Reconnecting after Two Decades

Vikram celebrates his recent birthday.

My first cousin's son, tall and handsome Vikram, who is settled in Canada today visited us here in California along with his beautiful wife, Puneet. They were both here to attend the wedding of Vikram’s mother-side-

cousin. After spending a couple of days in Napa, they headed towards Santa Cruz for the actual wedding ceremonies. They visited us en-route our house in San Ramon. 

Vikram and Puneet

This visit marked a significant reunion after almost two decades. In meantime, Vikram graduated in Mechanical Engineering and served in the Merchant Navy Singapore before permanently moving to Sasketchewan a Canadian Province few years ago. Currently, Vikram is serving with the city of Saskatoon, while Puneet works as a physiotherapist for the city.

Going through family tree app

During their 2.5-hour stay with us, we had ample opportunity to exchange information about each other's family details. It was an emotional and heartfelt meeting since we had not been in communication within the family for quite some time. However, Vikram took a bold step to break the ice and spared his valuable time amidst the busy schedule of wedding functions to reconnect and revive old relations.

Home cooked food is served

Their visit was truly special. We talked about our lives, careers, and families, reminiscing about old times and catching up on everything that had happened over the years. Vikram and Puneet's effort to reconnect meant a lot to me, as it bridged a long-standing gap and brought a sense of renewal to our family ties.

Upgrading the info on family tree app

Both Vikram and Puneet left after paying their tributes, leaving behind a sense of warmth and rekindled family bonds. It was a memorable and meaningful reunion that I will cherish for a long time.

My Father’s Guiding Wisdom on Alcohol

With my Dad on the shore of Vasco da Gama, Goa in 1986

As I started my job in Delhi in 1965, I found myself leaving my hometown, Panipat, which is 50 miles to the north. Initially, I planned to return to Panipat every weekend. As time passed, I started spending weekends while sharing the room of my Nani ji. This gave me ample time to mingle with my extended family on my mother’s side. However, with these changes, being away from my parents, some adjustments were bound to happen. 

Taste of Beer

One of my cousins suggested that I start drinking cold beer during the hot weather, arguing that it wasn't hard liquor but merely fermented barley water.

Just out of College 

 Being 21 years old, his argument made sense to me. We bought a bottle of beer and sat on a bench in the Lodhi Gardens to consume it. The taste wasn't great, but the chillness brought a thrill to my body and gave me a taste of pleasure.

My Fathers Advice

I was worried about having consumed beer without my dad's permission. He had refrained from non-vegetarian food and liquor all his life, and it was taboo even to talk about liquor in our family. The following week, during my visit to Panipat, I reluctantly asked my dad for permission to drink beer, presenting it as merely barley water. My dad Sardar Vasdev Singh was not offended but remarked that while beer might not be bad in itself, it could lead to an addiction to alcohol from which one cannot easily return to normal life.

His advice was enough for me to refrain from alcohol for a lifetime.

New Reports on Liquor consumption in Media

Today, in the Good Morning show, a study was discussed which showed that even consuming one drink of alcohol a day can lead to cancer. Here is the report:

"Consuming alcoholic beverages, even in moderation, may increase your risk of developing certain cancers," according to a new statement released by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). 

"People typically don't associate drinking beer, wine, and hard liquor with increasing their risk of developing cancer in their lifetimes," said Dr. Bruce Johnson, president of ASCO, an organization of cancer doctors. He added, "The link between increased alcohol consumption and cancer has been firmly established." Dr. Johnson expressed hope that this knowledge would empower doctors to help their patients reduce their cancer risk.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey, my dad’s firm advice has been the guiding light for me. His words about the potential dangers of alcohol resonated deeply and kept me on a path of discipline and health. By heeding his wisdom, I avoided the pitfalls of addiction and maintained a clear focus on my goals. 

Today, as I read about the serious health risks associated with even moderate alcohol consumption, I am grateful for the principles my dad instilled in me. His advice laid the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life, steering me away from harmful habits and towards a brighter future.

May my father Sardar Vasdev Singh continue his abode in Heaven under the lotus feet of Almighty!

Reaction from our son Shiv:

Shiv adds, "Another connection is that President Bush didn’t drink, while Manmohan Singh did. On one of their trips, Dadaji's wisdom seemed to align more with the American President than the Indian Premier."

