The journey of these thirty-three years is not just an advancement of dates on the calendar, but a collection of moments where your strength outshone the challenging circumstances thrown at you. As April 3rd approaches, I find myself looking back at the staring bundle of 1993 and marvelling at the woman who has become the anchor of the family. We so badly wanted to break the jinx of no daughters in the family for generations (many even used to say we were cursed family). Not only God fulfilled that wish but what an amazing gift was bestowed upon us. Life was never the same thereafter and it got soaring higher and higher and getting better and better every day. We celebrate you everyday, but a bit more on 3rd April for THE BIGGEST GIIFT we have received.
From 3.1 Kgs to….
The Significance of Year 33: This birthday marks your completion of 33 year, called the Jesus Year. It is a milestone that symbolizes a turning point—a time of coming into one’s full power, purpose, and self-actualization. For you, this couldn’t be more fitting. You are entering this year not just with age, but with a refined soul and a clarity of mission that most spend a lifetime searching for. It is a year of rebirth and immense impact, and watching you step into this new chapter fills me with a sense of divine timing.
The Power of Self-Belief: From Biotech to MSW: One of your most defining traits has always been an unshaken belief in your own path, even when it meant taking the road less travelled. We watched with admiration as you made the bold, soul-led decision to pivot from your background in Biotechnology to formally pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
It wasn’t the easiest transition, but your conviction never wavered. You recognized that while science could explain life, your heart was calling you to serve it. That leap of faith, trusting your instincts over convention, is a testament to your courage. You navigated this change with a quiet, steely confidence, proving that your internal compass is guided by purpose rather than just a career path.
The Silent Language of Love: As I look through my albums, there is a specific set of pictures that always stops my heart, the ones where we are lovingly looking into each other’s eyes. In those frames, no words are needed. Your eyes reflect a deep-rooted respect and an old-soul understanding that goes beyond the typical father-daughter bond.
Here is one…
Another one
My Eternal Favourite
When I look at you, I see my greatest achievement; when you look at me, I feel seen, understood, and anchored. Those captured glances are a testament to the magnetic feature of the relationship, a bond of pure, unspoken trust that has only strengthened as you’ve grown into this remarkable woman.
From this….
….To this-Made even me Dance (Someone said I have 2 left foot)
A Heart for the World: Your humaneness is not a garment you put on; it is the fabric of who you are. We have watched with immense pride as your social service inclination turned into a lifelong mission. You are our Seva Warrior.
For benefit of the Blind Students
Dancing for Differently abled
Whether it was the countless hours spent with underprivileged children or the way you stepped up supporting me during the pandemic, managing logistics, food, and emotional support for others while the rest of the world stayed behind closed doors, you proved that your heart has no boundaries. You’ve always understood that spiritual elevation comes from the joy of giving selflessly, and you have touched thousands of lives with that magnetic feature of your kindness. As I keep telling a lot of them quite often (if I remember it right, I have also written about this earlier), If someone cannot accept that this is a beautiful world, one has to see it through your eyes to realize that it is true.
The Grace of a Mother: The most beautiful chapter of your humaneness has been written in the way you care for Anay. While the world sees your professional pursuits, we see the quiet, profound sacrifices you make every day as a mother to Anay. While ordering fancy food for all others, you stuck to your bland, but healthy curry leaves powder rice with ghee with same palak as the side dish. Your passion and personal preferences have been gracefully subordinated to ensure his emotional well-being remains the priority. We have seen you sideline your own hobbies, your rest, and your “me-time” to be the constant, steady presence he needs.
The precious Bundle
Seeing you with our grandson, Anay the little one who has become the sun around which our entire family rotates, is a masterclass in love. I still recall the moments just before his arrival; even in your own pain and anticipation, you were the one comforting me. That is the essence of Divya: putting the peace of others above your own. Watching you raise him with such tenderness and wisdom makes me realize that your capacity to love has only deepened with time.
For Him, all the time
Every hour that your job allows is poured back into him. You have mastered the delicate, often exhausting balance of being a dedicated professional while ensuring you never miss a beat in his life. Whether it’s staying up late to finish work, so your afternoons are his, or setting aside your own desires to nurture his growth, your motherhood is a masterclass in selflessness. You aren’t just available to him, you are fully present, making him the sun around which your world revolves.
The Ultimate Sister and Anchor: Your heart for service probably began at home without anyone realising, in your role as a sister. We often smile remembering how you took it upon yourself to discipline Vishnu when you were both small, you were his first teacher and his fiercest protector. Today, that bond has matured into something beautiful.
