22 February 2007

"One Day At A Time" is indeed captivating and for me as well, it opens a floodgate of memories revolving round Ma and Kakoji, our beloved grandparents. My husband, Kumar Mangalam, and I look upon them as our role models in many ways.

"The avalanche of love, warmth and caring that we and our children receive from them is truly overwhelming. Their love for all of us in the family is absolutely unconditional. They are always there for us. We consider this as one of our greatest blessings.

"When we look at Ma and Kakoji's life, even though they are two distinct individuals, there is a unique oneness about them. There is a kind of seamlessness that has an eternal, sublime quality about it.

"What my husband and I also find absolutely unique about them is their rare ability, even as they are in their 80s, to remain flexible and to flow with life as it comes. From the summer of 1942 at every step of the journey, they have led an extraordinary life together. Their's has been a life of devotion to God. Their's has been a life of giving back to humanity. Their's has been a life fused with joy and its own share of sorrows, borne with equanimity and fortitude, in constant prayer.

"Kumar Mangalam and I always feel that they are a totally selfless couple. Both Ma and Kakoji live their life for others. They are there for people in their sorrows and unhappiness, in their joy and defining moments. They do not need to do that. Even today, Ma gets up at 3 am in the morning, and ensures that food is ready for distribution to the poor and needy who queue up outside Birla Park, seeking alms.

"Likewise, they have never turned anyone away from their doors. They have nothing to gain from reaching out to those going through troubled times. It just happens to be an integral part of their life and personality. That is inherently what they are. Endearing and rare."