A love letter to My Grandson Gobind

Dear Gobind,

My illustrious grandson,

Your dedication and hardworking qualities have always set you apart, and I know that soon, you will be distinguished by these virtues. As you continue on your journey, remember that meditation can be a powerful tool to keep you cool and calm. It will help you maintain clarity and composure, ensuring that you can hold your head high above your competitors.

Being 3000 miles away on the other coast, immersed in your internship, must be both exciting and challenging. Know that my thoughts and love are with you always. Stay true to your values, and let your inner strength guide you through every obstacle.

Stay blessed and keep shining.

With all my love,

Sardar Preet Mohan Singh

Dada ji

Gobind,

“OK, Dada ji. What if instead of meditating I coded? Then I will be even higher.”

---

Grandma Harvinder reacts:

Dear Gobind,

Work is indeed worship, my dear, but for inner peace, meditation is the tool.

Love,

Grandma Harvinder

Jania Colorful Self-Portrait of Love

A painting by Jania in Summer Vacations 2011

Jania, a vibrant and imaginative five-year-old, creates a colorful self-portrait that captures the essence of her lively spirit. Using a rich palette of crayons and markers, she brings to life her big, bright eyes, a wide, joyful smile, and her playful, flowing hair. She paints her hair blonde here - an answer to her frequent asked question why her hair were not like many of the girls around her. Each stroke of color is applied with care and enthusiasm, reflecting her boundless creativity.

In deep thinking

In the background of her self-portrait, Jania includes heartwarming elements that highlight her deep love for her family. She highlights her grandparents and her Mama/Papa and places her portrait in the middle.

Creative and fashionable

However, Jania is proud of her ethnic look and enhances her hair by adding colorful silken threadings known as ‘Parandi’, giving herself a typical proud Punjabi appearance. 

Jania's drawing is more than just a self-portrait; it's a visual expression of her affection and admiration for the special people in her life. Through her artwork, Jania beautifully communicates the joy and warmth that her family provides, making her self-portrait a heartfelt tribute to those she holds dear.

Keeping Earth healthy and global warming

Jania can start by practicing the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. She can learn to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metals, and encourage reusing items instead of throwing them away. To save energy, she should remember to turn off lights, TV, and other electronics when not in use and help unplug chargers when they are not needed. Conserving water is also important, so she can take short showers, turn off the tap while brushing her teeth, and use a bucket instead of a hose to water plants. Planting trees and plants is another great way to help the environment, as trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Jania can plant a tree in her backyard or participate in community planting events. Walking, biking, or carpooling to nearby places instead of using a car can also reduce her carbon footprint.

Jania can engage in creative projects such as making crafts with recycled materials like old bottles, cans, and cardboard. This teaches creativity and the value of reusing items. She can make environmental posters about recycling, saving water, or planting trees to raise awareness at school or in the community. Starting a small garden at home is another great project, helping her learn about plants and the importance of growing food locally.

By taking these actions, Jania can make a big difference and inspire others to do the same. Every little step helps in the fight against global warming and in keeping our planet healthy!

Summary writing of a book by Jania 7

Encouraging children to write summaries of the books they read is a fantastic way to enhance their understanding and develop their skills in multiple areas. 

Encouraging children to write summaries of the books they read is a fantastic way to enhance their understanding and develop their skills in multiple areas. 

Jania with her family in 2013

When children write summaries, they are required to think critically about the content:

 Completing a summary gives a sense of achievement and can motivate the child to read more.

Conclusion

Encouraging children to write summaries of the books they read is a multifaceted educational activity that promotes reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing skills, and a love for literature. For a child like Jania, who just assed 2nd grade, this practice not only enriches her summer vacation but also lays a strong foundation for academic and personal growth.

A Heartwarming Father’s Day with My Granddaughters

The pattern of cherries matched heart shape really made me cry with tears full of emotional happiness.

On Father's Day 2024, I experienced a heartfelt and memorable morning when my beautiful granddaughters, Jania and Geet, served me breakfast in bed. It was a touching gesture that filled my heart with immense joy and pride. Geet, with her tiny hands, meticulously peeled and cut the fruits, surprising me with her dedication and precision. The breakfast they prepared included a delightful assortment of Raspberries, Bananas, Cherries and peaches, alongside a bowl of cereal accompanied by my favorite non fat cup of milk.

Imaginative Gift

Adding to the joy, Geet also brought me a self-crafted keychain hook adorned with multicolor beads. This beautiful creation was intercepted by nine different charms, each representing a member of our family including Tweety the parrot and Bhaloo the dog. Her creative idea and the effort she put into making it left me in awe. My hat’s off to her for such a wonderful and imaginative gift.