Big Boss to the Big Brother
With Kid Brother-Himalayam Responsibility
Making him Laugh and succeeding too
From Disciplinarian to Partners in Crime
Even with him studying for his Masters abroad, you remain his “go-to person.” Despite the distance and your own heavy responsibilities, you are the anchor he reaches for when things get tough. You guide him with the same wisdom and firmness you showed as a child, proving that a sister’s love is the ultimate safety net.
More Than a Daughter
You have long since crossed the bridge from being a daughter to being my closest friend and my most trusted advisor. You are frail but healthy in appearance, yet you possess the strongest shoulders I know. You have taught me more about resilience than any book ever could. There is an infectious perfume of happiness that follows you, a bubbly energy that masks a profound depth of soul. You learned to take life’s punches on the chin, meeting every challenge head-on before moving forward. Whether the world recognized your efforts or stayed silent, my love and pride would never have wavered.
But seeing glory finally come your way is the ultimate icing on the cake, a moment that brought a father to tears of joy that words simply cannot explain.
A Promise for the Future: On this 33rd birthday, I want you to know that your journey is my greatest source of swollen pride. If I were given a thousand lifetimes, I would choose to be your father in every single one of them. You are the Apple of my Eye and the light that ensures our home never knows darkness. On this day, as you complete your thirty-third year, I pray that Divine light always guides your steps, illuminating the path as you continue your noble journey of service. I pray for your unwavering health, that your body remains as strong as your spirit, and your mind as calm as a deep ocean. May prosperity flow into your life in every form not just in material abundance, but in the richness of peace, the warmth of laughter, and the continued joy that Anay brings to your heart (and everyone else’s). May you always have the courage to follow your own truth, the strength to be the pillar for those who lean on you, and the wisdom to know how much you are truly loved. May your life be a perennial spring of happiness, and may you be blessed with the long life to see your dreams, and those of your children (hain! Did I make it a plural?), blossom into reality.
Stay exactly as you are—unwavering in your beliefs, boundless in your compassion, and forever our Chirpy and Blissed Di. Our world is a better, more humane place because you decided to grace it thirty-three years ago.
Happy Birthday, Di (Akhila to the world), Your best chapters are just beginning.
PS: Someone said, “People born in 1993 are part of the Millennial generation (specifically the younger half) and are hitting that sweet spot where back pain starts becoming a legitimate personality trait.”
We decided to celebrate three and a half decades of togetherness with a comprehensive and spiritually elevating pilgrimage is a beautiful way to honour our journey which would not have been possible without blessings of Divine. We remain eternally grateful to Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, Founder of The Art of Living whose blessings and love has guided us all along.
Thirty-five years is a lifetime of shared glances, whispered prayers, and the quiet resilience of a love that has matured into a sanctuary. To celebrate this milestone with Aparna, we didn’t just plan a trip; we embarked on a soul-stirring journey of Divine Permission, seeking the grace that has held our hands together since our first step as a couple. Our pilgrimage began in the humble, water-blessed town of Kanipakkam. Standing before Swayambhu Shri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy in Kanipakkam, I felt a profound sense of beginning. Just as the Bhagwan here is said to be Swayambhu, self-manifested and ever-growing, I realized our marriage has been much the same. We started with so little, yet under His watchful eye, our bond has expanded, outgrowing the silver armour of our youth to become something far more substantial.
With the silent strength of Kanipakkam Shri Manikanteshwara Swamy and KanipakkamShriVaradaraja Swamy grounding our pilgrimage in the foundational strength of the Trinity, ensuring that as we looked back on thirty-five years, we did so with hearts cleansed of obstacles and spirits aligned for the ascent. We felt the obstacles of the ego melt away, replaced by a sacred permission to move closer to the divine heart.
Kanipakkam Svayambhu Shri Manikanteshwara Swamy
Kanipakkam Svayambhu Shri Manikanteshwara Swamy
Kanipakkam Svayambhu Shri Manikanteshwara Swamy
Shri Varadaraja Swami Temple, Kanipakkam
Shri Varadaraja Swami Temple, Kanipakkam
Shri Varadaraja Swami Temple, Kanipakkam
As we traveled to Srinivasa Mangapuram, the air seemed to soften, carrying the fragrance of a timeless union. There is a specific tenderness in the Shri Kalyana Venkateshwara Temple; it is the place where the Bhagwan paused His celestial duties to simply be a husband, honoring the rites of marriage with Padmavathi Devi. It was here, in the very place where the Bhagwan and Padmavathi Devi stayed as newlyweds, that we felt the weight of our own vows. Walking through these halls felt like a quiet conversation with time, a reminder that the early days of a marriage are the seeds of a lifelong sanctuary. Looking at Aparna in that light, I was overcome with the realization that our thirty-five years were not just a sequence of days, but a long, beautiful stay in the ashram of life.
