Trip to Solvang July 2024

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qHbzvxE3VSmXv3Y4A

Shiv Dazzles While Offering Tributes on my 80th BD

On my auspicious 80th birthday,

The extraordinary out-of-the-box tribute paid by my beloved son Shiv in the format of my favorite Shabad’s was a new template for all to learn to receive the most worthy blessings of Waheguru ji. A few new compositions by him, never published earlier, were included in his regular weekly Saturday Live meditation program.

We are grateful to Almighty for such a blessed son who is a luminary, distinguished, and well-known across the globe in the Sikh community of educated professionals. There could not be a better tribute from a son to his father. Shiv dazzled in his performance today. May the Almighty continue to bless him.

Thanks To All for Wishes on my Super Birthday

I am overwhelmed by the affection and love shown by my near and dear ones on my Super Birthday. With Waheguru’s utmost blessings and your lovely well wishes, I have enjoyed this huge milestone immensely!

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your kind communications and thoughtful gestures. 

I am especially grateful to my nucleus family who celebrated in such a wonderful way. We missed Gobind though.

Thank you all for making this birthday truly memorable.

With love and gratitude

My Journey of Struggle to Creativity -Stire

On travels to Solvang on my 80th Birthday

When I first migrated to the USA on 1991, I applied for jobs at hundreds of places in any field imaginable. It was during a terrible recession, and despite my relentless efforts, I couldn't secure any employment. Undeterred by the challenges, I decided to take matters into my own hands and started my own business.

Today, after all these years, something remarkable happened. I finally got a job! But there's a twist: it was a unique experience involving a bit of creativity. I was filling in my face on a dummy watchman's face at the entrance of a store. This imaginative act, while initially just a playful endeavor, symbolized my journey and determination.

Reflecting on this journey, it feels surreal. From the early days of struggling to find work during a recession to starting my own business and now, engaging in this unexpected and creative activity, life has truly come full circle. 

-

Celebrating 80th with Family Love

Shiv and me - Friends for 49 years

Shiv's love and appreciation for his dad are shining through in a special way as he marks this milestone. Despite being a reserved person, Shiv has been actively promoting a series of Shabad launches leading up to the birthday, a testament to his deep affection and respect.

Five years ago, we celebrated my 75th birthday in a big way at our Gurdwara Sahib, with about 400 people attending for Kirtan and Ardaas, followed by Guru Ka Langar and some modest donation. This time, I decided to keep the celebrations more modest, yet my family’s enthusiasm remains undiminished.

2023 New Year bash with family

My wife, Harvinder, and Shiv's wife Shilpy have thoughtfully arranged a special trip to the scenic shores of southern California. Grand daughters Jania and Geet are preparing for the trip and Cake cutting after personal Ardaas by Ocean side. But we will miss Gobind who is interning at Boston at this time. This intimate celebration with close family members not only honors my 80th birthday but also allows us to continue our Sehaj Path of Guru Granth Sahib, culminating in a meaningful moment on Gobind's 21st birthday falling on Aug 7.

It’s truly a blessing to experience such profound love and affection from our family in our lifetime. These moments of togetherness and spiritual reflection add even more significance to our celebration. 

Shivs Joyful Ploughing Badbar Farms

It was winter, a crucial time for transplanting seedlings in Badbar Farms, Punjab. Typically, seedlings are initially cultivated in a nursery for about forty days before being transferred to the fields. While some regions practice direct sowing, transplanting is preferred for its significantly higher yield. Paddy, in particular, demands utmost attention and regular maintenance to ensure a bountiful harvest.

In the winter of 2016, Shiv found himself at our Badbar farms. The sight of the vast, fertile land inspired him to partake in the agricultural activities. Without hesitation, Shiv hopped into the driver's seat of our trusted Swaraj tractor. With a sense of pride and excitement, he began the tilling process, expertly maneuvering the tractor across the fields.

