24th MAY 2009

It's the 24th of May, and my little grand daughter Aaria has turned one year old today. It is such a lovely occassion.We have all come together in this house to wish her, and enjoy the company of each other.

It is amazing to see all twelve of us together, everybody enticed by this little bundle of joy. From senior people who had enjoyed heading important positions in the finance world, who were such serious people with serious matters on their minds, to present day important people handling important positions across the globe, all coochie- cooing to that little baby, watching every step of hers, getting excited over every smile that crosses her face, running after her if she goes anywhere near the stairs-it is amazing!! Amazing the power that a child has!!!

Aaliya and Kunaal, who are Aaria's cousins, have come with their parents from London. Both the children cannot stop doing all sorts of acrobatics, dances, singing songs and what have you, to please Aaria. Her bua, a Civil servant in the British government and her Phoopha a creative copywriter have taken the time off to be here to celebrate the day. Her Maasi, who is a Professor in Mcgill University has come from Canada, to dance to the tunes of her sunshine. Both sets of her grand parents have come from India.

Jharna has brought all of us together. She was instrumental in getting all of us together. I admire her patience, her planning, her total devotion and dedication to making this event a success. I admire her courage and creativity to co-ordinate everything. Her detailing and perseverence and being fully in control of her ownself is admirable. Such a calm exterior and holding herself together with a house full of guests-it needs tremendous self control. Hats off my dearest girl!! Success??......It has to stand at your command!!!

Anurag-your support, your promise, your being there for Jharna, inspite of your touring, is commendable. Look after your beautiful wife. We love her.

Aaria, today I congratulate you for having such lovely people as your parents. I wish you spread joy, cheer, happiness every where. I wish you have a very long, healthy, wealthy, happy life.

Be proud of yourself dearest child, make your parents proud of you.

Thank you very much my dearest family- Mr & Mrs. Madan-Aaria's maternal grand parents, Sujata-maasi, Raj Hireker-phoopha, Chaitali-booo-(bua),Kunaal-bhaiyya, Aaliya-didi, TN my husband.

We are all enjoying ourselves. I can see that everyone is loving being here.

Congratulations Anurag and Jharna.