With the sense of peace that Darshan of Shri Kalyana Venkateshwara, softening our hearts for the raw, elemental and intense energy of Shri Kalahasteeshwara Temple. In the presence of the Vayu Lingam, amidst the stone and shadow, watching the lamp of the Vayu Lingam flicker with an unseen breath that defied the stillness of the air, we offered our gratitude for the breath of life that has sustained our union, acknowledging the three creatures—the spider, snake, and elephant—who proved that devotion requires no status, only a surrendered heart.
Shri Kalahasteeshwara Temple
Shri Kalahasteeshwara Temple
Shri Kalahasteeshwara Temple
I could not help but feel a surge of gratitude for the very air we’ve shared. In thirty-five years, there are moments when the wind of life blows hard, yet like that lamp, the flame of our companionship has never gone out. It was a moment of deep, human recognition, that we are sustained by a grace we cannot see, but can always feel.
The emotional heart of our pilgrimage peaked during the Kalyanotsavam at Tiruchanoor. Celebrating the Divine Mother’s wedding on the eve of our own anniversary felt like a profound grace. As we watched the sacred rituals of Shri Padmavathi Ammavaru, our thirty-five years together flashed before us—a journey sustained entirely by her compassionate gaze. She is the ultimate mediator who prepares the seeker to meet the King. Witnessing her union reaffirmed that our bond is but a soft echo of that eternal harmony. I found myself thanking the embodiment of Karuna for being the silent guardian of our home throughout the decades. Tradition holds that one must seek the Mother’s intercession before approaching the Bhagwan; sitting there, I felt her blessing our shared history and graying years, smoothening the path for the Venkateshwara Darshan to come.
Shri Padmavati Amma Temple,Thiruchanoor
Shri Padmavati Amma Temple,Thiruchanoor
Shri Padmavati Amma Temple,Thiruchanoor
Shri Padmavati Amma Temple Pushkarni,Thiruchanoor
Shri Suryanarayana Swami Temple, Tiruchanoor
This feeling of being carried brought us to the foothills of Tirumala, Alipiri. Kneeling at the Padhala Mandapam and pressing our foreheads to the Venkateshwara Paduka, we were no longer the successful professionals or the heads of a family; we were simply two pilgrims, humbled by carrying the Srivari Padukas around the Alayam 3 times. Walking through the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple and performing the Sapta Gau Pradakshina, the gentle breath of the cows and the ancient stones seemed to wash away the weariness of the decades, leaving us light and ready for the summit.
Garuda, Alipiri Tirumala Foothils
Adivo Adalladivo…
We ascended to Tirumala not as tourists, but as guests of the Bhagwan. We first bowed to Shri Varaha Swamy, the ancient protector of the hills, thanking him for the land we have occupied in this world and for the permission to finally enter the inner circle of the Bhagwan’s presence. The final walk through the specialized shrines of Tirumala felt like reviewing the facets of a diamond. We sought wisdom at Shri Hayagreeva’s feet, protection from Ahobilam Shri Lakshmi Narasimha, and felt the sweet, playful joy of our youth again at the Shri Radha Krishna Swamy Temple. Seeing Shri Bedi Anjaneya standing guard, eternally bound by love and duty, reminded me of the strength required to protect a home for thirty-five years.
Ahobilam Shri Lakshmi Narasimha, Tirumala North Mada Street
Shri Varaha Swami, Tirumala North Mada Street
Shri Varaha Swami, Tirumala North Mada Street
Shri Varaha Swami, Tirumala North Mada Street
Shri Radha Krishna Swami, Tirumala North Mada Street
Shri Hayagreeva Swami, Tirumala North Mada Street
We were blessed to witness the beginning of Salakatla Vasanthotsavam is a centuries-old, three-day spring festival held at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple from March 30 to April 1. It celebrates the arrival of spring through purification rituals, sacred ceremonies, and a ceremonial procession of the deities through the Mada Streets.
