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Will to Lead 145 the Verandah only. There was an attendant who would Khichri Prasad of his life. He ate more than half a bowl, be with him all the time. kept the rest on the table, and told the servant. I do not feel like eating anymore. Immediately after that, his It was 13th January, the day of the Lohri Festival. It was head turned on one side while sitting on the chair, and a very windy day. Every year we used to celebrate he became slightly unconscious. I was locking my Lohri with him in the Verandah. My husband and I house upstairs to leave for the school when I saw all of decided that we shall not bring Pita Ji outside his them running towards me, and they were in panic. We bedroom since the day was very windy. Both of us did lifted him with his head in both hands and the rest of his the rituals and went to see him in his bedroom. He body in their hands. I noticed that Pita Ji moved his lips looked annoyed with us. Straight away, he asked us and mouth. We saw that he breathed out his last through why he was not asked to participate in Lohri. We told his mouth. We helped him lie down on the bed. Soon him that it is very windy outside. He took some Lohri the Doctor came and examined him, started pressing Prasad and called me towards his chair. He put his hand his chest, and promptly declared him dead. Arun was on my head, gave me his blessings, and said, you have not at home when all this happened. He breathed his made me very proud. You are the best principal. These last in my hands. Heaven fell on us within seconds. We were his last spoken words to me, but I noticed that his laid him on the bed, put a blanket on him, and called throat was not functioning correctly, and the look in his Arun. He became speechless. Dr. Gupta, who was eyes was not clear. Then he called Arun his son towards attending Pita Ji is our family physician. I questioned him and gave him his blessings by keeping his hand on him in a highly disturbed voice, \"Dr. Sahib, what are we his head and, in a low voice, told him,\"my time has going to do now.” He bluntly said, \"You have to prepare come.\" Arun was taken aback by these words and told for his cremation.\" I got annoyed with him without him,\" Pita Ji do not say such things. He kept quiet, but I realizing the truth. toldArun that his eyes do not look normal. The first person I called was Dr. (Mrs.) Nisha Peshin, The next day was the auspicious Makar Sakranti day. my Director, and then Mr. Gandhar and Mr. Marriya. He dressed up as usual, and I sent a plate of Shagun Mrs. Gandhar advised me to keep the body of Pita Ji on ingredients and asked the help to ask Pita Ji to keep his the floor. I did not like this suggestion of making such a hand on the Thali. Pita Ji very religiously did that, and high person, who is no less than a God for us, to be laid he asked him, \"Madam has sent it ?.\" He touched the down on the floor. I asked my school staff to arrange for Thali to be sent to the Temple. I had made \"Dal, Rice a freezer, and they brought it. We decorated the freezer Kicheri\" and sent a bowl full of that for him. He asked inside and made Pita Ji lie on roses spread on the white the servant, \"Madam has sent it ?\". He said 'yes' like sheet. He looked serene, calm, with a beautiful face that every year. Pita Ji kept the bowl in his hand started was glowing. I was uncontrollable, and tears were not eating with a spoon gladly. That was the last meal of in control.

146 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography In a short time, Mr. & Mrs. Gandhar reached along with The school staff was decorating the funeral van, and Principal Jeewan. Mr. Gandhar took over the control of they did it with only roses. Van was transparent with a the last rites of Pita. He was in constant touch with our glass case in which Pita Ji was lying peacefully. We worthy President Padam Shree Shri Punam Suri Ji. took Van to school as per his last wish. I got down from President Sir talked to me on the phone and said that the funeral van, laid down myself on his feet, and they had suffered a great loss. He also told me that all apologized to him for any mistake we may have made. DAV institutions of India would remain closed on his He was buried under heavy wreathes, garlands, cremation day. He also told me that Mr. and Mrs. R.S. flowers, and sheet with the DAV Symbol OM. Sharma Ji would reach early in the morning the next day and Mr. Gandhar would be taking responsibility for After reaching the cremation ground, we saw the funeral, which will be a big procession of the DAV thousands of people, the staff from various schools, the staff, dignitaries, and senior officials. whole staff of DAV College Jalandhar, Vice- Chancellor of Panjab University, parents, the school Sh. Gandhar Sir was sitting at the dining table with staff, and many office bearers from DAV College Mr. Jeewan and discussed with Arun Ji all the last rite Managing Committee, New Delhi. While Pita Ji was rituals, as per family wishes. I was inconsolable, and lying on the pyre, he was covered with too many shawls while crying in an uncontrolled voice, I asked Nisha Ji as a mark of honor and respect. While the shawls to reach and stand by my side in this hour of grief. She covered his body, eleven Pandits started Shalok called and said that President Sir had asked her to Ucharan together with proper rituals. I sought organize a condolence meeting at AnarkaliArya Samaj, permission from the cremation incharge to wrap his and she will be coming on the Uthala ceremony day. body in Sai Baba's Chola. He allowed. Before Arun Ji lit his pyre, there were shrieks all-round. I was standing Meanwhile, Arun Ji informed Vani and Vishal. They towards the head side of Pita Ji, touched his face with were shocked and panicky. Vani took the flight both hands, and said to him, \"Pita Ji, please keep immediately. She also arranged tickets for Vishal, showering your blessings on us. Please do not leave us Amber, and Arnav with a direct flight to Delhi. She also alone. Take care of your school and remain with us in started calling Arun's elder brother Sh. Sunil Bahl to difficult times. I could not bear Pita Ji leaving us. I inform him about his father's demise, but collapsed rear his head. Some people lifted me and took unfortunately, the phone call could not be reached. Mr. me from there. His face was glowing, but it was ice Gandhar fixed up 3 p.m. for Cremation. cold. Arun Ji could not stand on his feet and was helped by the school staff. We had not lost not only his father Sh. R.S. Sharma Ji reached at 7 a.m. He was in a sad but our treasure. Our everything revolved around our mood. He hugged both of us and cried a lot. Sharma father. I talked to our President, Sir, who asked me to uncle said, 'It is you and Arun who both gifted life of have faith in God and surrender myself to God in this 102 years to Pita Ji. difficult time.