This thoughtful act, performed with such care and affection, deeply moved me and made the day exceptionally special. Their loving gesture was not just about the breakfast itself, but about the warmth and effort they put into making me feel cherished.

I am profoundly grateful for my granddaughters and wish them a long, healthy, prosperous, and contented life. I pray that they grow up to serve humanity with honesty and hard work, carrying forward the values of compassion and diligence. Their kindness and dedication today are a testament to the bright and beautiful future I envision for them.

Geet First visit to Gurdwara Sahib

Geet was born on June 4th, 2014, and our family decided to seek the blessings of Waheguru by taking her to the Gurdwara Sahib on Sunday the Fathers Day June 15th.

Geet’s First Day in Gurdwara Sahib

We felt incredibly grateful to God for bestowing upon us this precious gem. The entire family was ecstatic about this beautiful new addition to our lives, akin to a delightful new toy.

In our Ardaas, we prayed earnestly to Waheguru ji, asking for a long, healthy, and prosperous life for Geet. We hoped that she would bring immense fortune, not just to support our family, but also to contribute to the well-being of humanity. 

Geet Growing Up

Our prayers were filled with wishes for her to grow up with the ability and desire to help others, embodying the true spirit of service and compassion.

My cricket best score

Warming up before a match near my hostel room in Chandigarh 

I recall this moment in 1963 when I was warming up near my hostel room in Chandigarh. I had a craze for playing cricket and was a top-order batsman, generally opening the innings for my college. During an inter-college tournament, we traveled to Sundar Nagar to play our last match in the league. At that time, I was out of form, and the team management decided to lower my position in the batting order.

As luck would have it, there was a sudden collapse in the higher order, and wickets tumbled quickly. I was sent in as the fourth down batsman, feeling angry about being demoted and determined to prove my worth. I began pulling out of the crease and hitting the bowlers all around, earning huge applause from my team in this distant city. I scored 43 not out and was instrumental in securing the victory for our college team.

By the time we reached our hostels, word had spread about our victory. That was the last game of the season, and I felt so good.

Dhun Anand Celebrates World Ocean Day with Eco-Art Workshop at Crissy Beach

Dhun Anand Celebrates 3rd Annual World Ocean Day with Workshop at Crissy Beach

On the occasion of the 3rd Annual World Ocean Day, Dhun Anand (USA) organized a special workshop at Crissy Beach, located off the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This event was generously sponsored by Bay Area's major software company, Workday. The gathering saw enthusiastic participation from Workday employees, their families, and other members of the community. The Golden Gate Bridge provided a picturesque backdrop for the event.

Event Overview

Dr Zach Pine

The highlight of the event was a workshop led by Dr. Zach Pine, a well-known environmental artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Pine is renowned for his public art installations and sculptures that utilize natural materials. His approach to art is deeply rooted in environmental consciousness, ensuring that his projects have minimal impact on the surroundings. His work often involves community participation, aiming to foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

Activities and Participation

Shiv Kapoor


Kids participating in Story telling on Ocean

The windy day at Crissy Beach was filled with a series of engaging activities, primarily focusing on creating art using natural materials like stones, sticks, and leaves. Dr. Pine guided the participants through various creative exercises such as Constructing with Nature and Rock Balancing. 

Story telling by Jania Kapoor

These activities are designed to be temporary installations, promoting an appreciation for the fleeting beauty of nature and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Participants, including both adults and children, were encouraged to use only materials collected from clearing paths or restoring trails. This practice not only ensures minimal environmental impact but also educates participants on the significance of using sustainable resources.

Acknowledgments

Shiv Kapoor, the founding head of the nonprofit Dhun Anand Foundation, expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Zach Pine for his invaluable contribution to the workshop. He also thanked all the participants, especially the children, for their enthusiasm and active involvement in the activities. Kapoor highlighted the importance of such events in raising awareness about environmental conservation and fostering a sense of community through creative and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The workshop at Crissy Beach was a successful celebration of World Ocean Day, bringing together community members to engage in meaningful, environmentally-friendly activities. Sponsored by Workday and spearheaded by Dhun Anand (USA), the event underscored the importance of protecting our oceans and natural landscapes through collaborative, creative efforts. 

With the guidance of Dr. Zach Pine, participants left with a renewed appreciation for nature and a commitment to preserving it for future generations.