All set for Vasantotsavama Theru of Shri Venkateshwara
All set for Vasantotsavama Theru of Shri Venkateshwara
About Sri Srinivasa Divya Anugraha Homam
On our 35th Anniversary, in the hustle bustle of the daily lives, we sat before the sacred fire of the Shri Srinivasa Divya Anugraha Homam. As the offerings were made to the flames, I closed my eyes and saw a montage of our lives, the early struggles, the raising of amazing children – Divya and Vishnu, the quiet evenings, and the loud celebrations when Apple of our eye and a major source of joy in our lives today, Grandson Anay. This Anugraha or divine favour felt like a warm mantle being wrapped around our shoulders. It was the final clearance, the ultimate yes from the heavens.
What a surreal feeling being part this Sri Shrinivasa Anugraha Homam
Shri Srinivasa Divya Anugraha Homam is a beautiful new chapter in the spiritual journey of Tirupati pilgrims. As explained by the Archaka, for a long time, many devotees felt that performing a special Seva at the feet of Bhagwan Venkateswara was a difficult task, often involving long waits or complex bookings, especially the Nitya Homas in Ananda Nilayam (Tirumala abode of Bhagwan). TTD has simplified things by introducing this Homam at Saptha Go-Pradakshina Mandapam in Alipiri. By shifting this powerful ritual to the base of the hills, they have made it possible for the common man to sit before the sacred fire and offer their prayers directly before they even begin their climb to the top, literally the Ananda Nilayam.
1st set ofPhotographs clicked by me, as Video capturing some moments of the Shri Srinvasa Divya Anugraha Homam
2nd set ofPhotographs clicked by me, as Video capturing some moments of the Shri Srinvasa Divya Anugraha Homam
When you enter the Mandapam, the atmosphere is immediately different from the heavy rush of the main temple lines. There is a sense of calm as you see rows of devotees sitting with their families, guided by Vykhanasa priests who chant the holy names of the Bhagwan. Though I don’t remember the names of the priests in the rituals, we were extremely blessed to hear from one the priest (Photograph shown below) with a tinge of humour explaining significance of each and every aspect of this homam. His chanting and explanations was ultimate topping for participants in this homan.
He made it very special for everyone. His chants and explanation. Hare Srinivasa
Excerpt of the Chants-1st set (Imagine if this was so energetic, being part of the entire Homam)
Excerpt of the Chants-2nd set (Imagine if this was so energetic, being part of the entire Homam)
The ritual is centered around Agni, the fire god, who is believed to be the messenger carrying our deepest sankalpas or wishes to Srinivasa Himself. As the ghee and sacred herbs are offered into the flames, the sound of the chants fills the air, creating a vibration that stays with you long after the ceremony ends. It feels like a personal conversation with the Divine, away from the pushing and pulling of the general crowds.
What makes this experience special for an Indian family is the inclusion of the Go-Shala nearby. In our culture, the cow is a symbol of immense purity, and performing a ritual in a place dedicated to Sapta Gau Mata (all Indian Breeds) adds double blessing to the day.
Spata Gau Mata Pradakshina Shala, Alipiri
Spata Gau Mata Pradakshina Shala, Alipiri
You don’t just leave with a piece of silk cloth or some prasadam; you leave with a heart that feels lighter and a mind that is focused on the Bhagwan. It is a perfect way to start your pilgrimage, reminding every devotee that in the eyes of Balaji, everyone is invited to receive His grace.
The ticket is reasonably priced at Rupees One Thousand Six (₹1600/-), and it permits two people (not necessarily couples), making it an affordable way for a couple to seek divine protection and includes Special Entry Darshan for 2 at 3pm, the same day. Please note that you have to necessarily attend and participate in the Homam and get your tickets scanned and stampled to be eligible for Special Entry Darshan against this Seva. It generally opens at 10:00am on 25th of every month for the subsequent month.
Finally, we stood in the dim, incense-filled sanctum of Bhagwan Venkateshwara. In that electrifying silence, as the camphor lit up the Bhagwan’s face, thirty-five years of life culminated in a single, tearful gaze. There was nothing left to ask for. Looking at Aparna, I realized that the greatest Sthala Purana ever written was the story the Bhagwan wrote for us, a story of two people who set out to find a temple and ended up finding the Divine in each other. Standing at His feet, our hearts simply whispered a thousand times – Hare Srinivasa, Venkataramama Govinda Govinda. Bonus was that extra minute or so we were able to be in His presence to a stoppage of the queue. Every Grateful for the grace showered upon us.