Will to Lead 147 Vani and Vishal all reached Chandigarh crying in grief. Mr. Gandhar accompanied us to Kiratpur and made My sister-in-law Madhu Khosla and her family also arrangements for Haridwar. We reached Haridwar late arrived the next day, in the morning. Arun Ji's elder in the evening. Mr. Dhani Ram Ji, who was looking brother and his wife Bala also reached, and it was after Ashrams, took us to 'Ganga Ma'. Ashes were, with freezing cold. Shalok Ucharan, immersed in 'Ganga Ma's lap. But because of shortage of time, we could not stay there for I was busy making arrangements for Uthala Ceremony another essential ritual. The next day Arun Ji went in Arya Samaj, Sector 7-B, Chandigarh. Mr. Gandhar again to Haridwar to complete the last Rituals. arranged singers for Bhajans from Kurukshetra school. Vani also wanted to pay her tribute through her Pita Ji's last wish was that his ashes should be thrown in versatile Shalok Ucharan. President Sir with Mani the school's flower beds, and plants should be grown in Ma'am reached Arya Samaj. He started Havan with the his memory. Vani made all arrangements to dig the beds family members. After Haven, people began gathering in soil and saw saplings of fruit trees like banana trees, in the big hall of Arya Samaj, and it was fully packed lemon trees, and many other plants that are now and attired with rose petals all around. Vani recited flourishing in school. Shalok with tears in her eyes, remembering her Pita Ji. Music teachers sang bhajans. Sh. R.C. Jeewan gave a Pita Ji, with your profound blessings, school is being very emotional speech, and the blessings of President run under the same policies, same traditions, same Sir were valuable and touching to the core. He values, and same academic standards. remembered Pita Ji as the Father of the DAV organization, whose words were considered golden Vani also got your blessings and is married today to words. People gathered in the basement hall for lunch. Jaikrishnan Chathu, who is an excellent boy. Arnav Mr. Sekhri Sir, Mrs. Kackaria, Brig. Adlakha and many also is a gem of our family. We see you in him. No more had to go back from Delhi Railway Station doubt, every day, every minute, and every occasion, we because of extreme fog due to which they could not talk about you and miss you, Pita Ji. start from Delhi. First Barsi was organized in a very pious manner where President Sir and Mani Ma'am left after the Uthala many people joined us. Shri Punam Suri Ji inaugurated ceremony. The following day after collecting his ashes, a big spacious, ultramodern Hall as B.S. Bahl we all left for Haridwar to immerse his ashes in Ganga. Multipurpose Hall on the school's second floor. The But Pita Ji had handwritten his last will, the copy of School is known for high discipline and excellence in which was lying with Arun Ji. He had written that his studies. It is also known in Tri-city to produce high- ashes should be first immersed in Satluj river at quality results. Kiratpur and rest in the School Lawns.

148 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Shri Punam Suri JI paying tribute to Pita Ji.

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154 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Emotional Day 1st Death Anniversary Emotional day for the whole Bahl family on 1st Death Anniversary (BARSI) of our revered Father, Shri B.S. Bahl Ji (Pita Ji) Completion of one year after Pita Ji passed away, Arun and I were very emotional, broken, and demoralized to feel the absence of Pita Ji around us. So we planned to organize his 1st Death Anniversary (BARSI) in his memory in a very pious manner. The best thing that happened was that our revered President, Padam Shri Punam Suri Ji came from Delhi along with his noble wife Mrs. Mani Suri Ji to inaugurate the B.S. Bahl Multimedia Hall in his memory at KB DAV Senior Secondary Public School, Sector 7-B, Chandigarh. Mr. H.R. Gandhar, Vice President, DAV CMC, New Delhi, all Principals, dignitaries were present on this auspicious day. The inauguration was carried away by the august hands of our President Sir with a shower of rose flowers, and his blessings to the school were of great support to us. Mr. R.S. Sharma Ji also came on that day to join us on this emotional day, and his support and blessings were exceptional for the whole family.

Will to Lead 155 All principals of DAV Public Schools under my Jagjit Singh, a renowned Ghazal & Bhajan Singer, who jurisdiction as Regional Officer and Manager also was a student of Pita Ji at DAV College, Jalandhar and came from different states to join us. All LMC Pita Ji was very fond of him. Mr. Ahuja sang the Bhajan members of the school, along with all dignitaries and “Chithi Na Koi Sandesh, Kaha Tum Chale Gaye,” friends, were also present. The august gathering that which made everybody cry. day was a special occasion for us, and their presence made us feel honored. It was decided that on 16th October, the Day when Pita Ji was born, will be solemnized as the Founder The special occasion was when Shri R.S. Sharma Ji Day of School every year. Dr. Arun Bahl, who took spoke from his heart in the memory of his mentor. over as a School Chairman after Pita Ji, takes care of the Principal R.C. Jeewan, who is considered the elder son school with great dedication and devotion and tries his of Pita Ji, also gave a very emotional speech. Mr. H.R. best to follow in his footsteps. However, there is never a Gandhar also spoke in loving memory of Pita Ji and day when we do not remember him. May God give remembered him with touching words and paid his eternal peace to the great pious soul and let him be with “Shradhanjali” to him. Mr. Brajesh Ahuja sang several us forever. Bhajans, but his special bhajan was from the album of

