Relations – Page 3 – Life is Beautiful

My Sister Honey

Back in the 80’s, Honey and I were just the two kids in the house – sharing chocolates, riding the bicycle and the jeep I had, fighting over toys, studying together (mom taught both of us). When someone took up a fight with me, he knew he had to deal with my little sister. Those memories shall remain forever.

Honey is in the US, since 2003, and we may not be talking as often as a brother or sister would – but that that doesn’t matter. Because deep within, both of us know that we are there for each other – always. In 2009, Honey and Mayur got married. I am so glad that my sister has found a humble, thoughtful, responsible and caring partner.

She is precious and shall always be…

Miss You Sister,

Happy Raksha Bandhan

Sonu Bhaiya

Maahir & Shourya’s Gifts to Papa

20th August, 2009

Hey Shikha,

How did it feel when you read ‘Bingo’ – I guess the feeling is hard to describe – can only be experienced. “Few good moments” make a big difference 🙂

I don’t have any long weekends. Friday is generally my day off – since our factory is closed on Friday and my work is more related to the factory. Dad taken an off on Sunday – that the weekly off for the office staff.

I was a workoholic until the kids were born. Working 6.5 days a week.

After Maahir was about 2, I realized that he shall soon grow – and I would have lost out on the best part of his childhood. I made sure that I spend quality time with him at least one day a week. I take him for a swim whenever possible – we go to the park – tell him stories. His happiness is the biggest gift – the most rewarding experience.

After Shourya was born, I decided that I shall spend at least 1 hour every day with the kids – it’s happening. It keeps all of us happy. Purvi too enjoys the time we spend together with the kids. There is a lot to talk about.

Infact, Shourya’s birth has changed a lot of things in me.
– I started writing – I make it a point to write at least one article a week (technical, social, general). Personally it is very satisfying.
– I am working towards my Physical goals – have enrolled for the 21 km Mumbai Marathon scheduled in Jan 2010 and have just begun preparations.
-I have become more spiritual – I am on the verge of completion of reading 800 page Bhagwad Gita. Maahir is a keen listener and knows the important lessons of the Gita
– I read a lot – Business Management, Technical Stuff related to my work, Psychology, Religion, Self Development – Thats my fuel, keeps me going
All said, I have been able to make the best use of my time. I still work 6.5 days a week and yet enjoy every moment.

To be honest, I couldn’t have asked for more from life. God has been very kind. I wish that my parents always enjoy good health. For the children – I pray for – good values (sanskar), education (gyan) and good health. Purvi is always there with me.

How about you ? Do write

Best
Jay

Letter to My Teacher

“If I have seen far, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants”

I have been blessed to have teachers who have always touched, moved and inspired me by their words and actions.

– Mom & Dad

– Silvia Pinto – Standard IV – OLPS High School

– Lorna D’souza – Standard VII, IX – OLPS High School

– V.U. Mehta – V.U.’s Academy

– Prof. Ramesh Shukla – Kalrashukla Classes

– Dr. Timothy W. Simpson – Penn State University

– Prof. John Hopkins – Penn State University

– ………………………………………………..

And more…………………………….

5th September, 2010

To
My Dear Shukla Sir,

Wish you a Happy Teacher’s Day.

It’s been seventeen years since I have known you. I can still remember the day when I attended your first lecture. You walked into the class with a string, picked up a chalk and drew a perfect circle on the blackboard – the entire class was awestruck by the “perfection”. You then went on to draw a Tangent Galvanometer. I may not remember much about the topic of that day, but the lesson of “perfection” would stay with me all my life.

Then on the advise of a friend one year senior to me, I enrolled for your test series. I met Devendra Sir – his advise (dictate would be more apt) was clear – I should be ready to “work-hard” and needed to be “disciplined”, else I should not join. I agreed and returned home with a set of books he gave me. I started reading the red book on Electromagnetism that afternoon. More than the topic, it was the clarity of the text and diagrams, layout of the book, and the scent of fresh print, the “quality” – that was the motivation for me and I read it late into the night.