HARE SRINIVAS! OM NAMO VENKATESHAYA
Here is a brief (One-liners) Sthala Purana and significance of the sacred places that we visited:
The Kanipakkam Trinity
Swayambhu Shri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy
The Legend: Centuries ago, three brothers (blind, deaf, and mute) were digging a well. Their shovel hit a stone, and blood started oozing into the water. Upon touching the water, the brothers were instantly cured of their disabilities.
Significance: The idol is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and sits inside a well. Miraculously, the idol is said to be growing in size over the years and continues to grow till the end of Kali Yuga; the silver Kavacham offered years ago no longer fits the deity.
Swayambhu Shri Manikanteshwara Swamy
The Legend: Built during the Chola dynasty, this temple is linked to the penance of a devotee who sought Shiva’s grace.
Significance: It is rare to find a Shiva temple so close to a Ganesha temple. It represents the Panchamukha (five-faced) aspect of Shiva in a subtle form, emphasizing the father-son bond in the divine hierarchy.
Shri Varadaraja Swamy Temple
Significance: Completing the Trinity at Kanipakkam, this temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu. It serves as a reminder that the protector (Vishnu) and the obstacle-remover (Ganesha) reside together, offering holistic blessings to devotees.
Sacred Environs of Tirupati & Kalahasthi
Shri Kalyana Venkateshwara, Srinivasa Mangapuram
The Legend: After marrying Padmavathi Devi, Bhagwan Venkateshwara stayed here at the ashram of Sage Agastya for six months because, according to ancient rites, newlyweds shouldn’t climb the hills immediately.
Significance: It is considered a powerful alternative for those who cannot climb Tirumala. It is especially significant for couples seeking a blissful married life.
Shri Kalahasteeshwara Temple, Kalahasthi
The Legend: This is the Vayu Lingam, one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalas (representing Air). The name comes from three animals: Kala (Spider), Hasti (Elephant), and Sree (Snake), who all attained salvation here through their unique devotion.
Significance: The lamp in the inner sanctum flickers constantly, even though there are no windows or drafts, proving the presence of the Bhagwan as Vayu (Wind).
Shri Padmavathi Ammavaru Temple, Tiruchanoor
The Legend: Goddess Lakshmi manifested here in a golden lotus pond (Pushkarini) after her deep penance.
Significance: Protocol dictates visiting the Goddess first before her Bhagwan in Tirumala. She is the mediator who recommends the devotees’ prayers to Bhagwan Venkateshwara.
The Footsteps of the Bhagwan: Alipiri
Alipiri Padhala Mandapam & Paduka Temple
The Legend: This marks the spot where the Bhagwan placed his first step as he moved from the sky to the earth.
Significance: Devotees touch their heads to the Paduka (holy footwear) to seek permission to begin the climb. It represents humility at the base of the sacred Seven Hills.
Significance: The Narasimha temple provides protection for the journey ahead.
Sapta Gau Pradakshina Mandir is unique for Go-Pradakshina, which is said to wash away the sins of many lifetimes.
The Abode of the Seven Hills: Tirumala
Shri Varaha Swamy Temple
The Legend: Bhagwan Varaha (the Boar incarnation) was the original owner of the Tirumala Hills. When Bhagwan Venkateshwara arrived, he requested a small piece of land.
Significance: Venkateshwara promised that the first darshan and the first offering would always go to Varaha Swamy. A pilgrimage to Tirumala is considered incomplete without this visit.
Shri Venkateshwara Swami Temple
The Legend: Known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntam, the Bhagwan manifested here to protect humanity from the trials of the current age.
Significance: The idol is believed to be live, with real hair and a temperature that stays at 37°C.
Shri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy
The Legend: As a child, Hanuman wanted to leave the hills. His mother, Anjana Devi, tied his hands with Bedi (shackles) and ordered him to stay until she returned. He remains there, facing the main temple, as the eternal protector.
Specialized Shrines (Hayagreeva, Ahobilam Narasimha, Radha Krishna)on the Mada Street
Hayagreeva: The God of knowledge; essential for those seeking wisdom.
Ahobilam Lakshmi Narasimha: Located near the temple, it connects Tirumala to the powerful Narasimha energy of the Ahobilam.
