My 60th Birthday Celebrations-Hindu Iyer Tradition.

I arrived in Gayathri Niwas, Karaikudi 27th Nov, Monday, around 9 am, after seeing off Radha for San Francisco at 2 am from Bangalore. Radha had planned her trip two months prior, long before this celebration was in the works. The request came from Shravan and Sangeetha just a week before their departure from Cupertino around 10th November, and I agreed to undertake the celebratory rituals.

Kannan, our family priest for the past 20 years, had made all the arrangements. (His grandfather conducted my marriage in 1991). It was a tradition-rich affair. Interestingly, for the first time in the 52-year history of Gayathri Niwas, we were outnumbered by Lalitha's relatives by a ratio of 4:1 (hahah!). A true testament to how much Lalitha is cherished by her family (!!). Her parents, a sister, a brother, and brother-in-law for her other sister,graced us with their presence during the celebrations. They undertook travel for a few hours presence at Karaikudi.

The function commenced with the Ganapathy Pooja, followed by the chanting of Vedic Hymns by seven priests (a cause dear to my late mother's heart). This was followed by the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranamam. Then, the following Homams (Fire God offerings) took place:

1. Ayush Homam (for an obstacle-free long life)
2. Navagraha Homam (for the influence of the nine planets)
3. Mrutunjaya Homam (for longevity)
4. Nakshathra Homam (for the birth star of my family members: Me, Lalitha, Shravan, Sangeetha, Eshwar, Radhu)
5. Sudarshana Homam (to cast off evil eye, enemies)
6. Dhanvantri Homam (for a long life with good health)

The Homams concluded with Poonaahuthi, offering flowers, silver, and silk clothes to the Fire God.

This was followed by the sprinkling / pouring of Holy Water (from the Ganges and Cauvery) on me and Lalitha by all the family members.

The event spanned 4 hours, and lunch was served around 1:30 pm. After tidying up the house and making future arrangements and logistics for Gayathri Niwas, we left for Bangalore at 5 pm, arriving at 11 pm.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who was present and who contributed to making all the arrangements. Since we hadn't organized anything from our end, I refrained from inviting any local individuals as we didn't want to burden those who were already managing everything. Shravan and Sangeetha require a special mention to work all this up for both traditional and Informal dinner aspect on Saturday at Sheraton, Bangalore. Radhu managed Saturday dinner logistics as well....!

I couldn't have asked for more... Tomorrow, on 30/11, my English date, it will be a quiet affair.

Best regards,

Holy water all set.

Gayathri Niwas, 1971. My life there 1971-1985 before I moved to Bombay.

Mom's younger sister traveled too....

Paramacharya Portrait since 1983. Painted by a Muslim who had never seen him.

Homam......
Karthik

Celebrating 60: A Stunning Surprise Birthday Celebrations.

Family, Eashwar was missed being continents away! 

Yesterday (25th November 2023, Saturday), I experienced a milestone that left me in awe, filled with gratitude, and utterly stunned in the most beautiful way possible. My 60th birthday celebration orchestrated by my incredible family was nothing short of a mesmerizing journey.

The evening unfolded at the exquisite Persian Terrace in Sheraton,Malleswaram, an event that surpassed any expectation I could have conjured. What made it exceptional was not just the location or the occasion, but the meticulous planning and thoughtfulness of my beloved Shravan, Sangeetha, Radha and Lalitha. We missed Eshwar, my son in law. Michelle, my Mosanto colleague organised the coordination part here at Bangalore. (All of them kept me in the dark!!). I missed few other colleagues who had pre committments and could not make it when Shravan called up from the US for their presence.

Imagine my surprise when I was greeted by familiar faces from my time at Monsanto, colleagues whom I hadn't seen in 15 years! It was a heartwarming gesture that transported me back to cherished memories and highlighted the depth of care my family holds for me. The mere presence of these esteemed individuals added an irreplaceable nostalgia to the night. Monsanto was the place that brought a lot of friendship, a lot of personal insight in to my life.

What truly struck me was the effort poured in from miles away, especially from my children settled in the USA with Michelle. They coordinated every detail with such precision and love that I was left speechless. The seamless execution, the joyous ambiance, and the warmth in every smile illuminated the evening.

I've always valued the essence of being 'stunned' in a happy sense, and this celebration redefined that sentiment. Witnessing the love of family transcend distances, bringing together people from different parts of my life, was an overwhelming experience I will forever cherish.

Every element of the evening, from the meticulously arranged settings to the surprise guest list, reflected a depth of thoughtfulness that truly touched my heart. It's moments like these that make life's journey remarkable and remind me of the immeasurable blessing of family.

As I reflect on this incredible celebration, I am filled with gratitude beyond words. My heart is brimming with joy, and I cannot thank my family enough for making this milestone so special. Completing 60 years is equivalent of one Hindu cycle of life. This beautiful surprise has etched a permanent smile on my face and a profound sense of love in my heart.