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158 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography My Mother-in-law Smt. Kailash Bahl Smt. Kailash Bahl, who was the noble wife of Sh. B.S. Bahl became my mother-in-law on 9th October 1972. She was a short-statured lady, very affectionate. She was blessed with four children - two sons and two daughters. Her eldest son, Mr. Sunil Bahl, is settled in California in the USA, Dr. Arun Bahl (my husband), is Masters in organic chemistry, which he did from the Northeastern University at Boston, and a Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He stayed in the USA and UK for over five years. Her eldest daughter was Mrs. Usha Sehgal, who passed away just a few years ago, then the fourth one was the youngest daughter Mrs. Madhu Khosla, who got married to an Architect Er. Avinash Khosla. My mother-in-law Kailash Bahl was very systematic, very good at cooking, used to wash the clothes herself, and used to daily iron our Pita Ji's clothes. She was a devoted and caring wife. She kept Pita Ji's elder sister's three children with the family at Jalandhar. Mr. Ranpat Khosla was staying with the family, and he became Income Tax Commissioner. Ranpat was transferred five times in the first year of his service as punishment for his honesty and hard work. He approached the then Prime Minister of India, Mr. Jawahar Lal Nehru, who later included him in his staff. Miss Sarla,

Will to Lead 159 Ranpat Khosla's sister, also stayed for many years with Pita Ji got very angry, and he lashed out the Doctor. the family. Many other close relatives, towards whom Dr. Bhargav had even informed that there was a life she was very cordial, would keep them with the family. threat too to her. She would take care of them like her own children. Pita Ji's whole family was thoroughly shattered to learn My mother-in-law was not keeping good health. She about the plight of Mata Ji. Mr. Ravinder Talwar, hadAsthma since 1956. Principal of DAV Senior Secondary School (Lahore), Sector 8, Chandigarh, was of great help to us during She passed away at the age of 75 at the PGI at those moments. He used to visit the hospital Chandigarh. It was a severe setback and a big tragedy. occasionally. Pita Ji got restless and wanted to shift our mother to the PGI, Chandigarh. The school had just started in 1992, and she passed away in June 1994. She did not have a natural death. My friend Dr. Mrs. Kiran Chadha, IAS Officer, who She also suffered from strong acidity and gradually was the Director of Government Medical College and started becoming weak. It was the month of June when Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, was running from we decided to take her to Dr. Bhargav's nursing home in pillar to post with me to the PGI for help. We got her Sector 8, Chandigarh. On the first day when she was admitted to the PGI, which Dr. Bhargav did not happily admitted she was healthy to talk and respond. She concede as he advised that the doctors would torture vomited, which she was occasionally doing. I called her by taking severe tests, and exactly the same thing Dr. Bhargava in the private room, where she was made happened. I was running around to meet the senior to stay. I informed the Doctor about the vomiting that doctors, but being the month of June, many doctors she did. Dr. Bhargav instructed his junior Doctor to were away on vacation. I could meet one plastic give her an injection of medicine, Perinorm. The junior surgeon Dr. Chari who was the father of my son's Doctor gave her a strong dose, which she could not friend. He went with us to help. The doctors started tolerate, and it was terrifying to see that she pulled her conducting a painful and critical tests to find out the intravenous glucose equipment and started shivering reason. Ultimately we were in the emergency intensive badly and immediately slipped into a coma. With me, care ward. She did not open her eyes. there were Dr. & Mrs. Chhabra in that room. I called the Doctor out of panic, and he also got very upset and I started by trying to get a private room and was able to scared and informed us that she had slipped into the get it allotted for our other family members. That was first stage of coma and told me that she might have a Friday, 30th June, and since morning, her condition second attack of the final coma, which proved true. was not appearing satisfactory. That day, as we noticed, Very soon, she had another attack of coma and slipped her legs had stopped functioning and had become very into an acute and final coma. That was a very sensitive stiff and hard, and she developed a very high and difficult moment for us. How to announce it to Pita temperature as well. ji was a big issue of sensitivity. Ultimately Dr. Bhargav himself came to our residence and briefed Pita Ji about I started putting ice water packs on her forehead to the critical status of Mata ji. reduce the fever. But her fever would not come down. The doctors were not taking us into confidence, and it This shocked Pita Ji as she was a solid pillar of the was clear enough that she was passing through a critical family and was deeply and emotionally close to Pita Ji. condition. That evening, she released a big pool of

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Will to Lead 161 liquid that was a foul-smelling and dirty looking We bought Mata Ji's body home. It was an extremely material. It became tough to assess the situation. sad moment, and all of us faced the hardest moments of grief. We were uncontrollable, but it was Pita Ji who Late in the evening at around 7.30 p.m., my husband was in an utter mourning plight, was not convinced to and I left her for some time with my sister-in-law and believe that she could part from him that way. went home to eat something as I would go on fast every Friday. I came back and narrated the whole day's People started pouring in that very night. As Pita ji was situation to my daughter Vani and told her to be acting and most Senior Vice President of DAV College mentally prepared as Mata Ji was too close to her. Managing Committee, New Delhi, Mr. G.P. Chopra Ji While we were taking the fasting dinner, we got a call ordered the cremation to be done with big state honors. from our sister-in-law Madhu, breaking the sad news All DAV Principals, the staff, and especially the whole that Mata Ji was no more. As we broke this news to Pita staff of DAV from Jalandhar had come to attend the last Ji, he lost himself completely and starting shouting at rites. doctors, crying like anything. The moment we reached the hospital, we saw our mother lying on a bed with a covered face. The doctors expressed their helplessness and asked Arun Ji to donate her body to the PGI hospital for research purposes as there was no diagnosis and cause of her serious illness. Arun Ji lost his temper and, in very fierce words, badly cursed that Doctor: \"Had she been your mother, would you have donated her body?\" It took a lot of time to make him normal. It was told by our sister-in- law, who was by her side, that she appeared to be waiting for her elder son Sunil Bahl Ji to come and see her . I rushed to my friend Kiran Chadha's house, told her about Mata Ji's passing away, and she immediately rushed with me to the hospital. She talked to the doctors concerned, and they released the body. Kiran acted like a true friend.

