#569
In our household, Diwali this year has a different hue—one of remembrance rather than celebration. Following the passing of our beloved niece in August, only 29 years old, (Also my uncle passed away) Lalitha and I felt it right to let the festival be a quieter occasion. It’s the second consecutive Diwali we’re marking this way; following the passing away of another neice last year and was also a sombre one, and this time, it’s with a mixture of sorrow and hope for brighter days to come.
Yet, as we extend our warm wishes to everyone celebrating, we are grateful for the joy the festival brings into your homes. While our Diwali is reserved this year, we look forward to a time, perhaps Diwali 2025, when we can celebrate with triple the joy and a renewed heart. (Perhaps in USA with Chidren?)!
On a personal note, I am progressing well in recovery, and thankfully, all medications have now ceased. While the body adapts, I’m dealing with new sensations—numbness and soreness along the back and some chest discomfort. Sleep remains elusive, but I’m hopeful it will improve as the days pass. My next follow-up is on November 29th, just a day before my birthday, and I see it as a milestone to look forward to.
A lighthearted addition to my recovery journey came from Radha and Eshwar, who surprised me with a breakfast table for the bed, complete with a mobile stand to read lying down in red in my rest and recoup time. Radha’s explicit instructions to Lalitha were clear: if I don’t use it, she should swat my head with a fly swatter! I had a good laugh envisioning the "antenna-like" result, Tom and Jerry style. Using the tray on bed, reminds me of Winston Churchill’s late mornings with a breakfast tray in bed. Unlike Churchill, I rise earlier, but I can’t help but appreciate the comfort of this new arrangement. (Sir Winston and I share the same birthdate 30/11)!
Today also marks the 40th anniversary of Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s assassination, a moment still vivid in my memory. As a student at GCT in Coimbatore, we endured the chaos, and Coimbatore was among the worst-affected cities after New Delhi. For three days, we survived on tea and eggs from the nearby Agriculture University, even heating water by makeshift means. (Ofcourse, lot of Ciagrettes; too luckily we stacked at hostel room!) I still remember those times and the respect people held for Mrs. Gandhi. A formidable leader, like Golda Meir or Margaret Thatcher, she was often regarded as the only "male" in her cabinet. The 1971 Indo-Pak war, leading to Pakistan’s swift defeat, remains one of her most remarkable legacies.
Looking at the current political landscape, 2024 seems to be a year already stirring with fervour. Trump’s ground strategy and his coalition with figures like RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Musk, and Ramaswamy hint at an undeniable groundswell. High-profile Republican support contrasts starkly with a quieter backing for Harris on the Democratic side, and it raises interesting possibilities. Of course, predicting an election is always tricky, and we’ve all seen the unexpected happen. Still, there’s a sense that a strong Republican turnout could change the game, especially with some wealthy Democratic donors staying under the radar, likely wary of Trump’s knack for a comeback.
As we move forward, there’s a lot to be hopeful for. Here’s to the resilience we find in times of loss, the laughter we hold on to in recovery, and the promise of brighter celebrations ahead.
Take care
Regards
Kartihik 31/10/24 9am.
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