The year went by quickly. I am sure I would have written many more tests in physics, that I would have in mathematics and chemistry put together. I experienced first hand “practice makes perfect”. I went on to score 97/100 in physics. At that time the score in physics was important; seventeen years since, I realize the value and importance of the many other lessons for success that I learned in the process.

I can never forget that day you told me, that you would always be there for me. Your kind gestures and your presence during my wedding made me feel special.

I have been blessed with wonderful parents and the best teachers. I wish and pray that Maahir and Shourya are equally fortunate.

Thank you for touching my life in a way, that would otherwise not have been possible.

Yours Always,

Jayesh Tekchandaney

The Organization and Its People

This note dates back to Oct 1998. I had written this for the monthly bulletin of Gharda Chemicals, where I worked from Oct 1998 to May 2000. The article was rated as the best contribution that month “The Organization and its People”.

The topic seemed to be pretty difficult until the realization that we are talking about you, me and the chap who sits next to our work place. We are talking about the GHARDA FAMILY, the family each one of us belongs to. To know the family we need to know the people, the members of the family, their behavior and their habits. The following is a sincere attempt to list out, based on detailed observations, the different personalities you come across in an organisation.

Let us start on a positive note and talk about the SUPERMAN. He seems to be capable of doing everything. Impossible is a word that does not exist in his dictionary. He always reaches the right place at the right time. People always search for him in times of trouble, for his ability to set things right, to make things happen. There is place for him everywhere. He inspires, he motivates and he reminds you of Sachin Tendulkar because you know there is always hope as long as he is there (batting or bowling). He is the greatest asset to the organization, a treasure.

Our Organization Leaders -Dad & Bharat Uncle

But let me caution you for you will always come across men who talk about their super human abilities. For one, they will give you an impression that nothing will work in their absence. And the other, they keep boasting of their achievements. Remember talkers need not necessarily be doers.

How often have you said “Kaun kehata hai ke Hitler mar gaya?” (Who says Hitler is dead?)

After all you see him every day, right in front of you. Are yaar, tumhare us wale boss ki baat kar raha hoon. (My dear friend, I am referring to your boss) When he talks you better listen or else you’ve had it. He always seems to follow you, especially so when you’re trying to get away from him. You are never spared, not even in your dreams, a hyperbole perhaps, but by now I guess you know what we are talking about. You love to hate him, don’t you?

Don’t ponder too much on Hitler. Now just close your eyes and think of the young chap who just joined the organization. “Why does he ask so many questions? Especially those stupid ones,” is what you often wonder. He certainly does it (I know it because I do it too) for he is always in a hurry to know things. He’s young, enthusiastic (and what not) and you like the way he addresses you as SIR. This fellow is the future of the organization, so please lend him a helping hand.

Then there is the DRONACHARYA. This wonderful teacher never fails to inspire you, for he sees in you his ARJUN, his blue-eyed boy. The generous master gifts you all his knowledge and shares his experience but not without his GURU-DAKSHINA. He expects commitment, sincerity, honesty and dedication, a small fee by any standards. But it often appears that the Dronacharyas and the Arjuns are extinct species. Instead you have people who would always teach you all the wrong things and GOD only knows why.

Though unfortunate, an organization also has its share of the infectious lot. They have a corrupting influence on the organization. They lack enthusiasm, motivation, willingness to work and all this has a very high coefficient of induction. Keep away from them. They can be deadlier than the deadliest of viruses.

Besides the above there are several other people. There is this old guy who has seen it all. He always has a serious look on his face and one never hears him talk (his gray hair does the talking). But all he needs is a slightest of the stimulus and he will narrate to you stories of those who came and those who went and why he was still there (I admire his patience). Then there is the naughty guy and his practical jokes, the quiet fellow and the big talker, the ever smiling bubbly guy, the pretty woman (inspiration to many), the big lady (daily newspaper of the organization) and many more.

The organization needs all of you. After all, VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE.

This note dates back to Oct 1998. I had written this for the monthly bulletin of Gharda Chemicals, where I worked from Oct 1998 to May 2000. The article was rated as the best contribution that month.

