercial activity, and a lot of companies’ regional headquarters are here. Of course, shopping was also part of the experience, and boy, oh boy, is Dubai made for shopping or what!

We began the next day by going on the highly acclaimed desert safari. It was a day-long

affair, or perhaps the package we opted for was designed such. Either way, it was absolutely wonderful.

After a lot of dune bashing, we stepped out of our vehicle for a bit to take in the views of the desert expanse. It was truly breathtaking. What has always captivated me about deserts is the fact that even though there is not even so much as a spot of greenery, it is somehow so beautiful. The ripples in the sand, and the mounds we could see in the distance were all so beautifully shaped. Divine design, I called it.

As the sun set on an adventurous day, we were driven back to “camp.” Entertainment awaited us here and we all sat down and made ourselves comfortable. There were platters of food we could help ourselves to, and did we! We also saw live belly dancing for the first time. The food was absolutely delicious; flavorful and not at all greasy, heavy, or spicy. It was the perfect meal after the hectic day we had had. From there, we headed home, but after a quick breakfast at the hotel the next morning, we ventured out to Dubai Frame. It is a wonderful structure, if I do say so myself.

After we had gotten our fix of this rather touristy spot, we went over to Al Fateh Mosque,

otherwise known as the Great Mosque. It was undoubtedly the best time to go there, because we reached just in time for the afternoon prayers. The melodious call to prayer could be heard over the speakers. Ahead of this trip, we had been mindful of dressing for the occasion, as almost all religious sites have a code of conduct that every visitor should follow.

Once we’d had our fill of food and drink, we decided to walk it off instead of taking a cab to our next destination. It turned out to be a great decision, because we got to experience the city at our own pace. Usually when people sit in cars and other vehicles, they tend to miss a lot of the sights and sounds that make a city what it is. Of course, we were also lucky that the sun was surprisingly kind that day, or else we would’ve fried in that desert heat!

We grew tired after a bit of walking, and thus decided to take a cab and visit the Burj Khalifa. Everyone probably knows that it’s the highest free-standing structure in the entire world. It boasts more than 160 stories! This thought alone was enough to make me feel dizzy, but looking up at the majestic building is surely a treat for the eyes.

Burj Khalifa, UAE - 163 Floors and 2717 ft. Height

Bahrain

After spending three days in Dubai, we went to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Rightly called the Pearl of the Persian Gulf, the island country is definitely a must-visit for one and all.

We began our trip by going to the Bahrain Fort, which is also known as the Qal’at al-Bahrain or Portuguese Fort. It was built in the 16th century so it’s a marvel in my books. As is the case with all forts, we had to walk around carefully, and we also wanted to do so in order to cherish the structure in a way that did its justice.

Once we were done, though, we all felt extremely tired and did not want to move an inch. This was despite the fact that we had all managed to stay hydrated throughout this excursion. God know what would have happened otherwise. Given how we were all feeling, we decided to head back to the hotel for the evening and not indulge in any adventures until we’d had a restful sleep. It was a great decision indeed because the pace of the trip had now started to catch up with all of us.

The next morning, we began by paying a visit to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. We went by car, of course, so by the time we saw the

minarets in the distance, I remember being in awe. It was a breathtaking site. A lot of people tend to think that if you’ve seen one mosque, you’ve them all. I think this is a gross injustice to architecture. I didn’t want to take too many pictures at the risk of being disrespectful. Being a lover of architecture, though, I did manage to get a few great shots of the facade.

After walking around the city, a bit more and eating some great food, we were back at the hotel on what was to be our last night in beautiful Bahrain. For everyone who thinks the Middle East is not worth visiting, I have several experiences that narrate otherwise.

Al Fatih Mosque, Bahrain Al Fatih Mosque, Bahrain

Doha

The last leg of our trip to the Middle East was Doha. It is the capital of Qatar, and even though we were there for only 2 days, we had quite a bit of fun.

Here, we simply went to the friends house, dropped our bags, and headed over to the Doha Villaggio Mall. We chose this place because it is the hub of luxury shopping. My wife and I were looking out for sales and discounts, because that’s just a rule that we follow. I won’t bore you with the details. We all shopped and came back with smiles on our faces!

wife and I were looking out discounts, because that's just follow. I won't bore you with shopped and came back with faces!

