75 years of GUDDU-new-updated-v-5

Guddu Buaiji is a very good person with a very big heart. Always welcoming everyone with open arms and a very beautiful smile. A man with a vision and always ready to help everyone. Ginny and Kunal are truly blessed to have a father like him, and so am I to have him as my dearest Kitty Bua’s husband. One thing I have learnt from him in life is to never give up no matter what ever ups and downs one faces in life. A man with a true vision and confidence in his stride. An aura unmatchable and unbeatable to my extent. Living life like a King. Yaju and Arati



Guddu uncle is such an amazing person who has given me some of the sweetest memories of my childhood. He would visit us every summer on their way in or out of the country, on a vacation, but would always come bearing gifts. The chocolate Nutties box, a huge privilege in those days, was much awaited. He loved good food and still does. His hospitality has no match. He will go extreme lengths to make sure you have a lovely time, whenever you are together. Our trip to Chennai a couple years ago was the most special to my kids, because of the yummy delicious food they had and the lovely treat of a holiday, Uncle and Kitty Buaji had planned for us. Uncle makes sure that everyone around him has a healthy and happy life. He is the most kind, giving and generous hearted person in my life. Love you uncle. Happy birthday from us all, Gauri, Chris, Neil, Jai and Tara



My earliest memory of you, Guddu bhaiya, is your having a whole bunch of friends, who became my de-facto brothers – Rohit, Subhash, Vinod, Barman, Siddharth - to name a few. I used to tag along with you all and our family to the Cosmopolitan club. I was nine when you married Kitty bhabi and I remember getting a silk frock made for the reception and a pink sharara for the wedding. You escorted me to boarding school at Tara Hall. Maango (Mataji) wept while I really looked forward to the experience, without knowing what lay ahead of me. When Tara Hall closed down abruptly, it was decided that I move back to Calcutta. Now, getting admission in a new school was a problem. But the nuns at Loretto House stood no chance against the charm o ensive of Guddu bhaiya armed with handis of rosogollas! Needless to say, I was admitted to class 8 without even taking an admission test. When I was in class 9 or 10, I was trying to write a formal letter as English homework. You happened to be visiting from Chennai and I asked for help. Not only did I get a special mention for it, but also had it read out in class by the teacher! Whenever Maango and Pitaji were visiting you in Madras, I too used to come there and therefore have accompanied you with your family and friends on many holidays. One that stands out is when Kunal was boarding at Lovedale.



We traveled with the families of Bharat-Vijay, Anu-Shankar, Anjum-Aasiya and stayed at Ratan Tata and even went to Kunal’s school camp out. My first visit to the holy shrine of Badrinath was also with you, bhabi and Vijaya and her husband Ratan. I was wholeheartedly supported by everyone in Chennai, especially you and Maango, during Kavya’s birth and you encouraged me to work at Renu Sood, your garment export company. I also remember watching Mahabharath every Sunday at Marshalls road and feeding Kavya idlis. You and Kitty bhabi were instrumental in helping Mukund and I get married in Tirupati, making all the arrangements and also helping us set up our first home. Then began the tradition of the whole family gathering at Marshalls road on Sundays for Idli-Dosa. Guddu bhaiya, you have always been appreciative of everything I have done, big or small, and have supported both me and Mukund and we count you amongst our blessings. The biggest bonus of my staying in Chennai is that I get to sample all your culinary e orts – mithai, breads etc., - as well as your continuous guidance, whenever needed. You are a great father figure not only to us but to the whole family. Wishing you a very happy 75th birthday and may you live to be a 100 and more! Kalpana and Mukund



I have known Guddu Bhaiya forever. (He’s technically my mama, but when I was a kid I insisted that whatever my mother called the people around her, I would call them exactly that too - so he became and remains to this day, Guddu Bhaiya.) My childhood memories of him include going to Marshalls road house every Sunday for idli and dosa, sneakily walking around his room poking at the multitude of spiritual books and yellow highlighters that he had…..him taking a nap in “Buddha pose” on his bed…… him in the kitchen making food - more importantly sweets that earned him the nickname of the family ‘halwai’ and performing all the family ‘Havans’ that I am forever fascinated by. As I grew up, I appreciated his good nature, ever ready with a quick joke or a sharp witty commentary at the world around him at a moment’s notice. It always seemed like he could step into any role with utmost ease - brother, uncle, family head, family pundit and many more that I am not privy to. I have a lot of snapshot memories of him throughout the years - Guddu Bhaiya bringing back various goodies (sweets, chocolates and various types of teas) from whichever part of the world he happened to travel to, Guddu Bhaiya sending us all kinds of ayurvedic medicine to keep us free from ailments and (suprise!) more food - this time home-cooked, by his hand.