162 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Bahl Family

Arun & Madhu 163 163 The Chairman of the School, and a renowned author of Chemistry books, Dr. Arun Bahl, is my husband. He has always been an integral part of the School but behind the curtain. He always provided me his full support and helped in various affairs of the School. Arun Ji is a silent worker. He is a man of few words with a simple, down-to-earth attitude. I will fail in my duties if I do not introduce him. He is Masters in Chemistry from the Northeastern University and a Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University. His father had sent him to complete his Ph.D. and come back to India. Arun Ji is the most affectionate and caring father to our children. He is closer to his daughter Vani, and he used to help her in her studies. He has proved himself as a renowned author of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry books. Writing books is his passion. He writes B.Sc. level books, which students very well accept. He is virtually wedded to books. His day starts with books and ends with the books only. Pita Ji used to feel proud and delighted to see him writing the books. Arun Ji worked as a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, from where he retired as a reputed teacher of rare eminence and as an author of name and fame. It is a fact that he was considered the best Professor in his department and was very popular among his

164 students. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of On his return from Edinburgh, he was appointed Chemistry London and a fellow of the American Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the Department of Institute of Chemistry. Chemical Engineering and Technology of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Within a few years, he was Arun Ji does not socialize much. That makes me very promoted to the post of a Reader and then a Professor. upset. As per the resolution passed in DAV CMC, he is the Chairman of the School, and he thus devotes his Pita Ji advised Arun Ji to fix up his priorities as teaching valuable time to our School, which is doing well under in the University and as an author of chemistry books. his chairmanship. He was considered one of the finest teachers in the University. Later on, he joined his father as the co- Arun Ji was too close to his father, and it took him a author of many books. The books authored by him are long time to reconcile. Being a very loving son, Pita Ji considered the best textbooks of organic chemistry in was very keen to bring him back to India after the country. In 1977, his advanced level Organic completing his Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University, Chemistry Book came, and it was printed four times by Edinburgh, where he worked very hard and completed the National Book Trust of India. his Ph.D. in two years, which was very rare.

Will to Lead 165 Arun Ji had done his Ph.D. under his guide and mentor, Arun is the author of several prestigious books like Dr. William Kemp, who came to India on our invitation Advanced Organic Chemistry, Essentials of Physical and stayed with us for more than two months with his Chemistry and A Textbook of Organic Chemistry, etc. wife and stayed with us at Chandigarh. He also visited Students and teachers highly appreciate these books. Kashmir. In Kashmir, he was considered a State Guest. The books are entirely developed in his office and Dr. Kemp had a great appreciation for his work and given to the publishers on a hard drive in print-ready admired him a lot. format. 28th 24th EDITION EDITION ESSENTIALS OF Physical Chemistry S. CHAND Arun Bahl 5000 OrganicA TEXTBOOK OF B.S. Bahl Chemistry Solved Problems in G.D. Tuli Organic Chemistry Arun Bahl | B.S. Bahl Arun Bahl | B.S. Bahl Review - Advanced Organic Chemistry Bahls have inspired several generations of students with their clear and insightful presentation. This book is clearly Master Organic Chemistry with the help of this proven best- the superior tool for learning Organic Chemistry. seller ! The Advanced Organic Chemistry by Bahl and Bahl is consistently praised as the most clearly written book. If you are a teacher, it is going to be a solid bet for planning Through their lucid writing style and ability to show the your lectures. Overall, the Advanced Organic Chemistry is a beauty and logic of organic chemistry, authors make learning perfect blend of good content, great formatting and very very enjoyable. beautiful style. The Advanced Organic Chemistry is the most trusted book on I think the book is marvelous. the market. The organization and presentation are done with marvelous clarity. The book is visually beautiful, and the William Kemp authors communicate their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject in every chapter. Illustrations, photos, and diagrams Author of Organic Spectroscopy are very useful. Explanations are concise and nicely worded. Reaction mechanisms are described in step-by-step manner. More than 2000 solved end-of-chapter problems will help students master the subject and prepare them for the Exams.

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168 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Vani & JK Vani was born on 15th August 1973 on India's Independence Day, at Ohri Hospital in Jalandhar. Everyone was very happy, and congratulated me that the girl was born on an auspicious day. Pita Ji took her in his arms and told me that she would become an extraordinarily brilliant child. Looking back now, it appears to be a prophecy. Arun Ji too, was thrilled. I stayed at Jalandhar for quite some time under the care of my in-laws. We had Havan Sandhya at the Principal's Residence, and my mother also came from Jammu to participate in the celebrations. The newly born was given the name 'Vani' by Pita Ji. She was an adorable child. After a few days, when I could travel, we took her to Jammu at my parents' home and stayed there for quite some time. After a stay at Jammu, we came back to Jalandhar and spent a few more days there, before we brought Vani to Chandigarh. As Vani turned two and a half years old, we noticed that she is an exceptional learner. We admitted her to the nearby daycare. It was Guru Nanak Preparatory School in Sector 18, Chandigarh. She was very excited and happy to go to school everyday, and teachers were very fond of her too. When she reached the right age to go to school, Vani got admission into Carmel Convent School, Sector 9, Chandigarh, in the Nursery Class on the basis of an Entrance Test. She was looked after by her class teachers Mrs. Lowrne and Mrs. Baghai. Vani was an excellent performer at her school. I used to help her with homework, but she preferred to self-study from very early on. And only after completing her homework, she would play - only girl's games

