For the uninitiated, Jordan year is the year of being 23 years old (especially in the USA). Basket Superhero Michael Jordan wore number 23 for the Chicago Bulls and hence the reference.

It helps to do what I just did (to start with some Tidbit like the paragraph above) when one is lost for word to begin writing and looking for that creative juices to flow to start the opening lines about someone about whom anyone has so much to write.

It may be passe to keep repeating that time just flew away, but it remains a fact. When we held him for the first time on a chilly January morning in Bengaluru, India, 23 winters ago – we were excited no doubt, but never knew he would turn out to be such an amazing young man, a hero, fending for himself, all alone, far away, across Seven seas, one who keeps us excited every moment (on tenterhooks and on our feet sometimes). Whole lot of things is now ticked off his “Life’s To-do” bucket list. While on this amazing journey, he has made us all very proud presenting us with pleasant surprises galore (sometimes shockingly pleasant, like his scores in 10th or 12th Grade), today you have arrived at the threshold of an important phase of your life (not the kind that Amma keeps telling during your examination of every grade in School). And yes while you hit that milestone and as has become the norm – another pleasant surprise awaited us. Thank you Vishnu, you made us all very proud and soared to cloud nine with this one.

Congratulations on adding yet another feather in your cap and another stripe on the shoulders of every member of the family and a reason for celebration. Contrary to what you keep saying, it is not just another day in the University. This is no mean achievement. It was indeed such a Cloud-Nice moment was when Di spotted this on the University Portal

Lest the significance not be lost on all of us (including you), I am reproducing the background of what this achievement means (in the University’s words)
“Centennial Student Union crafted the means for Boasting Exceptional Student Talent among those evolving leaders. Each semester since then, the BEST Board display in the CSU Hearth Lounge spotlights eight students selected for campus student leadership and CSU student staff excellence.
The faces and words of these BEST students exemplify both active and quiet leadership that enhances campus life at Minnesota State Mankato.
This site is dedicated to the continuing BEST Board tradition. It recognizes those students who, each semester, graced the BEST Board and welcomed visitors to the CSU. Each became the face of leadership and the example of personal reward that comes from accepting the challenge.
As the tradition continues so does exemplary leadership for other students to emulate”

It is not that everyday, anyone gets to be there. You have made us all very Proud and your Jordan Birthday become even more special for us

As you head towards the home run in this phase of your Education – as always a heartfelt wishes to you and a sincere prayer to the Divine to bless you in abundance ensuring success in your chosen path.

While most would end up dishing out unwarranted advises when you turn 23, I envy the maturity you show at every step and any advice is misplaced one. You know what is to be done better than most of us and I only repeat what I said when you turned 21
“It is reassuring that you are also past advises that we can give. You grew up, learnt many lessons the hard way and any advice to you would be almost redundant. It is a happy feeling for any parent or elder sisters, to get wise counsel from the apple of their eyes who grew right from baby in cradle to a handsome 23 year old, gym going, sports loving lad”

Happy Birthday Vishnu (Ashrit), Young Handsome Man, We have tremendous faith in your abilities and you will make it big. May the year ahead bring you great news, oodles of opportunities, meaningful friendships, and a great network to help you achieve big things in life. We pray you continue to be the Gentle, every Helpful and Great Human Being. Keep exploring, stay curious, and enjoy the journey ahead.

Let me tell you, it is not easy to bid goodbye when you go back after every holiday. I am sure it is equally bad for you too. Notwithstanding technological advances that helps us be in touch unlike our days, nothing like having you around in flesh and blood. It is a huge consolation having that shoulder around us