The coincidence of Shiv's visit during this pivotal agricultural season turned into a moment of joyous fulfillment. Ploughing his own fields, Shiv felt a deep connection to the land and our farming heritage. The experience not only brought back memories of our family's farming traditions but also reinforced the importance of hands-on involvement in nurturing the crops.

The sight of Shiv tilling the fields with the Swaraj tractor was a heartwarming reminder of our agricultural roots and the joy that comes from working the land. It was a fulfilling and proud moment, highlighting the continuity of our family's farming legacy in Badbar, Punjab.

A Memorable Day at Our Farms in Badbar with Gobind

In July 2015

Every visit to India, our family makes it a point to visit our farms in the village of Badbar. One particularly memorable visit was when Gobind and Jania took charge of ploughing the fields with their own tractor. It was a special day, as they not only worked the fields but also took whole family on an exhilarating tractor ride through the lush farmland. 

The sight of Gobind and Jania confidently handling the tractor and the joy on kids and mom's faces as they enjoyed the ride through our fields in Badbar, Punjab, made it an unforgettable experience.

My 2 Cents to Grand kids

To My Grandkids Dear Gobind, Dear Jania and Dear Geet

I can't promise I'll be here for the rest of your life, but I can promise that I'll love you for the rest of mine. Wherever your journey in life takes you, always be brave and strong. 

Believe deep in your heart that you are smart and capable of achieving anything you desire. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember who you are and the strength that runs through your veins. 

Serve others with humanity and kindness, for this will bring you true contentment in life. You may not always be the wealthiest, but you will be rich in spirit and love.

Kids visit Badbar Paddy Fields July 20 2015

The First Grape Harvest

The Grapevine planted meticulously near the fence and spread on either side by stringing wires.

The grapevine had been a labor of love for the family. Planted 4-5 years ago, it had been given every opportunity to flourish. Supporting wires were carefully strung along the garden, creating a nurturing environment for the vine's leaves to spread and reach towards the sun. Each season, the family watched with anticipation as the vine grew stronger, its leaves becoming more abundant and vibrant. 

Last year, their patience was rewarded with the vine's first attempt at fruiting. Although it only produced two small clusters of grapes, they were not quite ready to be enjoyed. Still, those modest bunches were a promise of what was to come—a symbol of the vine's potential and the family's dedication.

Cute little bunches of green grapes soon to turn into red clicked by Harvinder as on June 23, 2024

As summer approached, the anticipation grew once more. The days were long and warm, perfect for ripening the grapes. The leaves on the vine were lush and green, and this time, the clusters of grapes were more numerous and looked far more promising than the previous year. Each day, the family would check on the progress, noting the subtle changes in the grapes as they gradually turned from green to a deep, inviting hue.

Numerous clusters seem to be more promising and turning into red as clicked by me on July 19, 2024

Gobind, the eldest grandson, had been following the vine's journey closely, even from afar. He was away in Boston, gaining valuable experience during his internship. Despite the distance, he stayed connected with his family, sharing in their excitement through phone calls and photos. The prospect of returning home to taste the first fruit of their labor was something he eagerly looked forward to. The family decided to leave the first taste for Gobind, wanting him to have the privilege of enjoying the fruits of their collective efforts.

Soon they should look like this.

The grapevine, once just a sapling, had finally come into its own, bearing fruit that will be enjoyed by all, but especially cherished by Gobind. The first taste of their grape harvest by Gobind will mark a new chapter in their gardening journey, filled with the promise of many more bountiful seasons to come.

Blessed Family Phulkari/Bagh

The word "phulkari" literally means flower-work. In a very poetic way, the word itself has lent its idea to the nomenclature of this genre of textile. If one considers the blank cotton (khaddar) cloth as a plot of land, and silk flowers are embroidered on it, it is called a phulkari. When the same cloth is completely filled with flowers and vistas, with no ground left blank, it becomes a garden, or bagh. Hence, beautiful flowers adorn the cloth, such as marigolds (gendha) and sunflowers (surajmukhi), or the produce of their beloved kitchen garden, such as cauliflower (gobi), chilli (mircha), and wheat (ghehun).