Will to Lead 169 though. Vani and Vishal were both outstanding in their extensive research and work accomplished on the studies. Both of them never watched TV. They only project qualifies it for a MArch thesis.' Vani completed focused on their studies. Bachelor of Architecture and secured 2nd position in Punjab University. After completing 10th grade, Vani had decided she is going to pursue Non Medical stream, and she got During this period, Vani met Restorers Aman Nath and admission on her own merit at MCM DAV College for Francis Wacziarg of Neemrana Hotels, who invited her Women, Sector 36, Chandigarh. She was aspiring to be to join them in their restoration efforts. Vani moved to an engineer, but Pitaji saw the aptitude in her and Delhi, where she lived as a paying guest, and worked motivated her to take up admission in Chandigarh on several projects with them in states of Rajasthan, College of Architecture when she completed 12th Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, etc. Mud grade and a national entrance exam. Pitaji picked it Fort in Kuchesar (UP) and Glass House on the Ganges right for her! She did extremely well in architecture (Rishikesh) were one of the first projects. Some of the college, and most importantly she enjoyed every bit of projects close to her heart are Addition of Amphitheater it. She excelled in every way, and made us and Pitaji and Hanging Gardens in Neemrana Fort Palace, very proud. Vani would occasionally go over and Stepwell of AFSAN in Haryana, Tijara Fort Palace beyond what was expected of her as a student as part of (near Ajmer). She also worked on proposals for the curriculum. She was fearless in trying and learning Madhogarh Fort (Haryana) and Qila Mubarak (Patiala) new things. As part of the architecture curriculum, Vani for governments to initiate restoration of these historic worked under Arun Lakhanpal and Arun Loomba on buildings. stadiums in Mohali and Delhi. At the time, India was gearing up for the Cricket World Cup, and these were Vani was part of the team commissioned by then very prestigious projects. They also became her first President of India KR Narayanan to document the rich mentors outside the college faculty, who are history of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (The President's responsible for molding her for the real world Palace), and bring it to the world in the form of a book challenges in the field of architecture. 'Dome Over India'. Vani helped Aman Nath who was the author of the book as Researcher. The book was For her final year college thesis, Vani picked an unusual received very well, and President of India, KR stream, and decided to work on Revitalisation of Narayanan, released it in the Ashoka Hall of the Precincts of Qila Mubarak Patiala in Punjab. Professor Rashtrapati Bhavan. This was indeed a proud Kiran Joshi was her guide, and Vani admired her. accomplishment for her. We had received a special Professor Kiran Joshi also honed Vani's skills in the invitation from the President of India, and I traveled to field of historic preservation and motivated her to take Delhi to attend the book release ceremony. Mr. Lal up this extensive project. Honestly, at first we were Krishan Advani, the renowned BJP leader, who was worried if such a vast project could be accomplished in also at the book release ceremony, complimented her such a short time of a semester. But Vani put in all her personally and admired her efforts as a young girl. It heart and soul, stayed up nights, and unearthed such was indeed a very proud moment for me as a mother. fascinating facts of the culture and architecture of Patiala. Professor Nalini Thakur of School of Planning Aman and Francis are family for Vani, and she respects and Architecture, who was one of the jury, noted, ' the them as her mentors and friends. And they too in return are very close to her. Those years that Vani worked in

170 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Delhi, she would be traveling, spending most of her time on the sites. She was respected and loved by everyone in her professional world, for her hard work, attention to detail, respect for the craftsmen and their families, and most importantly respect for our culture and traditions. Even though she moved to the United States, she still nurtures all those connections she made, and she learnt from. She worked on Restoration of Tijara Fort Palace from the United States. She would work with her team on-site at night, and visit India often to monitor progress of the work. Today, Tijara is a fully functional heritage hotel. To mark her work, and also to honour their deep and such a long association and friendship, Aman Nath designed and named one of the suites in Tijara Fort Palace as Vani Mahal. On Vishal's suggestion, Vani decided to go to the United States for a Masters in Architecture. She got admission in all universities she applied to with full tuition aid as an incentive and appreciation for her work thus far in the field of architecture. She picked University of Colorado at Denver as Vishal was also working there by then, and it would be a good opportunity for them to be together. Vani received credit and full tuition aid while she was studying at Denver. She completed her Masters in 9 months, which was very remarkable. After completing her Masters, Vani decided to move to California, where she started work for her Uncle, Sunil Bahl, who owns a big manufacturing business Sierra Circuits. He appointed her to manage his architectural projects. In the beginning, times were rough for her. She was living without a car, and used to travel by bus every day. She was able to rent a studio, and lived by herself there. Shortly after, as she started settling down, she bought a car, and also bought a condo in Sunnyvale, where she finally moved. While working in California, Vani became interested in Green Architecture. She studied and passed exams to

