Jania in Chancellor’s Honors List

Jania with a studious look

And today, we received the most wonderful news that has filled our hearts with pride and joy. The University has recognized Jania’s outstanding academic achievements by awarding her a place on the Chancellor’s Honors List!

UC Merced, Chancellors office

At UC Merced, Chancellor’s Honors List is even more prestigious Award— it recognizes students who have made the Dean’s Honors List in both semesters (Fall and Spring) of the same academic year. This distinction reflects not only high GPA but also consistent academic excellence, dedication, and outstanding performance throughout the entire year.

Jania drop off.



Jania hauling the loaded trolley on her way to Dorm.




Looking relaxed in her working desk.

Jania finally settles down in her bunk bed.

Every time we pick her up, she surprises us by taking us to a new and beautiful restaurant nearby. Over time, this has become a cherished family ritual that we all look forward to. 

Every pick up is accompanied by delicious food in the downtown restaurants.

Here is the turn to place the order for the food of your choice.



Waiting for the food.

With her class mates donning School Signatures shirt. 

This is a remarkable academic achievement that speaks volumes about her discipline, commitment, and ability to sustain excellence over time. 

Proud Mom Shilpy with blessed daughters Jania and Geet

We have advised Jania — and she fully understands — that honors like these are important credentials which must be proudly included on her resume, graduate school applications, and any future scholarship or program applications. These recognitions not only validate her hard work but also help open doors for future opportunities in medical school and beyond.

First drop off by Dad, grandma and Geet.

As her grandparents, we have seen how sincerely she has been working, balancing the challenging coursework of her pre-med program with grace and determination. 

Jania on her recent summer vacation in Reno.

Jania, we are so incredibly proud of you. Your determination, discipline, and love for learning inspire all of us. Keep moving forward with the same spirit. We are confident that many more honors and successes await you as you continue your journey.

Good luck, my dear Jania! We are always with you. Keep it up!

A Love Letter to My Grandkids

My Dear Grandkids,

Gobind, Jania and Geet showered through Shiv and Shilpy.

“Grandchildren are our crowning achievement because they are the living manifestation of all we are and have accomplished, and represent the best that we have successfully instilled in our children.”

My blessed Kiddos from Left: Shilpy, Jania, Shiv, Geet and Gobind.

As you grow through different stages of life, I want to share a few thoughts with you — simple but powerful lessons that will always guide you:

• Be brave and start something of your own. Whether it’s a business, a creative project, or any dream that excites you — believe in yourself.
• Take good care of your health. It is the foundation of everything you want to achieve.
• Value your time. Use it wisely, because time once gone never returns.
• Follow your dreams boldly. Don’t let fear or doubts stop you. Regret often comes from things we never tried.
• Be wise with your money. Learn to save and invest; it gives you freedom and peace of mind in the future.
• See the world. Travel, explore, meet people, and gather experiences that will enrich your life.
• Give time to your family. They will always be your biggest source of love and strength.
• Above all, be a good human. Treat others with kindness, compassion, honesty, and respect. This is the true measure of success.
• Keep praying and daily Meditation. Stay connected to your inner self and to the higher power. This will give you strength, peace, and clarity in every phase of life.
  
  

  And most importantly — don’t wait for the perfect time. The best time to start is today.

My Observation:-

In the list of the world’s richest people:

1. 75% are businessmen.
2. 15% are investors.
3. 7% are athletes.
4. 3% are artists.
5. 0% are salaried employees.

So, Kiddos, tell me — in which percentage will you be counted in the next 10 years?

Dada ji

Dadi Ma

You are my pride, my joy, and my legacy. We are so grateful for each one of you. No matter where life takes you, remember: We are. always proud of you and always here for you.

With all our love and blessings,

Dada ji

Dadi Ma

Geet invents a new Delicacy Drink-‘Aproppy’

Genius Geet enjoying Aproppy!

Here is another beautiful and genius quality I’ve noticed in my little granddaughter, Geet. We have about twenty-two fruit trees in our backyard, and among them, the true king is the Apricot fruit tree. Every year, these trees bless us with an abundant harvest. 

Geet in the process of hand crushing ice for making Aproppy.

The apricots are truly something else — fragrant, juicy, and wonderfully sweet. It’s a fair bit of labor to pick and collect them, but once the hard work is done, we freeze a small portion for use throughout the year. We also joyfully share the harvest — with our neighbors, with Shilpy’s office colleagues, and most lovingly, we send a share to our Gurdwara Sahib so the Sangat can enjoy them too. Sometimes Harvinder helps pack them for her friends as well — either they stop by to pick them up or we send them along.

Fully loaded with fruits - our King of Backyard fruit trees.

Ready to pick.

