75 years of GUDDU-All pages

The love for pasta, di erent types of breads, pongal, various flavours of co ee, monkey walk in rainy season in Ooty’s botanical gardens, the zest to discover new businesses, are among the many things that I have learned from Guddu mama. Whenever we’d go to Chennai or Pune, we would be showered with love by both Guddu mama and Kitty mami and they would ensure that we had a wonderful time. Anything that we would desire would be done. Guddu mama has a lot of concern for all the children in the family. Anytime he enquires about my future or career, it is with an assurance that he was always available to help, guide, or support and I know it will be readily given. Like a guardian angel, Mamaji you have always been looking over me and I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued blessings. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. Love, Rachna



There are uncles and there are uncles. You, Guddu mama are more than just an uncle. You have been my friend, philosopher and guide. What path to choose after finishing graduation is a big question in every- one’s life. I also had this confusion. It was at this juncture that Guddu mama stepped up and o ered his guidance. He invited me to Chennai to get the requisite training in garment making and exports at his facto- ry. It was then that I realised the selfless love he has for me. He is always helpful and leaves no stone unturned to make me or for that matter anyone, comfortable. Today as I stand again at the crossroads of my life, you have once more become my strength. You are just a call away, standing with me, guiding me and giving me the assurance that I am not alone, as I try to over- come these testing times. Mamaji, without your support it would have been very di cult for me to deal with the current situation. I would like to thank you for solidly being at my side always. Wishing you a very happy 75th Birthday Mamaji, Manish



The first time I met Guddu, I did not know I was looking at my future brother-in-law. He was just a strikingly handsome young man who had come to the airport to receive Kitty and I in lieu of our brother. I met him again seven years later when he had come with his father to our home on Babar Road to finalize his marriage with Kitty. I remember Guddu cut- ting a regal figure in his wedding attire and Kitty and he made for a beautiful couple. He is not a traditional brother-in-law standing for formalities. He is very amiable and easy to talk to. I remember arriving in Calcutta in the Ra- jdhani to help with Ginny’s delivery. My co-passenger on the long train journey was a lady of no words and my jaw was sti from not having uttered a sentence in two days. Guddu received me and I launched into a long conversation with him on our way to Harish Mukherjee road. What is admirable about Guddu is the arc of his self-actualization. As a young man he loved partying and socializing but over the years he has perfectly mellowed into a person who abides by the teachings of his guru, Swami Chidanand Maharaj who incidentally always referred to him as Krishna ji. I vividly remember the time Guddu and Kitty came to the station to receive my Guru Maharaj Vishwamitra ji. On seeing Guruji he performed a “dandvath pranam”, prostrating at Guruji’s feet on the station floor! If that isn’t a testament of his humility, I don’t know what is.



Out of thousands of his devotees in Delhi and elsewhere, Guru Maharaj chose Guddu to accompany him to Anand ashram in Kerala. I had been a devotee of Guruji for several years but never had the courage to ask him if I or any other devotee could photograph his feet. Once during a visit to Chennai, Guddu simply asked Maharaj if he could take a photograph of his feet. The unassuming way in which he asked, took Maharaj by surprise, and he could not refuse. That one photograph has been printed many times over and is a cherished possession of many devotees. I have taken several holidays with Guddu and Kitty from Scotland to Sikkim and of course everyone in my family has been accompanied by them to Tirupati. Joginder ji and I will never forget the amazing performance they put up in Palampur for our golden wedding anniversary. I wish him a long, healthy and happy life to achieve all his business and spiritual goals with continued success. With love, Susam



I have known Guddu since he married my little sister-in-law Kitty. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother-in-law. Guddu to me is a happy person, comfortable in his skin, confident and helpful. A far-sighted businessman, he has been my sounding board on many occasions. It was on his prudent and practical advice that I decided to switch business from forestry to steel. He epitomizes the ideal head of the family: a good son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He is God fearing, religious-minded and anything he does is done with great sincerity and dedication. I wish him heartily on his platinum birth celebrations and pray for many more years of good health and happiness. Joginder



The first time I heard of KK uncle, as he was then known, was when Kitty Masi’s wedding got fixed. There was this whole element of intrigue about the man marrying my Masi. Nana ji was a very active Rotarian. He attended weekly meetings regularly and in the drawing room of his home at 62, Baber Road there used to be a little poster stating a “Four Way Test”. 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendship? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? So, the first test Guddu uncle was put to was the Four Way Test! The question then arises - How did he fare? Is it the truth? Guddu uncle’s actions and integrity speak volumes for his character. His is a personality built on the solid foundation of truthfulness. Is he fair to all concerned? He is as fair as any judge can be, a large-hearted person always looking at the bigger picture and working towards a win-win solution for all.