Thank you, my dear family, for the most stunning birthday celebration of my life. Special thanks to my Monsanto Colleagues (1999-2006) Michelle, Beatrice, Sholy, Dr Suresh Nath who had taken time to grace the occasion despite the nightmare of Saturday evening traffic chaos of Bangalore.

I now look forward to religious aspects of celebrations at Karaikudi, the place I grew up, on Monday. (27th November). We will miss Radha, as she is heading back to San Francisco in a few hours time.

With heartfelt appreciation, Karthik

Sangeetha, Shravan, Vinay, Michelle, Self, Lalitha, Radha, Beatrice Daughter, Sholy, Beatrice, Dr Suresh Nath, His son, Karthik. Memorable evening. 

All Family, Beatrice with her daughter, Dr Nath with his Son, Michelle with Vinay. 

Michelle, a true friend, she was one to taught me that wife would want gifts (2000!!)

Vinay, Michelle, Me, Lalitha.. The cake was a surprise. 

Beatrice Wesley, Michelle, Self, Dr Suresh Nath, Sholy Samuel. (1999-2006 Monsanto)

Reflecting on Life: Karthik's 2021 Annual Review

Introduction:

In the pursuit of self-improvement and growth, I've embarked on annual reviews for several years now. These reflective exercises offer profound insights into the past while charting a course for the future. Here's a glimpse into my 2021 review. As you can see, I cover Financial, Social, Spiritual, Personal, Health aspects to name a few domains of life.

I am working on draft for 2023 review.......

Review of 2021: (I have edited the original document to take out some personal information like Names etc.)

• Overall Rating: The year encompassed a spectrum of experiences, rated against various facets of life. Here’s a snapshot: (On a 10 Scale)

1. Health, Wellbeing: 7
2. Finance: 8
3. Happiness/Contentment: 8
4. Spiritual Aspect: 5
5. Work Life: 5
6. Friends: 5
7. Extended Family: 4
8. Family Commitments: 9
9. Relations with Lalitha: 10
10. Knowledge Gain/Quest: 7

• What Went Well: Highlighting the triumphs:

1. Achievements in family milestones. (Radha Marriage, Shravn settlin in to work in USA)
2. Financial stability with the closure of home loan.
3. Maintenance of personal health.
4. Successful plans for the family estate.

• Areas for Improvement: Acknowledging the challenges:

1. Coping with personal losses during family events. (Mother passing away, not being there for Radha's marriage).
2. Declining interest in professional pursuits.
3. Emergence of health concerns. (Oct 2021!?)
4. Navigating through the impact of the pandemic. (Loss of friends, Relatives).

Goals for 2022:

1. Health Priority: Channeling efforts to overcome health issues.
2. Family Milestones: Facilitating transitions for children’s journeys. (Son marriage?)
3. Financial Security: Prioritizing pension plans and consistent savings.
4. Personal Growth: Embracing a more relaxed approach to life’s uncertainties.
5. Parents Life rites at Benares / Gaya.

Conclusion: The year 2021 was a tapestry of accomplishments and hurdles, each offering valuable lessons. As I step into 2022, I aim to navigate the upcoming chapters with resilience, focusing on what truly matters.

This annual review is not just a personal endeavor but an invitation for everyone to engage in introspection. Share your experiences and insights. Let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth together.

Karthik

25th Nov 2023.

THANKSGIVING (Indian and American Way!)

Thursday, 23rd November marks Thanksgiving in America. Having been closely associated with esteemed corporations like Monsanto and Honeywell during my corporate tenure, the American entities, and the camaraderie shared with numerous American friends and colleagues have significantly contributed to my growth as an EHS professional. Their invaluable guidance, advice, and candid feedback played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Alongside the insightful Manager Tools podcast by Mike and Mark, these interactions have been instrumental in my professional and personal success. Inspired by these experiences, I find it fitting to delve into the significance of American Thanksgiving and draw parallels with Indian festivals like Makar Sankranti. Here we go:

Both American Thanksgiving and Makar Sankranti in India share underlying themes of gratitude and celebration but have distinctive cultural, historical, and ritualistic differences.

• Gratitude and Harvest Festival:

  • American Thanksgiving: Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, it marks the gratitude of early European settlers for a successful harvest. Families gather for a feast centered around turkey.
  • Makar Sankranti: Observed in January, it signifies the end of winter and the onset of longer, warmer days. People express gratitude for the harvest with kite flying, sesame sweets, and various regional rituals across India.
  Cultural Significance:
  • American Thanksgiving: Traces back to the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal in the 1600s.
  • Makar Sankranti: Deeply rooted in Hindu culture, it is celebrated with variations across India, emphasizing the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign.
  Rituals and Traditions:
  • American Thanksgiving: Football, parades (like Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC), and the presidential turkey pardon are integral parts.
  • Makar Sankranti: Families fly kites, take holy dips in rivers, offer prayers, and exchange sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
  Regional Variations:
  • American Thanksgiving: Celebrated uniformly across the United States.
  • Makar Sankranti: Diverse regional practices, known by different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Maghi in Punjab.