The Bagh about 100 years old is safely kept in our house in California USA

This is the blessed Bagh which was presented by our Nana ji, L Kanwar Bhan Khanna, and first worn by S Hari Narayan Singh at the time of his Sehra Bandhi in 1945. 

Family foto in 1945 of wedding of S Hari Narain Singh with Smt Har Kaur when this Bagh was used as Blessings of Waheguru.

The partition happened in 1947, and fortunately, this Bagh came along with very few other household things my Nani ji, Kesar Bai, brought.

So, at the time of the wedding of her grandson Sh Harish Khanna in 1953, Nani ji wrapped that blessed cloth of the family at the time of his Sehrabandhi. 

My dad and mom were very keen to get the blessings and my Nani ji passed on the traditional family Bagh to my Dad. Nani ji herself  placed on my shoulders with blessings on September 10, 1972, at the time of Sehrabandhi in Jangpura Ext New Delhi. When it came time for Shiv’s wedding, the same blessed cloth was wrapped on him at the time of his wedding on December 25, 1999.

On my wedding Day 1972

This precious piece of cotton cloth, woven with silken thread making a beautiful garden of flowers, has become ceremonial in my family. It is a proven piece of blessings that brings lots of fortune, togetherness, and happy expansion of families. 

I look forward to bestow this piece of blessed cloth on the occasion of the wedding of our grandson Gobind. All those in the family who are interested may borrow it for their weddings in their own branch of the family.

Todays Message Of Kindness and Empathy To My Kiddos

Dear Gobind, dear Jania and dear Geet,

I hope this letter finds you well and happy. There are some important lessons I have learnt in my life time, I want to share with you below:

*Kindness, 

*Empathy, 

*Respect. 

These values are essential in creating a loving and supportive family and ultimately this world. I chalange you to believe the above as they will help you grow into compassionate and thoughtful individuals.

1. If a joke makes fun of someone, it's not funny.

Humor should bring joy, not hurt. Jokes that make fun of others can cause embarrassment and sadness. Always remember, if a joke hurts someone, it’s not funny. Let’s use our words to uplift and encourage each other, not to bring anyone down.

2. If a game excludes someone, it's not a game.

Games are meant to be fun for everyone involved. When we exclude someone, it can make them feel lonely and unimportant. Let’s always include others in our games and activities, making sure everyone feels welcome and valued.

3. If a prank hurts someone, it's not amusing.

Pranks can be fun, but only if they don’t hurt anyone physically or emotionally. If a prank causes pain or distress, it’s not funny. Let’s be mindful of others’ feelings and ensure our fun doesn’t come at someone else’s expense.

4. If a conversation talks about someone who isn’t present, it’s not appropriate.

Talking about someone behind their back can be hurtful and unfair. It can damage trust and friendships. If we have something to say, let’s say it directly and honestly. This way, we can maintain integrity and respect in our relationships.

5. If love is conditional, it’s not love.

True love is unconditional. It means loving and accepting someone for who they are, without expecting anything in return. Let’s strive to show unconditional love to one another, offering support and care no matter what.

Conclusion:

These lessons look to be simple but powerful and hence donot ignore them. If you inculcate these habits, You will be able to contribute to a more compassionate and respectful world. Do not forget, our actions and words have the power to impact others, so let’s choose kindness and empathy in everything we do.

I love you all very much and am so proud of the kind and thoughtful people you are becoming.

With all my love,

Grandpa

 

Moringa tree planting

My father Sardar Vasdev Singh had a great fondness for the Suanjhana tree, known scientifically as Moringa oleifera. We had grown up two trees near our tubewell on our Nehri land. My Dad would frequently bring home the fruits of flowers and drumsticks of Suanjhana and make my mother cook them for our family. The rare vegetable thus cooked in our home style was tasty and delicious. The younger drumsticks will also be used like beans and will make another delicious ‘Sabzi’ as reminded by my cousin Nindi from Germany. Another cousin Pushpa Agnihotri suggests an innovative idea of making flowers stuffed Paronthas. When there are so many medical advantages, why not try different permutation and combinations.