He remains deeply a spiritual man, with a highly evolved sense of self, and a laser sharp focus on living life in the moment. He also happens to be a co ee connoisseur like no other I know. Like governments hunt for taxes, he hunts for co ee, especially mostly at the crack of dawn, sometimes even before. I remember my first visit to his and Masi’s home in Madras, as it was then known: I felt like I had entered a music studio. There were these huge speakers with music playing 24X7. All the latest LP’s were stacked and you could play your selection of music. At the end of my visit I was gifted an album of James Last. He remains a favourite artist of mine till date. Guddu uncle is a foodie who delights in feeding his family and guests. On our recent visit to Chennai, Apu and I ate and we ate and then we ate some more and a little bit more. Clearly, the word No does not exist in his vocabulary. Needless to say, he is an extremely hospitable person. He is a keen traveller, who loves his holidays, a person who while on vacation is already planning his next vacation. You name a place he’s been there or nearly there or closer to there, than you or anyone else you know.

A deeply devout and charitable man, Guddu uncle’s contributions to charity are far too many to even begin mentioning. He has been associated forever with The Divine Life Society. As is the case with such a person he has been blessed with a wonderful wife. Kitty Masi was the kingpin of what was then known as the Babar Road Gang. She and her elder sister (my mom) revelled in sending me on odd jobs to Bengali market during peak summer. They had perfected the free home delivery service model long before Amazon or Flipkart even thought of it! Kitty masi used to play extremely heavy-duty ragas on her sitar, which we kids thought were especially composed to put us to sleep. Guddu uncle and Kitty Masi wonderfully complement each other and are a couple truly made for each other. They have been blessed with two most wonderful kids: Ginny and Bhaiya. The true measure of a man is the values he has inculcated in his children. In this aspect too Guddu uncle has done a stellar job, under of course the able guidance of Kitty Masi. Ginny and Sharad are amazing hosts, who serve you the healthiest food outside of Jammu. Their house is always full of good food, good music, good cheer and of course good wine.

Kunal and Lalita are a wonderful couple, made for each other. One sings in the most melodious voice, the other provides the background noise. They have a wonderful home in Pune, one full of love and laughter. Guddu uncle is the Grand Tree under whose cover this entire family has grown and matured into the wonderful people they are. Guddu uncle, you have had a great 75 years, the best is yet to come. All of us have been lucky and blessed to be a part of your life and your journey. Here’s Wishing You a Very Happy 75th. Vikrant and Apu

My earliest memory of Guddu uncle is of a tall, large, man who always met us with carefree, infectious laughter. He is an uncle with whom I associate good times and laughter. I have distinct recollections of a holiday to Europe with the Sood family. I turned 18 on that trip and I experienced things that I had only read about or seen in movies. Guddu uncle had an equal zest to eat McDonalds fries in Paris as butter paneer in Amsterdam. Herding a big brood from railway stations to museums to bus stops and shops, he never lost his smile or sense of fun. There are so many qualities of Guddu uncle that I want to talk about and there really is no single sentence that can do justice to his persona. Generous, caring, dedicated, sincere, knowledgeable, and disciplined are just some of the traits that define him. I really appreciate the way he opened his heart and his home to Vivek when his work took him to Chennai. Over the last few years he has been a mentor to my mum, advising her on her physical as well as spiritual wellbeing. Sunayana spent a considerable amount of time in Chennai last year when she was doing a course there. She came back awed, with great respect and regard for Guddu uncle. Her words were, “What a man!” Sunayana felt a connection with him over their shared love for food, her spiritual quest and the intellectual debates they had.

There’s a phrase in hindi “Aapke dar pe jo aata hai, wo khali haath nahi jaata hai.” Whosoever visited your home would leave with useful advice, memories and of course gifts and I am blessed to have been the recipient many times over. Happy 75th birthday to you! Love, Binny and Vivek

Here’s to a great Semisesquicentennial birthday to GUDDU uncle. In the 5 decades we have known uncle, always seen him Smiling and ever helpful. Very methodical and Ever Reliable Uncle of our family. Always a pleasure to spend time with him, he has that unique infectious ability of uplifting the mood and spirit of others. Our only complaint is that he should visit Jammu more often. Arati, Anandita and Stuti join me in wishing him years of health and happiness ahead. PS. We are expecting a grand party post COVID 19 era. Nandan and Arati