After Gharda Chemicals, I moved on to our business, founded by Dad and Bharat Uncle in 1980.

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To Mom & Dad

I wrote this letter to Mom and Dad on their 23^rd Wedding Anniversary, in 1999. The preceding six months were stressful and our family went through an emotional period. My grandmother lost her battle with cancer on 14^th July 1998. My grandpa passed away on 3^rd January, 1999.

Congratulations on your 23^rd wedding anniversary. Your marriage is still young, only a year older than me. Two of you have a long way to go, and please don’t forget to take me along.

Today I have decided not to stop myself and my emotions and wish to speak my mind freely. I wish to speak from my heart, something which I have not always done.

Thank you for all that you have given me over the past 22 years: your love, affection and everything else. You have always stood by me, in good and bad times. Your advice has always been most valuable, your encouragement has been an inspiration, and your values have been the guiding principles of my life. You have taught me how to respect elders and love younger ones. Observing the two of you in last six months, I have learned a lot about what elders mean to the children and this made me realise how important the two of you are in my life. I love you.

I have been rude at times but you have always forgiven me. I may have disobeyed but you have forgotten. I have made mistakes and you have always corrected me. I am lucky to have parents like you.

Today I have started earning and I am sure you must be proud of it. I have only to thank you and all our family members for the position I am in. I am presenting a small gift from my earned income but it means a lot to me. No gift can and will ever compensate all that I have received from you over the years but still I would feel good when I see a smile on your face. Thank you.

Wishing you a great anniversary,

Your only One

Sonu.

24^th January, 1999

World, My Son Starts School Today – By Abraham Lincoln

World, take my child by the hand – he starts school today!

Maahir’s First Day to Ryan International School, 18^th June, 2009

It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would sort-of treat him gently. You see, up to now, he has been king of the roost. He has been the boss of the backyard. I’ve always been around to repair his wounds and I’ve always been handy to soothe his feelings.

But now things are going to be different. This morning he is going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand, and start on a great adventure that probably will include wars and tragedy and sorrow.

To live in this world will require faith and love and courage.

So world, I wish you would sort-of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him, but gently if you can.

He will have to learn, I know that all people are not just, that all man and women are not true.

Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero; that for every enemy, there is a friend. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.

Teach him the wonder of books.

Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hill.

Teach him that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells he is wrong.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on the bandwagon.

Teach him to listen to others, but to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and to take only the good that comes through.

Teach him never to put a price tag on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears on the howling mob – and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.

Teach him gently, World, but do not coddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He is such a nice son.

Honey & Mayur

My Dear Mayur,

Thank you for the wonderful gift that you presented to all of us. We are all touched by your thoughtful gesture of presenting “our best moment” with you during the wedding celebrations. Your thoughts expressed on the back of the photographs are the icing on the cake.

I am so glad that my sister has found a humble, thoughtful, responsible and caring partner in you. While I was signing on your wedding photograph, the first though that occurred to me was “Made for Each Other” – I am sure both of you would agree.

Honey and I have been away from each other for more than 8 years now. In this time we did not communicate much (and may be that’s why I didn’t hear about you until last year). But deep within, both of us know that we are there for each other – always. The best part of our relationship was when we lived together. We were just the two kids in the house – sharing chocolates, riding the bicycle and the jeep I had, fighting over toys, studying together (chachu used to teach both of us). When someone took up a fight with me, he knew he had to deal with my sister – she was a good fighter then. It’s been 21 years since – she still remains “my best sister”. As I did say to you a couple of times before, I repeat “Take Care”. She is precious.

Thank your for your kind compliments about my participation in the wedding events. I must admit that I needed some one to say this – and am glad that it came from you. I had set myself a “family goal” of being a responsible brother during Honey’s wedding. It feels good to have accomplished the goal. This was the most enjoyable wedding celebration for me. A special thank you to your family – Mom, Dad, Maya, Ankur, Mama, Mami, Vidya, Masi, Divya…all of whom made the wedding so special.

Yours Always,

Sonu Bhaiya