National Museum of Doha, Qatar

National Museum of Doha, Qatar

Scandinavia

Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark

Our ongoing love affair with Europe made us return yet again. This time, however, we visited the Scandinavian countries and Russia. We went to Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to witness the northern lights we desperately wanted to see. Being the nature lovers we are, we were also excited to hike through the woodlands and temperate forests.

The beautiful weather and lush greenery were enough to make us want to live there for good. Sadly, all great trips must come to an end, and so did this one.

This trip lasted all of two magical weeks, and as always, we came back with souvenirs, keepsakes, beautiful memories, and the promise to return.

Noble Prize Distribution Hall, Sweden

Mermaid Bronze Sculpture Height = 4.1 ft.

Copenhagen, Denmark

St. Petersburg, Russia

A lot of people credit Moscow with being the best city in Russia. No one can negate the fact that Moscow is a sprawling metropolis, but St. Petersburg is the cultural hub of the country. Those wanting to visit Russia should definitely make plans to pass through this city as well in order to walk away with a more well-rounded experience.

We kicked off our trip by being quintessential tourists. We headed over to the Hermitage to view some amazing art. For those who don’t know, the Hermitage is one of the most gorgeous art museums in the whole world. We had traveled all the way to Russia and there was no way we were going to head back without visiting this site.

The city itself is the land of white nights - called so seeing as the sun never goes down during the summer months. St. Petersburg is truly a beauty to behold; contemporary and modern with tradition running through its veins.

When we got there, we could see why the museum is revered so. Because it so huge, it’s not possible to go through all of it in a single day. Even so, we covered as much as

was physically possible. We were careful not to get so engrossed that our three-day stay in the city was spent entirely within the walls of the Hermitage! Regarding the scale and size of the museum, here’s an interesting fact. The Hermitage is the second-largest museum in the world, with the Louvre being the largest. It houses over 3 million beautiful works of art.

We also walked along the city’s main street, otherwise known as Nevsky Avenue. Upon running a quick online search on the street, we found that if we were to start walking from one end to the other, it would take us roughly an hour to traverse the length. We followed this tip, and lucky for us, it turned out to be a great piece of advice. Not only did we enjoy a leisurely walk, we managed to take memorable photos and look at all the restaurants and buildings that run alongside. We weren’t the only ones to do so, however, because the street was teeming with tourists like us.

St. Petersburg is a treat for everyone who loves walking around cities, taking it all in at a leisurely pace. The city is just as vibrant at night as it is during the day. In fact, I imagine walking along Nevsky Avenue at dusk would be an entirely different experience altogether. It is a city packed with personality and character,

and I recommend all first-time visitors to begin getting to know the city by walking in my literal footsteps along the avenue. They should pick up a few souvenirs while they’re at it!

We also made our way to the Alexander Column in Palace Square. It is a truly entrancing sight. The city’s square is expansive and a huge open space. The Alexander Column was constructed in the 1830s from red granite. It is 47 meters in height, and was built on the orders of Alexander I as homage to the triumph they enjoyed over Napoleon.

We also visited the Eliseyev Emporium. In the early 1900s, it was considered one of the most opulent structures. While its luxury has faded over the years, art history lovers will fall head over heels for this structure. The stained-glass windows alone did it for me. The building also features painted patterns on the walls. At present, the Eliseyev Emporium is primarily a culinary attraction. One of the highlights about the building was a quaint little shop selling wooden figures of characters from traditional folktales. And yes, they were all carved by hand.

All in all, our trip to St. Petersburg was one that kept delivering wonderful little surprises, and

catching us off guard in the loveliest of ways. It was almost as though the city kept opening up for us and welcoming us with open arms. I would love to visit again someday. Next time around, though, I will make it a point to first visit the Peterhof Palace Complex. This trip lasted all of two magical weeks, and as always, we came back with souvenirs, keepsakes, beautiful memories, and the promise to return.

St. Petersburg’s Multicolored Church in Russian Style

Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg’s Multicolored Church in Russian Style

State Hermitage Museum. Founded 1764.