Radha Krishna: A serene spot reflecting the Madhurya Bhava or the sweetness of divine love, fitting for an anniversary celebration.
PS: I have used photos from my December 2025 Pilgrimage in Kanipakkam and Srininvasa Mangapuram
As the calendar turns to March 31st once again, I find myself looking at you and wondering where the last thirty-five years have gone. They say time flies when you’re having fun, but in our case, it has flown because you’ve made every moment feel like a living dream. From that starry-eyed day in 1991 to this milestone of our 35th wedding anniversary (they said it is called Coral Anniversary, but who cares anyway), the journey has been nothing short of magical. Looking back, I realize that while I might be the one writing these words, it is your grace and grit that have written our story.
Candid? I don’t think so
I often think back to that August 15th evening of 1984 when we first met. If the Divine were to appear before me today and offer a chance to rewind and chart a different course, I would ask for the exact same journey all over again. I wouldn’t change a single thing. You have been the anchor of my life, the pilot of our flight, and the perfect fit in a way that even mechanical engineering couldn’t replicate. While I am often the motor-mouth, overtly expressing everything, you have always been the calming presence—the one who ensures that even an empty glass looks overflowing to those around you.
Next to Anay, this place give you most Joy
Our life together has seen its share of ups and downs, abundance and scarcity, but none of that mattered because I had you walking alongside me. You are the one who brings out the best in me and makes me want to be better every single day. I see your unshakeable loyalty, your selfless nature, and the way you never frown when someone seeks your help. You are a Seva Warrior in the truest sense, a fantastic soul who lives every moment with such clarity of priority. Whether it was the organising strength you showed during my pilgrimages to Sabarimala or the way you handled difficult decisions by simply telling me to “do what lets you sleep peacefully,” your wisdom has always been our compass.
35 years and it is still the same
Love is not gazing into each other’s eyes but both looking out in the same direction
Looking at Divya and Vishnu, I see the best parts of you in them. You weren’t just a mother to our biological children but a no-nonsense guide to so many manasik children, as well. From the early days when you were a cook wondering if pressure-cooking rice needed water, to today, where you could give any chef a run for their money, your growth and persistence have been exemplary.
I can never forget the first time Gulab Jamoon was Made
You instilled values in them through bedtime stories and constant care, ensuring that Life is a celebration for our entire extended family. You are the heart of our home and the light of our lives.
Our Biggest Gifts
And then, of course, there is the little light who has redefined what home feels like for both of us. When Anay arrived on October 11, 2022, he didn’t just join our family; he shifted the entire axis of our world. Watching you transition into the role of a grandmother has been one of the most beautiful chapters of our thirty-five years together. It is as if all the love and wisdom you gathered over the decades found a brand-new, tiny vessel to pour into. Anay has brought a sense of playfulness back into our lives that I didn’t realize we were missing. He is a constant reminder of the wonder in small things, teaching us to slow down and see the world through his curious, bright eyes.
Does anything bring more happiness than this?
In fact, our entire week now revolves around a new kind of countdown. We find ourselves looking forward to every Friday evening with a restless, childlike excitement because we know it brings Anay back into our arms. The house feels different the moment he walks in; the air seems lighter and the walls echo with a joy that only a grandchild can provide. Those weekends spent watching him grow, hearing his laughter, and seeing him bond with you are the moments where time truly stands still for us. Sharing the joy of being his grandparents with you is the perfect crowning jewel on our thirty-five years of marriage.
Your expression says it all
Our Sunday mornings—filled with Uppittu, Dosey, and filter coffee—remain my favorite ritual. They are a reminder that while the world outside is loud, our world is built on these quiet, sacred moments of togetherness. You are the woman who is fixed, robust, and capable of restoring any fallen ones around her. You have sacrificed comforts to keep us happy, and you have loved me just as I am, never trying to change my idiosyncrasies, even when I know I’m a handful.
Aparna, they say that after thirty-five years, things might become routine, but with you, it only gets better, like fine wine. You are still the person I cannot live without. I am so lucky that of all the fishes in the ocean, I caught you. Thank you for thirty-five years of tolerating me with a smile and for being the wonderful human being that you are. May the Divine and Gurudev continue to bless you with health and joy in abundance. I am, and will always be, the luckiest man to have you by my side.
His Blessings and Grace – Every moment of our Journey
The Anchor
Happy 35th Anniversary, my darling.
As always a song dedicated to you on this occasion
I have no grouse against a life without you, But a life without you is hardly a life