Drumsticks, flowers and a whole young tree

The left over flowers will be dried in the sun and kept for use during winter. The drumsticks on other hand were also added to our mango pickle, providing a wonderfully sour and juicy flavor. We will this way able to enjoy the fruits of Suanjhana all the year round.

Unfortunately, over the years, the trees grew so large that we had to remove them as the same cuts down the yield of our major crop Wheet and Paddy. For the past decade or two, we have not had any Suanjhana trees on our farm. However, I have recently been reminded of the many benefits of this remarkable tree and would like to bring it back to our lives. On Harvinder’s persistence I requested my partner Manjit to plant a few such trees.

The Tree Structure

The Suanjhana or Moringa oleifera tree is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach 10–12 meters in height and 46 centimeters in trunk diameter. It features whitish-gray bark, feathery tripinnate leaves, and produces fragrant, hermaphroditic flowers with yellowish-white petals. These flowers bloom within six months of planting and can continue to flower year-round in consistent climates. The fruit is a three-sided, brown capsule containing dark brown seeds with papery wings, which are dispersed by wind and water.

Medicinal Advantages:

The fruit, often referred to as drumsticks, offers several advantages:

1. Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as calcium and potassium, and essential amino acids, making it a highly nutritious food source.

2. Antioxidant Properties: Contains compounds like quercetin and chlorogenic acid that help protect cells from oxidative damage.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The fruit and seeds have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

4. Blood Sugar Regulation: May help lower blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing diabetes.

5. Cholesterol Reduction: Can help lower cholesterol levels, thus supporting heart health.

6. Digestive Health: The high fiber content aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.

7. Water Purification: Crushed seeds can be used to purify water, making it safer for drinking.

Given these numerous benefits, I would like to plant a few Suanjhana (Moringa oleifera) saplings on our farms in Badbar Punjab. 

I believe this will not only revive fond memories but also provide us with a valuable source of nutrition and health benefits. Hopefully, we can use its fruits as fresh vegetables, dried vegetables, or even in pickle form, much like we did in the past.

Manjit Singh with just planted sapling of Suanjhana and forwarded the above picture.

Today Manjit Singh planted two Suanjhana and three Tahlis/Sheesham trees. I look forward to seeing the Suanjhana and Tahli trees flourish on our farms once again.

Preserving our Legacy Through Words

Relaxed and ready to interact

A Ritual

Every day, I sit down to write, finding solace and purpose in capturing the essence of our family's history. This daily ritual keeps my mind active, my memory sharp, and provides a meaningful way to pass the time. But beyond that, it serves a greater purpose: recording our oral history.

In an age where life moves at an unprecedented pace, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, losing sight of the moments that truly matter. By documenting our family's journey, I'm reminded to stay grounded and not fall into the traps of worldly distractions.

Our Future Generations

Communicating with my grand nephew a brilliant high schooler Sahib Gulati

To date, I have penned nearly 2,220 blog posts. Each entry is a piece of our collective story, a snapshot of the times we've lived through and the experiences that have shaped us. I hope that one day, my grandkids Gobind, Jania, Geet and their cousins will dive into these writings and discover the rich history of their heritage. They will see the world through our eyes, understand our values, and perhaps even learn from our mistakes.

Memories and Beyond

A rare picture of my family on one bed - the Cast of characters

This endeavor isn't just about preserving memories; it's about building a bridge to the future. Each word, each story is a proof to the resilience, love, and values that define our family. And while I write for my own fulfillment, my greatest joy comes from knowing that these stories will endure, offering guidance and inspiration to those who come after us.

Soaking in cool Californian morning of my front yard 

So, as I continue to write, I do so with a sense of purpose and pride. Our legacy is written in these words, and through them, our family will live on for generations to come.