Cambodia

On December 16, 2018, we left for a trip to the Orient.

Vietnam and Cambodia had been on our list for quite some time. We had to do everything we could in the fifteen days we had set aside for this trip. Apart from visiting the amazing twelfthcentury temples of Angkor, without which a trip to Cambodia is nowhere near complete.

It is a well-known fact that Cambodia is among the poorest nations in Southeast Asia. Partly to blame is the Khmer Rouge and their genocide attacks in the region. One of the reasons why we wanted to visit Cambodia was to witness the resilience of its people first-hand. Before we embarked on our journey, we had heard numerous accounts of how friendly and hospitable the locals were. Given the amazing time we spent there, we couldn’t have agreed more. We witnessed this same resilience when we visited the Phare Cambodian Circus. If you’re planning a trip, you must make sure not to miss it. The group was formed in 1994 and features awe-inspiring performances by Cambodian youth. The circus relays traditional folk stories through a beautiful mélange of theatre, acrobatics, and music. The Phare’s

vibrant and enthusiastic storytelling leaves everyone wanting for more. The best part is that all participants are youth who are at risk, and so money that is earned through these shows goes towards education programs.

We also visited the Mondulkiri Project, which is an elephant sanctuary that prides itself on protecting livelihoods and forests.

Angkor Wat (Angkor Archaeological Park), Cambodia. Built between AD 802 – 1432.

Angkor Wat (Angkor Archaeological Park), Cambodia. Built between AD 802 – 1432.

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Left to Right: Mrs. & Mr. Kalmat, Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani and Mrs. & Mr. Gole

Vietnam

We started our trip from Ho Chi Minh City. As is the case with all cities, Ho Chi Minh City is abuzz with energy. There are cars and bikes everywhere, with great food to sample and multiple avenues for shopaholics to frequent.

We made sure to stop by at Dong Khoi. It is a central district, boasting many sights. We first headed towards the grand Notre Dame Cathedral.

Next, we ventured on to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda to take in the signs and symbols rooted in Taoism and Buddhism. History buffs that we are, we also visited the history museum to see ancient relics and archeological finds.

We definitely wanted to visit Hue, which is a historic town along the Perfume River. The town contains artifacts that once belonged to Nguyen emperors. We went to the Thai Hao palace as we had heard so much about the beautiful interior.

We also opted to take a cruise to see the pagodas and royal tombs. Of course, we weren’t able to see everything, but we did make it a point to visit the Tomb of Tu Doc.

We paid a visit to the Phung Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It is a world heritage site, and when we got there, we could see why. There were some truly magnificent stalagmites and stalactites to see.

Last but not the least, we went to My Son. It is a temple city that features ruins from the Cham era. The city flourished in the 4th century, and used to be a Hindu center for all sorts of religious activities. Interestingly enough, it was active up until the 10th century. It was only until the 13th century that it was completely abandoned.

We saw rice fields and terrace farming, and took in the uneven yet mesmerizing silhouettes of surrounding peaks. And on that very soothing note, our trip to the Orient came to a beautiful close.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Caribbean Cruise

In January 2016, we embarked on a cruise across the bright blue Caribbean. Thankfully, the 6-day adventure didn’t make anyone in the family seasick.

Most people who haven’t been on a cruise don’t realize how strange it feels. You have all the amenities you need: from comfortable beds to fine dining. The strangest part about it is that you feel like you’re in a normal hotel, but it feels different.

The ocean ebbs and flows, bouncing the vessel around gently. It is truly a peculiar feeling, but you adapt to it in a fairly short time. Modern luxury cruises offer so much more than you expect! We had a beautiful view of the Caribbean that stays etched in my mind to this day, along with the delectable fresh seafood; it’s almost heavenly. I believe that this cruise was one of the most interesting trips of my life.

My family and I ate more than our fill of seafood, and truly, there’s nothing better than a fresh catch! And don’t even get me started about the drinks at the restaurant! They were some of the most interesting flavors I have tasted, and some of them used such unique ingredients

that I haven’t found them elsewhere.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was swimming while being on the ship. For some reason, the idea of being in a pool of water on a ship that is in the ocean seemed almost comical at the time. I was delighted to be in a controlled environment where the angry ocean couldn’t drag me away, yet I could feel the ship bobbing up and down with the waves beneath it.