One of my favourite psychologists - Carl Jung, says, \"Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes\". With your insurmountable wisdom and boundless compassion, you have inspired me to look outside and dream but also look inside and awaken to who I am. Thank you for giving me the greatest gifts in life of all - knowledge and intellectual stimulation. I love you very much. When I look back at life, some of the very best conversations I have ever had, have been with you. Thank you for broadening my horizons. I am so grateful for your love and support in all my endeavours. I wish I could be there to wish you in person, but instead I will reminisce over our great times with a bowl of ramen and a heart full of joy. Love, Sunayana

Dear Bhaiya Wishing you a very, very Happy 75th Birthday. I am sure you know how much you meant to Shivji. You were truly his friend, philosopher and guide. He had a lot of love and respect for you and always used to talk that how loving and caring you are. Shivji knew he could come to you with anything from dealing with dear Pitaji to any other issue. He used to say “Guddu does so much pooja-path. All I have to do is record him and listen to it. That will be like me praying.” And when Shivji fell ill, mere words cannot do justice to the care and concern that you had for him and me. You even bought him a new bed as he was uncomfortable with the one in the hospital. Bhaiya, you have been our rock during tough times, supporting me and the boys. My parents were so moved and touched by the way you looked after the three of us. They appreciated that I was safe in the embrace of my family. I really feel that I have to take many births to express my gratitude to you. I pray that in my next birth you are my own brother. Thank you for always being there and being a pillar of strength for my family. I take this auspicious occasion as an opportunity to acknowledge your unwavering support and help.

I pray to almighty God you have many, many, more wonderful years ahead of you. Kamakshi

Dear Respected Tauji, You have been a like a father figure to us always and have guided and supported us in ways that only a father can. In your own unique way, you have encouraged us to follow our destiny and we have tried to follow the same with full confidence that you are there always to back us up. From you, I have learnt to never shy away from hardwork, not look back and to do what ought to be done. Your generosity and kindness make you special. Your passion to pursue the spiritual path has inspired us to start our own spritual journey too. Congratulations on your 75th birthday. May God bless you with many more years of good health, fitness, happiness, and continued zest for life. Love, Pranab

Dear Tauji, Here's wishing you a very very Happy 75th birthday…..My prayers to the Almighty that you are blessed with good health, happiness and contentment always….May the joy and love that you spread so selflessly come back to you manifold and in abundance. On your milestone birthday, I hope you feel content and satisfied with your journey although you yourself have always shown the courage to move forward in life, with confidence and humility. All of us are lucky to have you as the head of our family-you are a pillar of support to all your siblings, a guiding light to all the kids and a fun grandfather to all grandkids. You are constant and determined in your endeavor to lead an ideal life and I hope God blesses us all with the courage and good sense to follow your example. On a personal level, I only hope to spend some more time absorbing your practical wisdom and tips on how to exist ideally. I hope you are always surrounded by people who make you smile...Once again, wishing you a very, very, Happy 75th birthday. Sonaina

Tauji has taught me that there are no shortcuts to doing your job. Just listening to what he has to say has taught me a lot personally and I am still learning professionally. I realize how fortunate we are to have uncle like him. I know that he is meticulous with his work, and reserves a serene and calm nature at home. He is a religious person and we have a pandit ji working from home praying and keeping family welfare safe. Lastly let’s not forget that he is a great cook...halwas, mithai, bread, the list goes on...luckily a portion is always reserved for us. Thank you for being there for us...a very happy 75th birthday and praying for many more to come. Gaurav

Many Congratulations to Respected Tauji and family on his 75th birthday Joining this side of Sood family post my marriage, I had known Tauji initially and mostly through Gaurav only, which was too good of an impression I had in my mind and a lot of respect which I had in my heart for him. Later, knowing him personally, I always saw him as a personality full of energy, positive thoughts, lots of love and laughter for the kids. I remember that during our stay at Marshalls road for more than a month after coming back from Indonesia, Shivika was mostly found in her BADE DADU'S room chit-chatting with him and Tauji treating her with her favourite cheese pizza and coke always), His fondness to keep experimenting with new things, his way, always. An incident that I remember during our Bali trip in the year 2011; it was my first casual trip with all the elderly people in the family and I just wanted to lend a helping hand in some way or the other. On o ering help, Tauji’s reply anytime would be “Haan co ee piyenge, PAR HUM APNI COFFEE KHUD BANAYENGE”, and then I looked at Taiji, and I still remember she told me “Priti beta, don't bother, just relax.” Tauji, you are a great source of inspiration to all of us and we always look up to you for almost everything. May your kindness and generosity return to you a hundredfold, always. Praying to almighty for your good health and happiness, Priti