Comparing Food: Comparison of the food served during Indian and American Thanksgiving celebrations:
American Thanksgiving:

• Turkey: The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal in the US. Roasted turkey is traditionally served, often accompanied by stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
• Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread, and dinner rolls are common.
• Desserts: Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are classic Thanksgiving desserts.

Indian Celebrations (Makar Sankranti/Pongal):

• Regional Variations: India being diverse, the food varies widely across regions during Makar Sankranti and related festivals.
• Sweets: Til (sesame) and jaggery-based sweets like tilgul, til chikki, or ladoos are popular, symbolizing the warmth of the season.
• Savory Dishes: Dishes like pongal (a sweet and savory rice and lentil dish), puran poli (sweet stuffed flatbread), and various regional specialties are prepared.

While both celebrations emphasize feasting and sharing meals with loved ones, the specific dishes and ingredients used reflect the cultural and regional diversity of the respective traditions.

Karthik

24th Nov 23

9am

Now and Then (Beatles).

 #414

The song "Now and Then" by The Beatles, released in 2023, is a significant piece of music for several reasons. It marks the first new song released by the band in over 60 years, and it is a poignant reflection on the group's legacy and their lasting impact on popular culture. "Now and Then" released on 2 November 2023

Background Information

The song's origins can be traced back to 1977, when John Lennon recorded a demo version of the song at his home studio. The demo remained unfinished until 2023 when Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited to complete the song in tribute to their late bandmates, Lennon and George Harrison. It will be 43 years come December 9th. (Dec 8th in USA) since John was gunned down by a disgruntled fan at New York City. Like JFK, Mrs Gandhi, 9/11, many would forever remember where/what they were doing when the news of John's death hit them! ( I was following One day cricket match, India vs NZ on radio).

Special Aspects

Several unique aspects make "Now and Then" a standout song in The Beatles' discography:

• The song's emotional resonance: The lyrics capture the bittersweet nostalgia of reminiscing about the past while reflecting on the passage of time and the changes that have occurred.

• The collaborative nature of its creation: Despite being recorded over 40 years apart, the song seamlessly blends the individual talents of Lennon, McCartney, and Starr, showcasing their enduring musical chemistry.

• The song's historical significance: "Now and Then" represents a remarkable chapter in The Beatles' story, demonstrating that their music continues to resonate and inspire generations of listeners.

The release of "Now and Then" has been met with critical acclaim and widespread praise from fans worldwide. It serves as a powerful reminder of The Beatles' enduring legacy and their profound influence on the world of music.

Here are some additional details about the song:

• Songwriter: John Lennon (1978 released never before now done in 2023). 
• Producers: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jack Douglas
• Length: 3:24
• Genre: Psychedelic soft rock
• Label: Apple Records

31 Million views in 2 weeks... Monster Hit.

Karthik

22/11/23. 

JFK- Gone 60 years today!

Today marks the 60th year since the tragic day on November 22nd, 1963, when John F. Kennedy was brutally taken away from the world in Dallas. His presidency was a tumultuous time, often marked by controversy and an unwavering commitment to policies that invoked both admiration and opposition. His endeavors for peace, particularly in his attempts to thaw the Cold War tensions with Russia, brought him under the watchful eye of adversaries.

As I reflect on this anniversary, memories of JFK flood back as vividly as if it were just yesterday. I recall glimpses of him adorning the walls of the barber shop in Karaikudi, a vivid image from my childhood days, which kindled an enduring curiosity about this enigmatic figure. Interestingly, I came into this world merely a week after his assassination, a synchronicity that has forever linked me to his legacy.

My journey into the depths of Kennedy's legacy began with a pilgrimage at Boston, to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in November 2001, a visit that occurred in the wake of the heart-wrenching 9/11 tragedy. This experience ignited within me an unyielding desire to pay homage at the very site where he met his untimely demise.

It took me 22 long years to fulfill this poignant wish, finally arriving in Dallas in June 2023. Standing at the Daley Plaza Museum, the ground where history was irrevocably altered by Lee Harvey Oswald's fatal bullet, I felt a profound sense of connection and reverence.

The museum's narrative delves deep into the hours leading up to and following the assassination, meticulously recounting the tragic events—the fateful route, the desperate medical attempts, and the solemn swearing-in of Vice President Johnson as the new President. The experience was moving beyond words, a poignant moment I shared with Lalitha, one that will forever be etched in our memories.

The eternal debate persists—would JFK have been remembered as one of the greatest presidents if he had completed his full eight-year term? Sadly, his tenure was cut tragically short, less than three years into office, leaving behind a legacy of immense potential and unfulfilled promise. His premature departure, at the tender age of 46, elevated him to the echelons of the most revered presidents in American history.

On this solemn anniversary, I pen down my reflections, a tribute to a leader whose legacy continues to evoke deep contemplation and admiration.

Karthik
22nd November 2023

X Spot where LHO Bullet entered...!