Overall, it was a marvelous feeling, and I am glad that it was another moment I had the fortune to enjoy with my loved ones.

Canada

In April 2016, we opted to go for a holiday that wouldn’t involve a long flight. We traveled to Canada for some much-needed downtime.

This particular trip did not involve a lot of walking or sightseeing. We ended up staying in the city and shopping a bit. It was a treat, however, to visit Niagara Falls. This had to be done given the fact that Niagara Falls is famously known to be more beautiful on the Canadian side. We have all seen the Niagara Falls in pictures and movies. However, I assure you that no representation of this wondrous natural site does its justice.

The trip was mostly an escape from our busy lives than a sightseeing extravaganza, so we didn’t tire ourselves out much. There was the occasional shopping trip, but that was about it.

However, our visit to the Niagara Falls was nothing less than magical and makes the trip memorable for me. There are three major waterfalls in this system: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls that make this sight one of the most wondrous in the world. When we reached the site, the sound of crashing water greeted us. It was surprisingly pleasant,

considering the sheer volume of sound. As we approach the Niagara Falls, we felt small as they towered over us. I felt a strange sense of elation and excitement that took over my body.

The water was a gorgeous blue-green color, mixed in with a bit of brown due to erosion of the clay surrounding the Falls. Hanging over the water is an unending mist that fills the air, often refracting light at just the right angles to form rainbows.

Truly, seeing the Niagara Falls up close was an ethereal experience that I feel privileged to have enjoyed. While there are many beautiful man-made structures in this world, there’s nothing that can beat the beauty that nature has created.

South Africa and Zimbabwe

South Africa and Zimbabwe

In May 28, 2014, we took another trip. This time around, we visited South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our holiday spanned 16 days, and it was truly a memorable one. Everyone in the family is a nature lover, and so this holiday was a treat for the senses.

In May 28, 2014, we took another trip. This time around, we visited South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our holiday spanned 16 days, and it was truly a memorable one. Everyone in the family is a nature lover, and so this holiday was a treat for the senses.

We visited the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Gonarezhou National Park, Zambezi National Park, Harare, Bulawayo, Lake Kariba, and the Chinhoyi Caves. It was amazing to see nature in all its glory.

We visited the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Gonarezhou National Park, Zambezi National Park, Harare, Bulawayo, Lake Kariba, and the Chinhoyi Caves. It was amazing to see nature in all its glory.

Jangle Safari in SouthJangleAfricaSafari in South Africa

Nepal – Kathmandu

In January 2014, we ventured to Kathmandu in Nepal. This particular trip was only five days long, but it was quality time spent as a family. More often than not, it is close to impossible to spend time with loved ones, but like I always say, something is better than nothing.

Shiva Temple (Kailashnath Mahadev Statue) Near Kathmandu Nepal. 143 ft tall. Built in 2010.

long, but it was quality time spent More often than not, it is close to spend time with loved ones, but say, something is better than nothing.

Shiva

Temple

(Kailashnath Mahadev

South America

Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru – Machu Pichu

In 2011, we decided to explore the South American continent. On our itinerary, we had Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. We dedicated 18 days to visit this continent as a family. All the countries we visited are remarkable in their own right, and to compare them would be an atrocity. We were exposed to beautiful cultures and subjected to wonderful hospitality throughout our trip.

We visited Peru specially to see Machu Pichhu. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture aficionado, or someone who loves to travel, Machu Pichhu is sure to be a favorite. For those who don’t know, it is a citadel in the Andes mountains. It was built by the Incas and speaks volumes about their civilization.

Getting to the fifteenth-century ruins entails a bus ride that takes about 20 minutes. Travelers who are more physically fit can even walk uphill, but it takes almost 90 minutes, we were told.

In Brazil, we visited Rio de Janeiro, especially

to see Christ the Redeemer in person. We waited to see this structure erected in 1931.

Statue of Jesus Christ on Mount

Statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Corcovado. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Wonder of the World.

Iguazu Falls. Largest Water Fall in the on the border of the Argentina and Brazil.