Will to Lead 171 become LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C), God has been very kind to bless us with the wonderful United States Green Building Council. She also son-in-law who wins the heart of everybody founded a platform GreenExamGuide where she offers whomsoever he meets. JK is a deep believer in God, free study aides and material to professionals preparing and meditates daily. Vani and JK are very fond of dogs, for LEED Exams. She is also the founder and manager and have two fur babies of their own. of a platform called The Architects' Alliance. This group is for architects and designers who wish to Vani, besides her expertise in architecture, is also a collaborate and work on projects worldwide to make a hobbyist soaper. She uses natural ingredients straight substantial difference in the built world. She has from farms and makes Artisan skincare products. In the written several journals, articles, and weekly columns beginning, she used to make these for friends and for Indian Express on architectural topics. family, but now she runs a small online store 'Bhooma Handmade', and her products are loved and used by so While living and working in Sunnyvale, Vani came in many people all over the United States. During COVID touch with her old colleague and friend, Mahendra pandemic, she started making sanitizer with very Singh. He motivated her to start Yoga with the Isha superior quality and gentleness on the hands. She got Foundation, which started a very intense and fulfilling rave reviews, and it became so popular that she was spiritual evolution for Vani. She was also a very active making it non-stop to help as many people she could volunteer with the foundation. One of the volunteers reach. had donated 63 acres of land in San Juan Bautista, California. Sadhguru had a vision to develop the land, Vani, by her nature, is a kind hearted person and is very which was completely barren at the time, into a affectionate. She works very hard, immerses herself beautiful center rich with trees and nature. Vani, and completely in every task she takes up, and is willing to another boy from Kerala, Jayakrishnan (JK), lead the learn and evolve herself at every step of the way. These volunteers to develop the land. Both of them worked qualities, along with her pure heart, will take her places. selflessly for 4+ years, and planted more than 5000 trees. JK brought water to each and every tree through an irrigation system that he designed and laid out. Vani and JK made a very good team, and complemented each other beautifully and completely. With Sadhguru's grace, both are happily married today. JK is a promising boy, accommodating, very energetic, all-rounder, and very simple by nature. Vani is very fortunate to get married to JK. He is a Software Engineer, and works for the company VMWare Together, they have travelled a lot, and also nurture a common love for nature. Both of them together travelled to Montana and even Austria to study Permaculture from very famous Permaculture practitioner Sepp Holzer.

172 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Jayakrishnana Chathu USA. After the acquisition, he moved to Hyderabad. He worked there for five years until the company was Parents of Jayakrishnana Chathu (JK) moved from a acquired by a telecom giant Nokia, who transferred Kerala village to a burgeoning textile city, Coimbatore, him to Mountain View, USA, because of his excellent in Tamil Nadu. His father took a job in a textile mill, Linux kernel skills. At Ramp Networks and Nokia, he and the mother ran a small shop to maintain a growing was highly regarded for his field problem solving and family. Soon uncles from mother-side and Father's side customer support. He frequently visited customer sites moved in with them. Growing up with so many uncles across the world, Japan, Taiwan, Israel, and Belgium. and aunts in a big family, he always had someone to Nokia eventually sold its network security division to take care of, advise, or inspire. Checkpoint Israel. He worked for a few years before embarking upon a whole new consumer device field in He completed his high school studies from TNGR Amazon's Lab126. During this time, his childhood School at the age of 15, where he also got a brown belt interest in farming sprouted back in him, and he helped in Karate. His class teacher inspired him to pursue an a non-profit establish a 14-acre olive orchard. He found education in the technology area. He went on to study his love of life there and soon after married her. for a Diploma in Electronics and Communication Together they bought a farm in Gilroy, California, and engineering. During his college time, he met a growing a 7-acre permaculture orchard. He also Taekwondo Instructor and started learning changed his job to suit his lifestyle and moved to Cisco Taekwondo. Right after his studies, he took Job in Systems, Inc. San Jose to his beloved field of computer Solidaire Televisions. After working there for three networking. Since then, he has worked in Cisco's years, he found this new and upcoming field of various units and currently works in Cisco's app Computer Science. He immediately quit work to learn dynamics division. about computer programming. After completing certification courses in various programming languages, he enrolled in Bachelors's in Computer Applications. Meanwhile, he also received his Black Belt in Taekwondo. He participated in the various competition at the State and National level and won medals for his State and District teams. Soon after that, he met an engineer who had returned from the USA to start a technology start-up in Coimbatore. He began as a first employee and helped recruit a team of engineers who took a First eFax product. The team successfully delivered a plan and got acquired by Ramp Networks

Will to Lead 173 Restoration of Tijara Fort Palace Vani Mahal

174 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Vani writes about Pita Ji Today is Pita Ji's Birthday! My grandfather, my I wish to remember and share this message with all my mentor, one who taught me how to live. family, and his DAV family of his countless students, teachers, colleagues, readers of his books, and A day so important in our lives that we used to travel everyone who has been touched by his life. Pitaji used back home to spend the day with him wherever we are. to say this so often to me, and I am sure to all of you too- His sense of humor, his wit, his warmth, and his desire to see everyone around him excel used to be his “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke message to each one of us. He had zero tolerance for har taqdeer se pehle mediocrity and could identify fake from miles away! He did not know the difference between 'his own' and Khuda bande se khud pooche 'other', and perhaps that is the reason how he touched so bata teri raza kya hai.” many and transformed so many, that till date he is remembered by all and loved by all as if he never left. [kqnh dks dj cqyan bruk ds gj rdnhj ls igys [kqnk cUns ls [kqn iwNs ds crk rsjh jtk D;k gS Yes, I cannot fly back to hug him. Yes, I cannot write to him like before, and he cannot write back. Yes, I cannot ‘Raise yourself to such great heights, make yourself so show him pictures of my projects or my writings, able that even before your destiny is decided, God will which was very important. He used to say,'write ascertain from you: “Tell me, what is it that you wish something everyday!' But everyday and every for?”' moment, I carry him inside me. Every morning, I have a moment with him! And I know I have his blessings at every step of the way. Yes, that I know. I am the most fortunate person to be born as his granddaughter. But feeling proud of him is not what made him happy! What made him happy is that you are living, living, and working beyond what you think is your capabilities, striving, striving for higher goals and higher purpose, learning, learning everyday, shunning hypocrisy, shunning time waste, and shunning conventional or social bandages so when you walk forward you take everyone forward with you. And that is what I wish to do- to make him happy!

