Appa

Appa, my dearest,

I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. Today, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude and thank you for everything you've done and continue to do since I was born and until today, as the world celebrates your day.. Fathers' Day, indeed.😇

MY DAD'S MOST FAVOURITE PICTURE

Appa, I am so grateful to be your daughter. You are such a simple and humble person. Not to mention your child's innocent nature, which is a blessing bestowed by God. That's why, even at 86, you're still very young at heart. You continue to demonstrate your strength in your teachings as a Math and English teacher. I don't see you retiring anytime soon. Your sharp memory is astounded.

Appa as I write this letter to you, I am transported back to my childhood days, when you took  elder sister and me in your bicycle to your friend's house on the eve of Christmas, where you taught us all the slokas and mantras and made us chant them. Along the way, you also taught us how to say 'Merry Christmas' in English.

WITH MY DEAREST APPA

It's still fresh in my mind, especially the little chair hung on the handle of the front bicycle, which was always reserved for me. The days may have changed and faded, but the memories remain vivid and green in my mind. You even narrated the stories of the great epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata in such a simple and easy way that anyone of any age could memorise them in no time.

Do you recall Appa? our time of laughter 😂. I've always admired your charming face and handsome smile. When I smile, my friends tell me that I only look like you. That makes me so proud of myself and the fact that you are my father. 

WHILE DAD WAS ON TOUR IN RAJASTHAN

You made our childhood days more interesting in your presence. Anything you taught us about money, account transactions, purchasing items from a store, post office, or telephone, there is no end to it. But I'll never forget how you taught us English grammar and Math through amazing songs created by you.

Even now, I am the naughtiest of your four daughters😁and"I have Eagle eyes because I manage to find out where you keep the eatables," you said.😂 You were my sole source of support; whenever Amma chastised me, you were always there to save me. Appa, remember how much we both enjoy sports?!!! How we were looking forward to watching Argentina vs. Brazil in the World Cup final. We were both rooting for the Argentina team, led by Diego Maradona, to win the World Cup Trophy.😎😆

WITH MY DAD IN A MARRIAGE

Appa, I've often wondered, looking at you, how you managed to stay so calm, patient, and tolerable in the face of adversity!!!!!! Yes, I finally got an answer. It is not only in your nature, but also in the Yoga and meditation practices you have practised throughout your life. Without a doubt, I inherited some of your rare qualities, particularly Yoga and being constantly active (I should give Amma credit for this).😅

Appa, I still want to say a lot about you. While I'm writing this, mosquitoes are bothering me, and it brings back memories of when there was a power outage and you sat and waved the hand fan made of pine tree, and did apply odomos to avoid mosquito bites. How much you have done for us, Appa...... your tireless efforts have resulted in us all being innumerably blessed and living peacefully today. I beseech the Almighty that if there is another birth, I would like to be born as your daughter only.😍

Appa, until you got me married, 

my world revolved around you. 

You are my guiding force.

Your brave character has shaped me

 into a fearless daughter that I am today.

You provided meaning to my life as my

 inspiration, teacher, mentor, and philosopher.

The only diamonds you cherish are 

patience, tolerance and endurance.

By setting an example of BEING HUMAN at the age of 86, 

you have established yourself as a living legend.

God's blessings on you.....

 MY DAD WILL BE FOREVER YOUNG

Though words cannot express my admiration for you, I always want to follow your footsteps and the timely golden advices that you have been pouring into my life, and I would like to instil in our son all of your able qualities in his life as well. Thank you so much for being a part of our lives, Appa. Loads of love and respect, as well as sashtang namaskarams at your golden feet.

We haven't seen each other in two years because of the lockdown. Even though we are fortunate to be able to see you and Amma via video calls, I miss you both so much that we are unable to meet in person. I'm looking forward to the day with bated breath. Till the time , please take good care of yourself. I will always remember you in my prayers. 

Ram Ram, Appa.

Your loving and caring daughter,

saradha.