Iguazu Falls. Largest Water Fall in the on the border of the Argentina and Brazil.

Scenic Point in Peru

Iguazu Falls. Largest Water Fall in the World on the border of the Argentina and Brazil.

Australia and New Zealand

We had been looking forward to exploring a new country on a new continent. After much deliberation as a family, we decided to kill two birds with one stone. We started to plan a trip to Australia and New Zealand.

We flew out of the U.S. on January 22, 2003, for an 18-day journey to the land down under. Crocodile Dundee, and their excitement knew no bounds on this trip. Every country and region have its own distinct flora and fauna. However, Australia was a rather strange territory because we knew we would end up seeing things and witnessing creatures that seem unreal.

As excited as we were to see koalas and kangaroos for the first time, we were equally thrilled to witness the grandeur and inimitable beauty of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef. We even visited the Pink Lake, which is a one-of-its-kind Salt Lake in Australia. We have been lucky enough to have visited it long before it was doing the rounds on social media.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

Sydney Aquarium, Australia

Ayers Rock in Australia. Circumference 9.4km

Italy

If I have failed to make it evident, we were enraptured by Europe during our first holiday there. In fact, we decided to return to the continent and visit a different country this time around.

On July 10, 1998, we embarked upon a journey to Italy. Being the food lovers that we are, I, along with my wife and children, looked forward to the wonderful cuisine we would get to sample there. Italian food is a favorite at home. Suffice to say that none of us can get enough pasta.

Nine days were much too little to experience everything Italy is known for, but it was memorable nonetheless. We spent our time relaxing, eating, sunbathing, and walking the streets lined with quaint restaurants.

Of course, it goes without saying that no trip to Italy is complete without gelato. You would be right to assume that we tried a new flavor every chance we got. Our taste buds were singing throughout the trip.

Europe

London, Belgium, France and Switzerland

In May 1985, I headed to Europe with my family. We visited England, Germany, Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

There are few things that can be said about these places that haven’t been said already. Each country is an experience in itself, to the point that it feels unfair to reduce the trip just to say “we’ve visited Europe.”

Everyone knows how eclectic vacationing in Europe can be. Each city, let alone country, hosts a completely unique vibe. Even though we spent three wonderful weeks there, they were simply not enough to take in everything each place had to offer.

China

Our trip to China was planned for 18 days, and even then, we were worried we might not be able to cover everything that we hoped to. This trip had been a long time coming and so our excitement knew no bounds.

Forbidden City

Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is a palace complex that has several beautiful temples and gardens all around. Construction began in 1406 and took 14 years to complete. It used to be the residence of the Chinese Emperor during the winter months. Given its political and cultural importance, it was officially declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Summer Palace

Also in Beijing, we visited the Summer Palace which made it to the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage List back in 1998. It is truly a sight to behold given its resplendent scenic views and verdant landscapes. Its beauty resonates in the halls, pavilions, and temples that come together in a beautiful composition.

The Great Wall

It is common knowledge that the Great Wall of China was built to serve as protection. The structure also played a role when it came to border control, trade, and immigration.

The Great Wall

It is common knowledge that the Great Wall of China was built to serve as protection. The structure also played a role when it came to border control, trade, and immigration. When we went there, we were in awe of the sheer expanse of it. None of us had it in us to traverse the entire length, but we certainly took in the sights and crossed a major item off our individual bucket lists.

The Great Wall of

The Great Wall of China

When we went there, we were in awe of the sheer expanse of it. None of us had it in us to traverse the entire length, but we certainly took in the sights and crossed a major item off our individual bucket lists.

Center of First Row: Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani

China

Center of First Row: Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China

Mrs. Prabha Doddamani

Mrs. Prabha Doddamani

Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing and Shanghai

We simply had to visit these two cities because the former houses the Forbidden City and the latter is the global financial hub. Shanghai is also China's greatest city, and that alone was attractive enough for the citydweller in me.

We simply had to visit these two cities because the former houses the Forbidden City and the latter is the global financial hub. Shanghai is also China’s greatest city, and that alone was attractive enough for the city-dweller in me.

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani in Shanghai, China

Terracotta Army

The story of the Terracotta Army had long captivated me and my family. After witnessing it in person, our collective interest around it has only deepened.