Will to Lead 175 Wedding at California, USA

176 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Vani Bahl seen talking to LK Advani (Deputy Prime Minister, INDIA). Along side him is Shri Krishan Kanth (Vice President, INDIA). President RK Narayanan and the first lady seen holding the book ‘Dome Over India', after the President released it in the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bahwan.

Will to Lead 177 Wedding Reception at Chandigarh

178 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Vishal & Amber As I wrote earlier, we are blessed with Vani and Vishal. Vishal's birth is a story in itself, which proves that God exists. During the time when I conceived Vishal, which I was not aware of, both me and Arun were confused and undecided about whether to have a second child so soon after our first child's birth. We consulted Dr. Bhargava, a reputed Gynaecologist, then, and we gave her our mind to abort the child. She disagreed with our decision, but later on, seeing our desperation, she decided and asked us to reach her clinic the next day at 10 AM. Before that, we had consulted one of our friends, Mrs. & Dr. R.D. Verma. They also suggested not to go for an abortion. God is great! The very next day, when we left the gate of our house, suddenly we saw my father-in- law and mother-in-law's car coming towards our house. Out of compulsion, we went back inside the house with them. My mother-in-law questioned us as to where we were going so early in the morning. We disclosed to her that we had an appointment with the doctor for the abortion. She got upset with both of us and immediately told Pita Ji. He was also furious and told us firmly that we will not do so. He even asked us to remain at home. We honored their decision. Indeed, they were God sent, and we were blessed with a very handsome son named Vishal. Out of love, we call him Vishu.

179 Vishal used to be very naughty, a restless child, and all the time, he would be running around wherever we took him. He used to compel us to come back due to his habits like throwing away table cloths and plates in restaurants. He studied at Carmel Convent School in Nursery Class. He was considered to be the naughtiest child of his class. He used to carry scissors in his bag. His teachers used to complain that he cuts girls’hair with the scissor. He then took admission in KG Class at St. John's School. He was considered the best student of his class. In the Second Standard, he participated in the School's Annual Games and won several medals. He was an excellent athlete. He also visited the USA with Vani and I while he was still in the Second Standard. Being hyper, he used to get hurt because of cricket match injuries, running at break neck speed with the neighborhood boys. He used to hide the facts from us. Now and then, our next-door neighbor and very close family friends, Ansuya Sharma, sister of Sh. Ashok Sharma used to complain that Vishal had broken their window panes of their house. As I was not initially working, I took Vishal to one of my friends, Rita Gupta. After meeting her, we went to another friend's house, who is also a good friend. She was Vimal Bhasin. A terrible accident occurred that day. A severe mishap occurred when Vishal slowly started moving towards the stair railing area. He slipped from within the railing and fell 15 ft. height from the first floor of their house on the marble floor. He became unconscious, and his whole head and face had got swollen. We took him immediately to the PGI. There was a chaotic atmosphere at the PGI. We got a severe scolding from Pita Ji and Mata Ji. Later on, at night, he was kept under strict observation by Dr. Kak. Vishal had a 9-inch long hairline skull fracture.

180 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Doctors discharged him from the hospital after four enterprise excellence, quality, and new product days and advised complete bed rest. Our Vishu was development. These experiences have been attained forbidden to run and play. He had constant checkups for across several sectors, including industrial healthcare, many years. With God's grace, later on, he became food and beverages, and electronic manufacturing. His alright. strength is in building high-performing global teams with expertise in driving operational improvements After Class X, he took admission in DAV College, across regulated and non-regulated supply chain Sector 10, Chandigarh, under the principal-ship of environments. He has a proven record of delivering Dr. K.S. Arya. He passed with distinctions in Maths, award-winning innovation programs and technologies Science with the highest score in the College. He was for commercial integration, driving profitability and declared an outstanding student of the DAV College, competitiveness. Chandigarh, for which he was honored at the college convocation. Vishal was Senior Director of Supply Chain, Fuel, and Future initiative in the greater Minneapolis St. Paul Vishal used to be very systemic, hard-working and area. Currently, he was leading multiple programs and believed in self-study. He scored a good rank in the global teams to enable the new manufacturing footprint Entrance Examination. He got admission to the for Ecolab. Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, where he studied for four years, and side by side, he At present Vishal is working with CHS Inc. as a Global kept on preparing for the GRE Exam. He scored an Supply Chain and Operations Executive, who delivers excellent score in the GRE Exam and got admission to profitable growth by implementing best-in-class the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he operational strategies and turning around completed his Masters (MS). organizations. He thrives on developing teams, driving operational excellence, and collaborating cross- Vishal got a job in a company in Denver. After some globally in complex manufacturing sectors. time, he came to California and started working for his Taaya Ji's' Company Sierra Circuits and shifted to San Francisco. His working tenure in Sierra Circuits was quite long. In between, by virtue of his hard work, he cleared the GMAT Exam and was very fortunate to get admission in MBA at Carnegie Melon, one of the top Universities in the USA. Vishal is married to Amber and is blessed with a very handsome, brilliant son named 'Arnav Bahl'. Arnav is a rare blessing and God's gift to the Bahl family. They are happily living in Minneapolis, and he works for Eco Labs as Senior Managing Director. Vishal is now a Supply Chain Executive with broad accomplishments to end supply chain management, including network optimization, plant operations,