Today, Geet decided to do something remarkable. She took three apricots, carefully picked and selected by herself, cut them into pieces after removing the seed, and ran a little experiment of her own. Using a grinder, she crushed, added ‘Rooh-Afza’ and blended the fruit into a frozen, slushy kind of drink. To make it even more refreshing and fun to chew, she added crushed ice — a brilliant touch! She proudly gave me a taste — and I must say, it was absolutely delicious. The rest she enjoyed herself, quite delighted with the result.

Freshly picked Apricots.

She plans to take it a step further next time by adding a banana and a few nuts, making it a wholesome and nutritious treat. And for those who may have allergies to nuts, the current version is already perfect — light, fruity, and simply awesome.

Under the watchful eyes of Grandma.

We’ve even given her delicious invention a name —‘Aproppy.’ How genius of her to have come up with it!

Aging Is Not An Illness

As if spoken from the heart of the hospital director addressing the elderly and their families directly:

In a Beijing Hospital.

As the director of a hospital in Beijing, I often see elderly patients and their families deeply anxious over normal signs of ageing, mistaking them for illness. So I always share these five thoughts—simple, heartfelt truths—to offer clarity and comfort:

I am aging, of course!

1. I am not sick, I am old.

Many so-called “diseases” I experience are not actual illnesses. They are the body’s natural way of telling me I am ageing. That doesn’t mean I am broken. It simply means I am moving into a new phase of life. This awareness helps me find peace instead of panic.

2. My forgetfulness is not dementia.

When I misplace my keys or forget a name, I don’t immediately assume I have Alzheimer’s. This kind of forgetfulness is my brain’s way of protecting itself as I age—it’s not a disease. As long as I still remember what I forgot and can retrace my steps, I know it’s normal. My brain is just getting older, not failing.

3. When I walk slowly or feel unsteady, it’s not paralysis.

It’s muscle degeneration—a common part of getting older. I don’t rush for medication. I know what I need is movement. A simple walk, some light stretches, and gentle activity keep my muscles from weakening further. Motion is my medicine.

4. My sleeplessness is not insomnia.

If I find myself sleeping lightly or waking up early, it’s because my sleep pattern has changed. That doesn’t mean I need sleeping pills. My brain is simply adjusting its rhythm. I choose sunshine during the day, a consistent schedule, and peaceful habits before bed—these are my best sleeping pills.

5. When my body aches, it’s not always rheumatism.

Aches and pains are often not from disease, but from how my nerves age. As nerves become less efficient, they can exaggerate pain. I don’t need painkillers as much as I need warmth, movement, and care. A warm foot bath, a hot compress, or a light massage at night comforts me far more than a tablet.

6. When my test reports show “abnormal” values, I don’t panic.

Those numbers don’t always apply to me. Medical standards are often made for younger people, and as I age, my “normal” shifts. Slightly higher cholesterol or blood pressure is not dangerous—in fact, some studies show it may be protective. I trust my doctor, yes, but I also trust my common sense and my lived experience.

To my fellow elders, I remind you gently:

Not every discomfort is a disease.

Don’t be afraid of your body’s changes.

Don’t be frightened by numbers on a report or drug commercials that prey on our fear.

To our children and families, I say this with love:

The best thing you can do for us is not to rush us to the hospital every time something feels different. The best medicine is your company—take us on walks, let us soak up the sun, share meals, talk, laugh. That is what truly nourishes us.

Growing old is not a failure of the body—it’s a natural journey.

Let us honour that, not fear it.

— With care and experience, from someone who walks beside the ageing every day

My Promise to Keep Earth Healthy - 7 years old Jania

I love our Earth and I want to keep it clean, safe, and healthy. That’s why I promise to always throw garbage in the trash can and put things that can be reused or recycled in the recycle bin. I don’t want to see trash on the ground because it hurts animals and makes our planet sad.

I will try to stop pollution in any way I can. I won’t waste water, and I will turn off lights when I don’t need them. I will walk or ride my bike when I can, instead of going in the car all the time.

I also want to learn more about global warming. I hope people work together to check it and fix it. It’s important because I want Earth to stay cool and green for all living things.

These are my ideas to help. I believe that if we all do small things every day, our Earth will become the healthiest and best planet in the whole wide world!

First Blog by Geet on Pottery Learning

Geet in Greece Apr 2025

My First Blog – Pottery Learning

By Geet Kapoor

This is my first blog, written by me in my own words. I want to share my experience of learning pottery—something I really enjoyed doing.

I started by wetting the clay and molding it into the shape of the pot I wanted. It was messy but fun! After shaping it, I wrote my name on the bottom and gave it to my teacher, who fired it in a kiln to make it hard.

Once it came out of the kiln, we got to paint our pots in any color we liked. But we had to be careful—not to paint the bottom—because the paint could stick to the kiln during the second firing. After painting, we gave it back to our teacher, and they fired it again.

Finished Product

When we got our pots back the second time, they were shiny, colorful, and finished. It felt great to see something I made with my own hands!

Thank you for reading.

– Geet Kapoor