The army comprises figures of soldiers who were meant to defend and protect the emperor in the afterlife. It was thus “laid to rest” with the emperor in 210-209 BCE.

Most interesting is the fact that the soldiers are not exactly alike. Their height and stature vary in accordance with their position and role. The detailing that has gone into creating something like this is truly mind-blowing. For context, the Terracotta Army carries 8,000 soldiers, 520 horses, and 130 chariots.

Needless to say, when we saw it, it was surreal and felt as though the magnanimity of it all was beyond our comprehension.

Terracotta Army, China

Named as 8th Wonder of the World

Terracotta Army, China

Named as 8th Wonder of the World

Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand

Anyone who has been to these three locations will tell you that they are an absolute treat. The truly amazing appeal of these places is that they work really well for both, the lonely traveler and a family. For the former, these locations are nothing short of cultural retreats. As far as families go, they are the perfect vacation spots. This doesn’t mean that if you go as a family, you won’t be experiencing these places for their culture. It simply means that even if you want to visit them on a solo trip, you will not miss having someone to share the experience with you. There’s simply too much to see, do, and eat. If traveling is an immersive experience, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand can easily claim their rightful spots in the top 10.

Singapore

Singapore is a lovely city-state that I had the chance to visit with my lovely wife Prabha. There is a lot to see and do, but before we get to that, let me tell you how taken we were by the city’s amazing infrastructure. While there are many cities and countries around the world that boast the same, this is something truly remarkable in terms of Singapore. If you’re wondering why I think so, well, it’s because Singapore became

an independent entity fairly recently.

The state gained sovereign status in August of 1965, when it separated from Malaysia. This was spurred by deep-rooted economic differences and political opinion. As a result, rifts and tensions took hold which led to rioting in 1964.

Bearing all this is mind, it’s amazing to see all that Singapore has to offer. The streets are clean enough to eat off, everyone follows the rule of law, the malls are teeming with activity, and the state gets a lot of tourists every year.

In many ways, Singapore is home to people of many different cultures. It is said that no other spot anywhere in the world can claim to house as many races as are present in Singapore. This is precisely why the citystate is called the “Melting Pot of the East.” To further enlighten those who don’t know, the multitude of ethnicities that call Singapore home include Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Culture and cultural heritage are an integral facet of all that Singapore stands for. The city-state also has a number of expats from across the globe. It is due to this that Singapore come s together to celebrate a number of different yet equally beautiful traditions, events, and festivals each year.

Talking about the trip, we wanted to take in as much as we possibly could. Singapore has something for everyone, and so we tried to balance it out.

I will now share details about the places we visited. Gardens by the Bay was a spot enjoyed by all of us. It is a nature park spread out over about 250 acres! It is situated close to the Marina Reservoir. There are three waterfront gardens, and there’s also a Flower Dome that is the largest greenhouse in the whole world. The whole point of Gardens by the Bay was to introduce more greenery. It is extremely popular among tourists.

My favorite part was the Cloud Forest. In nature, cloud forests are a special kind of tropical or subtropical forest. They feature a low-hanging cloud cover and cool temperatures. There is a lot of humidity though. The Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay aims to replicate the same environment. It was a lovely experience because we took the elevator to go up to Cloud Mountain. We stepped out into a refreshing atmosphere, and leisurely walked down a circular track that surrounded a waterfall. We were mesmerized by ferns and orchids, and other beautiful flora.

Merlion Park, Singapore

Hong Kong

We wanted to start our trip by taking the famous Star Ferry, which dates back to 1880. We went to Victoria Harbor, and had to pay a small sum to ride it. The harbor itself was teeming with all kinds of activity, and just being there was also an experience in and of itself. We were especially in awe of the sprouting cluster of skyscrapers that make up the city’s magnificent skyline. Looking at this against the vibrant green of the mountains was one of the most beautiful sights.

We were clearly obsessed with the views of the city because we also wanted to view the city skyline from Victoria Peak. Commonly referred to as simply The Peak, we took the tram to the very top. On the way there, we took in all the sights. We got a closer look at the towering skyscrapers, the harbor, and even the nearby islands.