Will to Lead 181 As Vani was delaying her marriage plans, I got in Minneapolis, for the last 13 years. I share an impatient for Vishal. He also agreed. Through the excellent bond with her. Amber is a perfect mother to internet, I interacted with Mrs. Asha Arora Ji (Amber's Arnav. Mother), and soon, their marriage was finalized as Amber was also living in San Francisco. Their wedding Amber has done her Bachelor of Science from the was celebrated in Chandigarh. Amber is a lovely, University of Wisconsin. Amber is an exceptionally soft-spoken girl and is now our daughter-in-law. She hardworking, very soft-spoken and an excellent mother likes to dress up simply, is a good cook, and runs to Arnav. her own software company CompuNET International

182 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography

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184 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Arnav Our grandson, Arnav is a chess champion and soccer player and is also gifted in studies with Math being his favorite subject. He is adept in guitar and is religious-minded. Amber leaves no stone unturned to teach him moral values. He loves to visit temples, gurdwaras and attends Satsang's in Minneapolis, besides taking Hindi classes. He is a keen learner and an astute observer and picks up things very quickly. He loves to socialize with his classmates and enjoys the company of elders. Having an extraordinary vision and capacity to understand, he is loved by everyone. We are all looking forward to seeing him once corona virus is over. Amber leaves no stone unturned to teach him moral values. He is a very keen learner, an excellent observer, and picks up everything quickly. He loves to socialize with his classmates and enjoys the company of elder persons also. Having an extraordinary vision and capacity to understand, he is liked by everyone. We are desperate to see him, but no risk can be taken as the Corona Virus has spread in the entire world. He loves nature and flowers and has updated knowledge of global weather. When I visit Minneapolis, he mixes up very quickly and shows a lot of love and affection.

185 Talent Development and Advknced Academics 1250 West Broadway Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55411 612 668.5352 CogAT ® PROFILE NARRATIVE FOR ARNAV BAHL Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT®) Prepared by Minnesota Statewide Testing Program and Minneapolis Public Schools Abilities Raw Scores National Grade Score Number of Number Number Items Attempted Correct Stanine Percentile Rank Verbal 48 48 37 7 84 Quantitative 44 44 44 9 99 Nonverbal 44 44 40 9 99 Composite 9 99 (VQN) Ability Profile 9E (V–) Your child qualifies for services as an advanced learner. This includes: • grouping with other advanced learners for core instruction • differentiated lessons and assignments that provide greater depth, complexity, intellectual demand, and increased pacing • a classroom teacher trained to meet the unique needs of diverse advanced learners

186 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography

187 Ken & Bala Ken Bahl is the head of Sierra Circuits, a fast- growing Silicon Valley company that produces and assembles high technology Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). He is a man who cherishes ideas and loves to convert ideas into reality. The company has been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry by creating the quick turn market. Bala Bahl is Sierra Circuit's VP of Operations and Co-Owner. Thanks to her management, Sierra boasts above 95 percent on-time delivery rates. With astonishing energy and commitment, Bala tackles customer service, product pricing, production, purchasing and accounting functions instantly. Sierra circuits has their manufacturing and assembly factory in the heart of silicon valley. They also have pre-egnineering and sales support offices in Bangalore and Goa. Sierra Circuits has about 500 employees that they proudly call Sierra family. Ken and Bala are very passionate about education and have been involved in philanthropy for many years. They have supported various organizations to help set up schools, computer labs and various educational programs both in India and abroad. Ken and Bala both believe in living a balanced life and hence indulge in many recreational activities over the weekend. They both love singing and enjoy musical parties with their friends. Board games and traveling are their other passions in life.

188 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Ankush Bahl is the Music Director Designate of the Omaha symphony. He is recognized today by orchestras and audiences alike for his impressive conducting technique, thoughtful interpretations, and engaging podium presence. He is happily married to Dr. Ritu Shrotriya. She is an Internal medicine specialist in Washington. She is affiliated with Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. They have twin boys Niam and Dhilan age 7 who are very fond of art projects and Pokeman. They enjoy playing baseball and board games. Joycie Bahl is a proud homemaker and a devoted mother. She is married to Nilesh Parate, who is the General Manager at Sierra circuits. Nilesh is the head for web products and the companies IT projects. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School. They have a 16 year old son Ishaan and 10 year old daughter Riya. Ishaan is a senior in high school, he is very passionate about gaming technology, business development and theater. Riya is a middle schooler who loves playing piano and is very athletic as well. She is a soccer player and enjoys many board games. Amit Bahl is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Sierra circuits. He is a graduate from UCLA in engineering and marketing. He is known as \" The PCB GUY\" in the industry. He is passionate to teach his customers about new technologies and manufacturing capabilities of Sierra circuits. He is deeply involved in helping various new age startups with their prototype developments in self driving cars and flying taxis. Amit is married to Vrishtee Bahl, who is a proud homemaker and mother of their two daughters. Meenal who is 14 years old will be a sophomore in high school. She is a creative writer, who enjoys STEM and has been learning Kathak for past 9 years. Toshani is their younger daughter, age 9. She is very passionate about singing and has been learning Hindi classical music. She also enjoys riding horses and playing tennis.

Will to Lead 189 Ken & Family

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192 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Maestro Ankush Bahl & Family

Will to Lead 193 Joycie & Family

194 Madhu Bahl - Autobiography Amit & Family