Happy Birthday Papa.
Would have been your 103rd Birthday
Am sure you must be regaling all your friends and relatives with your inimitable Sense of subtle humour backed by captivating story telling skills
Once again sharing your favourite poem which has now become a part of us
What lovely, meaningful and emotional words . Touches the innermost part of your heart

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,— act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

By HENRY WORDSWORTH LONGFELLOW.

Dileep Srivastava Sushma Varma Nandita Sinha Gautam Srivastava Rita Srivastava Pramita Srivastava Shivani Aggrawal

https://youtu.be/lIXqxWBw7L8?si=Ln0OlZNH9jqFCE0L

Today marks the 40th anniversary of dear Papa's passing, a day that brings both sorrow and gratitude. Though he left us suddenly at the young age of 63, his legacy continues to shape our lives in profound ways.

He was a man who sacrificed everything for his children. He worked tirelessly battling all odds to ensure that we had opportunities with education much the same way he had being born to privilege and in mid life suffered severe reversals which would have crippled just about anyone else.

His dedication to our well-being was unwavering, and he always put our needs above his own. It is this selflessness that has instilled in us the importance of family and the value of commitment and hard work.

One of the greatest gifts my father gave us was a strong moral compass. He instilled in us the principles of integrity, honesty,dignity and respect. These values have guided us through life’s challenges and have become the foundation upon which we build our lives. Even today, I find myself reflecting on his teachings, using them as a guide in my own decisions.

Papa was not just a parent; he was a friend to many. His personable nature and social charisma made him a beloved figure in our community. He had an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His intelligence and wit often turned difficult situations into moments of laughter and understanding. He taught us the importance of relationships and how to navigate the complexities of life with grace.

Life is filled with challenges, but my father faced every vicissitude with strength and resilience. He showed us that setbacks are merely stepping stones and a path to success. His ability to counter adversity with a positive attitude inspired us to approach our own challenges with courage and determination.

As I reflect on Papa's life today, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons he imparted and the love he shared. Though he may no longer be physically with us, his spirit lives on in the values we uphold and the lives we lead. I honour him not just by remembering him, but by striving to embody the principles he taught us.

Thank you, Papa,, for everything. Your sacrifices, wisdom, and love continue to guide us every day.

There are so many anecdotes and incidents which I can recount.. just far too many .. his love for literature was legendary.. he still very much lives with us .. I just feel he left us bereft all too very soon .. my biggest regret in life was that I was not there with him in his end.

Papa was a man who sacrificed everything for his children. He worked tirelessly to ensure that we had opportunities when he had everything the world had to offer but mid life was a herculean struggke which he face ld with fortitude, confidence and courage.. His dedication to our well-being was unwavering, and he always put our needs above his own. It is this selflessness that has instilled in us the importance of family and the value of hard work.

One of the greatest gifts my father gave us was a strong moral compass. He instilled in us the principles of integrity, honesty, and respect. These values have guided us through life’s challenges and have become the foundation upon which we build our lives. Even today, I find myself reflecting on his teachings, using them as a guide in my own decisions.

Papa was not just a parent; he was a friend to us. His personable nature and social charisma made him a beloved figure in our community and friends.He had an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His intelligence and wit often turned difficult situations into moments of laughter and understanding. He taught us the importance of relationships and how to navigate the complexities of life with grace.

Life is filled with challenges, but my Papa faced every vicissitude with strength and resilience. He showed us that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success. His ability to counter adversity with a positive attitude inspired us to approach our own challenges with courage and determination.

As I reflect on my dear Papa's life today, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons he imparted and the love he shared. Though he may no longer physically be with us, his spirit lives on in the values we uphold and the lives we lead. I honou him not just by remembering him, but by striving to embody the principles he taught us.

Thank you, Paoa, for everything. Your sacrifices, wisdom, and love continue to guide us every day. This is a writing from the heart, a tribute even more meaningful, he is in a peaceful place where he belongs...with Mummy who joined him in eternal togetherness 17 years and 2 days later..

Don’t compromise with your values

Learnt the true meaning of determination, power of resilience and the power of communication

Papa we miss you