Hopping off the tram, we arrived at the Peak Galleria and Tower. It was brimming with shops and eateries. The observation deck was calling out to us, so we immediately went there first. Looking at the Peak from up there, we could see that it featured the most breathtaking scenery and trails. There were also other vantage points

for us to explore and visit. We also found out that one trail, in particular, could lead us back down to the city! This entailed a mish-mash of the forest and a few roads. For those who want to visit this spot at night can even omit the tram ride and take a cab up to the top.

We also visited historic sites. First, we went to witness the 34-meter-tall statue of Big Buddha. For this, we went to Po Lin monastery. The statue was built in 1993, and only then did the area start getting foot traffic and tourists. Before that, it was secluded.

Given its overwhelming size, it wasn’t surprising for us to find out that the statue took more than a decade to build - 12 years to be exact. The views here were also a sight to behold, with the Big Buddha surrounded by lush greenery.

During our trip, we also paid a visit to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. We traveled to Sha Tin for the purpose. The monastery was a peaceful experience, and one that grounded us. The wonderful countryside was a sight for sore eyes. I found it interesting that it is located atop a hill. As was the case with the Big Buddha statue, this monastery entailed scaling a decent number of stairs that curve. We climbed close to 400 steps and found that

this walking is actually part of the experience. Many golden statues were lining the stairs, and were more than a welcome attraction for us to view while ascending.

The statues were all different, and some exhibited funny expressions. When we reached the top, we saw an open square right outside the temple. Here, we saw even more statues and spent a fair bit of time taking pictures before entering the temple. Once inside, we saw more statues, smaller in size, and set against the walls. They were lined in such a way that they reached up to the ceiling. What’s most interesting about this monastery is that even though the name promises that it’s a site housing ten thousand Buddhas, it isn’t an actual monastery; there are no monks to be found. Moreover, there are more than ten thousand statues here. The temple was built not very long ago as you would assume, but rather in the 1950s. Even so, it is categorized as a site of historic value.

We took a leisurely walk through the park and discovered an aviary. This was a stretchedout area covered in netting. There were many species of birds flying about. It was such an immersive experience that I forgot for a second that I was in a park and not some kind of jungle

or forest. We even went all the way up; from here, we got amazing views of birds perched on branches and nesting. Because there was plenty to do and see, we even paid a visit to the Chi Lin Nunnery. It is a Buddhist temple that was originally erected sometime in the 1930s. However, it was rebuilt in the nineties. Everything is made mostly of wood, which makes it all the more interesting to see in person. If that wasn’t enough, we even saw bonsai trees all around the Lotus Pond Garden.

We ended our trip to Hong Kong with a memorable hike. We had heard a lot about the Dragon’s Back Hike; it is hands down one of the most popular trails there. It was an amazing way to end this leg of our journey because we got to take in some more views. Upon hearing the words hike or trail, some people tend to think it’s going to be exhausting and that they’re perhaps not physically fit to attempt such activity. Let me tell you, though, that the Dragon’s Back Hike is not cumbersome at all.

Thailand

Many people think Thailand is famous only for its beaches. However, there are several locations within the country that have a lot of appeal for non-touristy travelers. Thailand is also one of those places that has something for everyone. If you’re the kind to spend the entire day on the beach, that’s fine. But if you want to find out how the locals live and eat, you can do that too.

We ventured off to the Phi Phi Islands. These islands have received worldwide acclaim, and for good reason. To get to the islands, we enjoyed an amazing speedboat ride which lasted almost an hour. Then we transferred to a ferry and before we knew it, we could see the beautiful islands we had heard so much about. There are two islands there - Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The former is more expansive by comparison, and witnesses lots of tourists flocking to it. It also invites visitors to partake in its vibrant and energetic night life. The Park is the second-largest in the country, and it is also among the most visited.

In Bangkok, we went to the Grand Palace. If you’ve seen photos of it, trust me, it’s a completely different experience to witness this

structure in the flesh. It is easily one of the most popular landmarks in the city. It was built in 1782 and served as the royal residence for the King. The war ministry, multiple state departments, and the country’s mint were all housed in this building at one point. Even today, the Grand Palace enjoys a lofty status in the hearts and minds of all the locals. It is a symbol as much as it is a structure, and given its history and deep ties with the country, it all makes perfect sense. The beautifully intricate artistry can be seen in the architecture of the Grand Palace.