But mostly, I see him as the head of the family - always fulfilling that role with immense thoughtfulness, consideration and care for every individual involved. I have always admired him, his sense of humour, permanently calm demeanour, standing tall, clad (in my mind) in an all-white ensemble of dhoti and vest - all of which combined makes him seem larger than life to me. He has been a central figure in my family and an extremely crucial one as well. I know that he’s had an amazing 75 years of experience, love and laughter behind him - here’s to wishing him more years of the same, with more joy, adventure and happiness in the mix! We love you Guddu Bhaiya! Kavya



Guddu – the Karan-veer of the family Guddu, we did not meet often when we were growing up, but that changed after you married Kitty. We are related in two ways. You are my brother and brother-in-law. I remember that dear Mamaji had a lot of trust and faith in you. He told me that you bought Mamiji a sari with your first salary. He used to say that you are his “shravan kumar”. The way you looked after your parents is to be appreciated. I feel that you have taken after your Nanaji in your “seva bhaav”. Vishwa and I know that we can talk to you about any matter – spiritual or otherwise - especially after Swamiji. I admire the way you have worked hard and achieved everything that you have by yourself. Kitty has been your partner in every way. I believe “Jiska koi nahi hai….uska Guddu”. Happy 75th Birthday! Subhadra and Vishwa



Dear Guddu, On this milestone day in your life what do I wish for you? I would like to express so many thoughts but I am lost……! First of all, let me wish you on behalf of Rohit…….he would have sung songs for you with his face flushed with happiness and then together with him I would have sung “Happy Healthy Birthday to you”! Penning down some memories from the past - When you used to come to Kolkata from Chennai, from your style of knocking on the door of 5/2 Harish Mukherjee Road, Rohit and I both would immediately say “Guddu has arrived” and we would run down immediately. That was the bond of friendship. Rohit was always a part of your family and gradually I also became part of it after Munni’s marriage. The three households from: No.5, No 5/1 and No.5/2 were merged into one at 5/2, enjoying jhal-muri and eating oranges. I still think of those days with nostalgia. Our going to Lake Kali-Bari for Puchkas, Sunday morning breakfast on Chitpur road for Tayaji’s Kachoris, going swimming on the No. 9 bus and then to RamaKrishna Lunch home for Idlis.



So many more memories are coming flooding in. Later, after Ginny and Dipali’s birth, we enjoyed our swimming club sessions with dinner and not to mention - Kitty and me would be told to leave with the girls and wait outside in the car park, while the two of you would be enjoying your drinks, taking your own sweet time....... Those were the days……….to be marked in yours and our life-stories. Rohit and I have some beautiful Karmic ties with your family. Truly, I am not as close to my own siblings. And I had a di erent relationship with each of one of you: Munni and I studied together, Shivji used to consider me his sister, Ranju was my student and we used to walk back together from college, and Rani was born in front of me. Rohit and you have been brothers in spirit if not in blood, and have always been there for each other through thick and thin. And so, you became a brother to me. May God alleviate you to higher and higher self-realisation. With lots of love and best wishes for healthy and happy decades ahead. Happy Birthday again dear Guddu. Rohit and Chandrika



Dearest KK, Seems just yesterday when we met Kitty and you. Cherish all these travels and the happy memories we embraced in our journey and life. Age is just a number and you have matured with time just as a French Bordeaux. Bharath sends his warmest wishes from the heavens above and wishes to convey “Till we meet again buddy” Happy 75th birthday and best of health and peace always. Bharat and Vijay



















As per the shastras there are seven types of fathers: अ�दाता : Giver of food - It is the father's duty to provide the proverbial bread on the table. भयत्राता : Remover of fear - a father is a protector - one who removes fear or the cause of fear. One who has given you a new birth, another chance to live on. क�ादाता : Giver of daughter - giving of a daughter in wedding is considered the highest दान, for she is the basis of someone else's home. ज�दः : Giver of birth - the biological father, one who gives half his genetic code, and enables this actual life. This is the most important duty of a father. म�-दाता : Giver of mantra - म� is a secret 'weapon', and the giver of such an important aide in life is a guru, and is also considered as a father. �ानदाता : Giver of knowledge - the teacher, preceptor, guru, and guide. One who gives knowledge is also like a father, for knowledge enables all other things. उपनेता : Giver of education - उपनेता is one who does the sacred thread ceremony. The thread ceremony is considered the start of education, scholarship, student life and is one of the important ceremonies of a person. It is considered to be a second birth, a spiritual birth, the first one being a physical birth. �े�-भ्राता : Elder brother - an elder brother is like a father. And, मनु�ृित adds that an elder brother who performs the duties of a father, should be treated like a father. As the son, elder brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather to each member of the family you embody and uphold every one of these characteristics. We are honoured to celebrate your 75th birthday and pray for your hand to ever be over our heads.

िमलो िकसी से ऐसे िक िज़�गी भर की पहचान बन जाये, पड़े कदम जमीं पर ऐसे िक लोगों के िदलों पर िनशान बन जाये.. जीने को तो िज़�गी यहां हर कोई जी लेता है, लेिकन..... जीयो िज़�गी ऐसे िक औरों के लबों की मु�ान बन जाये ...

We wish you a Happy 75th Birthday, Papa!