To KK on his 75th birthday, What can I write about this ever generous and kind person? I discovered that there are copious number of words which could singly and severally describe the various attributes of the remarkable person that KK is. A able, Agreeable, Amiable, Charming so on and so forth totalling up to a hundred or so adjectives that could describe KK. I am still at a loss of words to describe the multi-faceted person that KK is. Of his being not only a “foodie” and a consummate Chef but also a great traveller and travel companion. The list goes on with more fond attributes exceeding that of the contents of the Sahasranamam. I notice we have another five years before his Sadhabhishekam, a ceremony after completing 80 years when a thousand moon rises will have taken place in the person’s life of 80 years. By that time, I hope I would be able to aptly write about this venerable person who I think is eminently worthy of emulation by people in all walks of life. V Srinivasan



I believe that destiny plays a very important role in one’s life. We Srinivasans hail from the southern-most tip of our nation, a town called Tirunelveli, where, with just one further step you are likely to fall into the Indian Ocean. The Soods hail from Himachal Pradesh which is the northern tip of India. When the Soods shifted to Tamilnadu four and half decades back, I do not know what benefits they expected from the move. But we are the true beneficiaries. Yes, we got a wonderful all-in-one “Maapillai, Daamad, Jamai Babu and son-in-law” from them. Thank you Soods for shifting to the south. And the association for the past sixteen years with this family is a “Dream come true”, happening especially when one’s daughter is treated like a princess in her in-laws family. What else can parents ask for? Once again “Thank You” Soods. Mr. Sood is a silent supporter and helper in the true sense. One can rely on him for any help without any doubt. With his height and personality, he can give shelter to many people like a Banyan tree. To top it all Mr. Sood is a generous and good human being. Many, many, happy returns of the day, Mr. Sood with permanent good health and peace. Jeya



The Pillar of our Parivaar – Guddu Bhai Guddu bhai is always there when you need any advice or help. But, only if you ask for it. According to Pitaji, Guddu bhai was conceived in Varanasi, the holiest city in India. I think that is why he is such a spiritual and good person. We siblings had a very good and healthy childhood and Guddu bhai was not only our leader but also our cheerleader. My brother has helped me on many occasions. Today I am a dietician be- cause of him. It was di cult to get admission for the course and due date had already passed, but Guddu bhai with his inherent charm, impressed the college authorities and got me a seat. Becoming a dietician allowed me to help our dear Pitaji and plan his diet. Another example of his helpfulness was at the time when Ravi and I were organizing Rajat’s wedding. I just happened to mention to him that I did not know how to start preparing for the wedding. The very next week he drove up to Bombay from Pune. Within 3 hours, like an experienced wed- ding planner, he organized everything for me. He is a good writer too and wrote a very good script for Rajat’s cocktail function. We all had a great time.



All of us - brother and sisters - have had many memorable holidays together. All meticulously planned by Guddu bhai and always with alternate plans on standby. We look forward to having many holidays together in the future. According to me, Guddu bhai is a combination of many personalities. For parties and holidays a really jovial and fun-loving person emerges. Towards his parents and grandparents, he was very caring and obedient. Humble to the core, very disciplined, hard-working and always seeking higher knowledge. Guddu bhai you are a good human being and thank you for being part of our life. We all love you and wish you good health and happiness always. Ranju & Ravi

My most distinct memory of Guddu mama is around when I was 2! He gifted me a toy remote Porsche that, with mom’s help, I have till date preserved in its original packaging and away from Ahaan (who will surely destroy it, if he gets his hands on it). And why that is significant is, is at that age itself, it instilled the dream in me to buy one! Although that dream is still a work in progress, it’s symbolic of what an inspiration Guddu Mama has been. His ambition, work ethic and accomplishments, clubbed with his sense of humor, is truly something I strive for. Thanks Guddu Mama for being an amazing role model and for all that you’ve done for all of us! Rajat

Guddu Mama is like a second father to me. I cherish the memories I have playing with him in my childhood. I remember him as someone who helps, advises and encourages; great at telling funny family stories and making me laugh. I’m really lucky cause the world’s coolest mama belongs to me. Candy



KK bhaisaheb is such a jovial person. Always very respectful and kind. He loves food and I remember his trips to Bengali market, where he would always want to eat some food from Nathus. Even now when he came after so many years to visit, he wanted to go to Bengali market for chaat and golgappa. I loved the trip to Chennai two years ago when he and kitty took great care of us all. Took us to Pondicherry and it was lovely to be with them. He is a lovely cheerful person who is always smiling. God bless you Guddu, with good health and lots of happy years ahead. Krishna bhabi

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.