We found out later that the islands have been a marine national park since 1982. It is due to this, we were further informed, that the area hasn’t seen much development. The idea is to have it be a safe spot to nurture wildlife and marine life. There are plenty of fish and coral in the region, some of which we witnessed first-hand, given the crystal-clear waters. The name Similan can be traced back to the word sembilan in Malay. It means nine, and refers to the cluster of nine islands that comprise Similan Islands.

Alaska

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I must say this was another trip we had all been dreaming of. The sole reason for this was that we wanted to witness the northern lights and glaciers in all their glory. We planned a trip lasting 12 days, and thought this would be more than enough to take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful state.

We landed in Anchorage, and had already booked a glacier cruise to see the pristine glaciers Alaska is known for. On the way, we were lucky enough to also witness whales and seals in action. On land, we could see mountain goats and bears.

Since we were already in Anchorage, we made our way to the Mat-Su valleys to witness the northern lights. We were aware that the display might not be as breathtaking as it is in the northern parts of Alaska, such as in Fairbanks.

Enthusiasts of the natural phenomenon discourage people from going South for the purpose, but we still wanted to try our luck. And guess what, we managed to see the beautiful lights up in the sky, dazzling with green, orange, and purple hues.

Alaska

Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani

Train Ride in wooded Alaska

Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani

Train Ride in wooded Alaska

Mexico

For our next trip, we decided to stick closer to home. A trip to Mexico had been in the works for a long time simply because the vibrancy of the culture attracted me greatly. We were there a short while, but got to see some wonderful places and eat fantastic, flavorsome food.

We started by paying a visit to the famous resort town of Acapulco. After relaxing there for a few days, we had had enough of the tourist experience and were more than ready to visit places where we could get to see the “real” Mexico.

We went to Mexico City and visited the Plaza del Zócalo, which is the city square. We visited churches and museums, and had the best time exploring the city on foot. While walking, we could smell tantalizing aromas and were perpetually hungry. We had somewhat of a tough time getting around Mexico City as compared to Acapulco, seeing as the majority of people communicate in Spanish in the former. We also went to the Museo Frida Kahlo, which was a treat for the eyes. We were fascinated because, for those who don’t know, the museum was previously Frida Kahlo’s home. To be in the presence of such greatness

was truly grounding.

Called Casa Azul, or the Blue House, it was packed with history and art by the famed artist. There was also a beautifully quaint seating area where one could sit and enjoy the sound of chirping birds. After seeing everything the city had to offer, we made our way to Chichén Itzá. It is an archeological site that was once home to the Mayans. El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan as it is widely known, is the biggest of all the pyramids there.

All in all, our trip to Mexico was all that we expected and more. Not only did we get to see city life, but we also got to immerse ourselves in nature. Mexico was a truly enriching experience, one that grounded us greatly. It made us realize how much we rely on English to get by, but that it’s not the only language in the world.

The differences in our culture, our language, and our faith provide us with ample opportunities to learn and grow.

Hawaii

Our trip to Hawaii was one of our most memorable ones. Hawaii truly has the most amazing beaches. We spent two weeks there and most of our time was spent sun soaking at the beach. We also went snorkeling.

Next, we visited the Hawaii Volcanos National Park. It was an 11-mile road trip and along the way we also stopped for some hiking. Getting to experience a live volcano is something I don’t think I could ever forget. From the trails, we could see the sulfur banks that reminded us of active caldera beneath our feet.

After this we visited the Hawaii tropical garden where we got to see more than 2000 species of plants and flowers. The atmosphere here was amazing, the air was so clean and full of oxygen that I felt instantly refreshed.

Perhaps what made the trip truly memorable were our friends who joined us a week into our trip. Everything is better with friends. It was a trip full of laughter and smiles, many jokes were shared, many tales told.

L to R: Mr. & Mrs. Doddamani, Mr. & Mrs. Kalmat, Mr. & Mrs. Dhake and Mr. & Mrs. Gole

Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii

Daughter, Sunita Doddamani