So much has happened since I last reached out to you all. Most important is the full integration of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh so all citizens of India have the same rights and responsibilities. As normalcy slowly returns after decades of conflict in the Kashmir valley, we are together as a nation, united in fighting … Continue reading SEARCHING… FINDING… SERVING… BEING INSPIRED

A million thoughts are muddled in my head as so much has already happened in 2019. It is over six months since I wrote my blog and over two years and six months since Akshay. We have lost many more of our brave soldiers, not only in terror attacks but also in air accidents whilst … Continue reading UNENDING: THE PRICE PAID FOR OUR FREEDOM

CONNECTED BY AKSHAY THIS NOVEMBER This time of year is the long festive season. Dusshera and Deepavali have gone past and soon it will be Christmas and the New Year. In our home, after Naina spent a happy hour with brush and paints to make our diyas ‘look beautiful’, I did light them. Giving in … Continue reading PENDULUM SWINGS & HEARTSTRINGS

I wait in a comfortable hospital, trying to write this piece, while Girish goes through a series of extensive tests spread over 3 days for his medical review. It is one year since his without-any-explanation heart attack after Akshay left. In the past week, we were disturbed by Sangeeta’s recent bouts of weakness and thankfully, … Continue reading SACRED JOURNEY: CONNECTING THE DOTS WITH AKSHAY

Kargil Vijay Divas is coming up in less than two weeks and for this generation of young people, that is the war that beamed into homes what our soldiers fight for, so that we Indians enjoy peace and safety. The Tricolour fluttering on peak after peak after indomitable courage, determination and sacrifice. So much has … Continue reading PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: BE INSPIRED

The past few weeks have been very tough emotionally. Seeing friends battling unexpected illness, sudden untimely deaths, a spate of attempted suicides among young members of our domestic help, shocked and worried families, and my own difficulties in coping without Akshay. When at a loss of how to help others, the one person who I … Continue reading CONNECTED BY AKSHAY: LEARNING TO READ THE SIGNS

    I had absolutely no intention of writing on my blog this month. In trying to make conscious efforts to live life more like how it was, before Akshay had to leave, our social calendar has been made a lot busier. I also felt I should reach out to all of you only over … Continue reading CONNECTED BY AKSHAY: WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA

The past few weeks have been a see-saw of happenings and emotions.  Yet, here I am again, one year, three months and  twenty four days since Akshay, sharing my thoughts with all of you, even as I try to do my best to bring to you more stories of our brave and selfless heroes. This … Continue reading CONNECTED BY AKSHAY: SUNNY DAYS AND STRANGE MIX OF EMOTIONS

Almost 15 months since Akshay. Down with a fever and throat infection last three days, I sit up in bed as I write, warm water and hot tea beside me. The medicines are helping and its been nice having Girish, Sangeeta, Neha and Pradish around for company and care, and of course Naina’s cheery presence, … Continue reading CONNECTED BY AKSHAY: STARS THAT SHINE BRIGHTEST

In just three days from today, it will be one whole year since that miraculous incident. Pradish finding Akshay’s spectacles at the same spot my raja beta was found, right beside the staircase wall, 2 months and 7 days after he had been martyred. While we as a family, in our terrible grief then, forgot … Continue reading MOVING AHEAD WITH AKSHAY: COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS