The memory of my parents..

The memory of my parents is very personal to me and deeply embedded in my heart. I find it difficult to share it and give words to my feelings. In short, I remember them as loving, selfless, honest and very hardworking. With a deep insight and minimalistic resources, they nurtured us with love and gave us the best of what they could.

They educated both my brother and myself in convent schools and later on in professional colleges as doctors. With immense foresight they brought us up as honest, independent, well mannered and hardworking human beings. Mom and Dad, I bow to thee with immense love and respect.

- Nilu

She was the backbone..

"Once blessed with a wonderful mother, feel twice blessed in my lifetime because of the love and support of my amazing mother in law" . She was the backbone and fulcrum of our family. A keen observer, and a cook par excellence. I miss her joyful nature and her wonderful company whenever I visited Delhi.

- Madanjit

Your Love for your children..

Full of love and affection, my dear sister, Sushil Kaur Ji,

I miss you. Your hospitality is evergreen in my mind. You used to welcome everybody to your house and heart also.

For needy people I have seen you extend timely help.

We, all of us, PRAY and PRAY for you.

God has always blessed you with courage and kindness for the people around you. I believe He is with you!

Your Love for your children cannot be described

I am reminded of a poem by Prof Mohan Singh ji

ਮਾਂ ਵਰਗਾ ਘਣ ਛਾਂਵਾਂ ਬੂਟਾ,
ਮੈਨੂੰ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਨਾ ਆਏ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਛਾਂ ਉਧਾਰੀ,
ਰੱਬ ਨੇ ਸਵਰਗ ਬਣਾਏ ਬਾਕੀ ਕੁੱਲ਼ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇ ਬੂਟੇ,
ਜੜ ਸੁੱਕਿਆਂ ਮੁਰਝਾਂਦੇ ਐਪਰ ਫੁੱਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੁਰਝਾਇਆਂ,
ਇਹ ਬੂਟਾ ਸੁੱਕ ਜਾਏ

Maa warga ghan-chhaavan boota,
Mainu nazar na aaye.
Lai ke jiss ton chhaan udhaari,
Rabb ne surag banaye.
Baaki kull duniya de bootay,
Jarh sukkeyan murjhaande,
Aipar phullan de murjhayean,
Eh boota sukk jaye.

- Pritam Kaur

She lived with flavor, spice..

Tribute to My Mother in Law- Revered Smt Sushil Kaur ji

No, I don’t claim to be perfect, but Yes, I am a lot better in many ways since 1993 when I got married. And the credit goes to my revered Mother in law, Respected Smt Sushil Kaur.

This relationship of 27 years took many shades like a rainbow and gradually an image of strength and will power nurturing a loving, close knit family and a big circle of friends, emerged on the canvas of life…… living every moment to the fullest and cherishing every breath bestowed …with or without the V-machine.

‘Zest for life’ - is the one that describes her best. She lived with flavor, spice and gusto and put her heart and soul into what she believed in.

Her practical skills?

A whole lot of them . I learnt quite a few

• Cooking – It became from a mundane to a passionate affair for me. Her skills could not be matched –Punjabi, South Indian, Gujrati cuisine, baking and the list goes on. But that did change my perspective and added finesse to not so good culinary skills of mine.

• Budgeting - No, it isn’t a fuss anymore and it isn’t about money. Its about respect for the sweat and blood that went in making it….yes putting to best use the hard earned money is what I learnt from her.

• Home making – is about putting your heart into every unclean corner, organising cupboards and the cutlery with fond memories of what came from where, feeling bad …about a burnt chapati, a wasted morsel or a shirt that bled on washing, or a rotten tomato forgotten in fridge. My perspective changed from the trivia to the panorama of values hiding underneath.

She was exceptionally talented. She had a sharp memory, excellent communication & managerial skills and was great at mental maths and finance; She was a parakhi, a mind reader who often stumped us with her wisdom and insight.

Many qualities have been passsed on to the children and the grand children I must say. And that is a reason to feel blessed!

Her legacy lives on in the ethos of the family, in the warmth of relationships, the grit in the genes, gold in the heart and I continue to seek her blessings from heaven.

- Mini

Dadi ke haath ke laddu..

Dadi ke haath ke laddu

My favourite childhood memory with her was sitting in the kitchen, waiting eagerly as the fragrance of besan ke laddu being freshly prepared wafted from the pan on the stove. Her caramel custard, constructed with perfect structure, texture and taste is probably my favourite dessert of all time.

When I picture my time with her, images of Sirat and I relaxing and chatting with her in her room come to mind. She loved to spend time with family and pamper her grandchildren. Be it my birthday, my first day of college, or my first internship, she would always be the first to celebrate and buy me gifts.

I would see her catching up with family on the phone or inviting people over for lunch and dinner all the time. She taught us to cherish family and time spent together, and her strength and resilience in times of adversity inspire us every day to deal with every challenge and find joy in our lives and relationships.

- Kabir

She was always full of life..

A TRIBUTE TO AUNTIE JI,

“Those we love, don’t go away
They walk beside us everyday
Unseen, Unheard but always
Near, Still loved, Still missed”

Around 27 years back, we were connected with a loving and caring soul, Smt Sushil Kaur, Mother in law of my sister, Mini.

She was always full of life at every stage of life. Social versatility was second nature to her. She was very optimistic, compassionate, enthusiastic and caring for all. I remember her as Sophisticated, Trustworthy and Inspiring Auntie.

She always tried to keep the family together and instilled the feeling of bonding in all who came in her contact.

Her Hospitality and Culinary skills cann’t be forgotten.

Nothing lasts forever. But I am fortunate to have her sweet memories to cherish and guide me in my journey of life.

- Arshi

Aunty was a very special soul..

In loving memory of Smt Sushil Kaur

We have known Smt Sushil Kaur, Mother in law of our sister Mini for over two decades. Aunty was a very special soul, caring and full of warmth. Her hospitality and culinary skills were second to none.

Her attention to detail, sharp memory, ability to connect and touch lives of all she came in contact were remarkable.

We vividly remember our phone conversation with Aunty and on every call, she would tell very fondly that it has been long you have been to India and when are you planning your next visit.

We had privilege to spend time with her in London couple of times. Her zest for life and desire to experience new things were inspiring.

Her memories will always stay in our hearts

- Rimmy & Arvinder

I miss you profoundly..

Dear Sister,

True that you were not keeping good health lately but we were not ready for the day. It upset us deeply when you slipped away. I miss you profoundly and reminisce the days spent with you. A sister like you was a present to me by the Waheguru. I may have never asked for it but have always felt the need.

It is so often thought that memories grow fainter with time. However you are not a memory. You are part of me and will at all times live in me. As a wiser elder sister, you always gave us a sane advice and made every effort to keep the family together.

We pray that you stay happy in your heavenly home.

- Harcharan Singh & Preet Kaur

Ashu tuada operation kar dega..

- Manmohan Kaur

Par mile vagair waapis kadi ni jana..

- Mahinder Kaur

I cannot forget the time..

In the memory of my dear brother Harcharan Singh and bhabi Susheel Kaur,

My brother was a genius in our family. There was no match for him. He was so loving and so caring and so affectionate. He was the best in every respect. As a son he was dutiful and gave full respect to our parents. When he would come back from the office his first task was to go to mother, sit with her, and chat for some time. I cannot forget the day when he carried his mother on his shoulders and took her from one platform to the other to board the train.

As a brother you were a wonderful person. I cannot forget the time we sat together and shared our feelings and had a joyful time. As a father he fulfilled his duties and gave a good education to both his children. As a husband one cannot be better than him. But he was snatched from us all of a sudden. We lost our most wonderful person in young age.

My bhabi Susheel Kaur was also so nice. She was not only my bhabi, but a very good friend of mine. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing shabads. She was a doting mother who was always worried about her kids and wanted the best for them. Her efforts paid off and it is so good to see both her children so successful in their careers.

I miss them both and I will always carry their fond memories in my heart. May God bless them where they are.

- Narinder Kaur

Such was his devotion towards..

My brother, whom I addressed affectionately as Harcharan bhapajee, was a gem of a person in real sense. Very loyàl and devoted to his parents, he that much that he won't loose a minute in providing any kind of service.

In the year 1980-1981 our old mother was to board train from Delhi railway station platform on the other side of overbridge. As I learnt later he carried our mother on his back to board the train. Such was his devotion towards parents. Honest sincere and strong with technical brain, he would repair any house hold appliances. Earlier I remember visiting him in Shimla , Dhanbad, Ranchi.

As long as my brother was alive we had a feeling of shower of love and affection. God bless his soul.

- Narinder

We could just hear her..

My fondest memories of Naaniji is how she pampered me so much , as I grew up over the years . When I was getting married, she stayed with us in Patiala and guided us through all the family traditions and filled the whole place with warmth, love and joy !

We could just hear her stories and experiences of her life, all day, in our garden. I also remember, how fondly we used to plan our Delhi trips and how Naaniji always had such a big circle of well-wishers and friends, who used to call her during the day to get her blessings !

She was the chord of our family and so many others who found joy in her company and still miss her immensely to the day !

- Bikram

Bread ka halwa..

We remember Nani as the glue that bind us all together. The twinkle in her eyes when she used to meet her people was always a joy to watch. Still fondly remember her 'bread ka halwa'. She was always very protective and caring for her family, ensuring her guidance throughout good and bad times .

- Sirat

I remember next morning..

- Dholi

They were very hospitable..

In the pages of my life story, the most loving and affectionate relation that comes to my mind is that of Harcharan chacha ji and Sheel aunty. Harcharan was younger brother of my father. He held him in high esteem. Both bonded strongly and were pillars of strength for the entire family.

Susheel was my mausi when she got married to chacha ji. She lovingly admonished me saying:you call him chacha ji and me mausi. This looks odd and may be misunderstood. I understood her predicament then. Sheel mausi became Sheel aunty.

As and when she came to Ludhiana she would take me to the market and like a mother or an elder sister would feed me with sweets and snacks of my choice. I fondly remember and cherish those days. Both chacha ji and Sheel aunty were exceptional human beings humble caring and well wishers.

They were very hospitable and took every care to entertain us whenever I visited them with my family. Dayal was always highly impressed with their pleasant and affectionate nature. Sheel aunty accepted the will of God when chacha ji left this world. She showed her resilience in managing the household affairs and there was magnanimity in her dealings with the relatives. Both are not physically present with us now. Yet I feel them still around.

Both the souls are now at rest together in a state of bliss. Basking in the glory of Waheguru they see Ashu, Mini and Kabir and their near and dear ones .We look forward to participating in the Gurbani Kirtan programme being held in their sweet memory,and wish all the best to the family.

- Guddi

Mamma ji a great man, compassionate..

Me and Jagdish remember mamma ji and mammi ji both quite often.They always kept the family tied with special love and care .Although mamma ji had left this world for long years ago yet his memories are still fresh in our minds.

I remember when I was in school ,I went to spend my vacation with them in Shimla,they showered so much love that I wanted to stay with them forever.Mammi ji, a very soft spoken person,loving and caring,a wonderful cook and a great friend.

Mamma ji a great man,compassionate, disciplinarian,well dressed,stylish and a fun loving person.He had a great love for my mom, that’s his sister. As long as he was in Shimla..he had been sending beautiful footwears made by Chinese..from there and making my mom feel proud having such a caring brother.He was very fond of watching Vijayantimala’s movies-his favourite heroine.

They have gone from our lives forever but never gone from our hearts.Remembering you always mama ji and mammi ji, always holding you in our hearts.

- Guddie and Jagdish

They were kind, affectionate..

Both Mama ji and Mammi ji were great human beings. They were kind, affectionate and warm hearted persons.They really knew how to nurture the relationships. During our stay at Nariana our visits to them at Rajouri Garden were v frequent,they used to shower parental affection on us.

Mama ji had a glitter in his eyes which often became tearful when he used to enjoy simple jokes.Mammi ji was a very soft spoken person and her concern for the whole family was appreciated. Whosoever came in their company became connected with them.

Very expert in cooking..I still make channas with her recipe.Mummy had special bonding with them..so much love and regard. My heart really goes for such great human beings...I beg of u to continue ur blessings on the whole family from heavenly abode.

- Parvinder & Bhopinder

I tried to pen few lines..

I tried to pen few lines about my feelings. Really while writing I got very emotional as my childhood was so very connected with Mama Ji and Mami Ji.

My hero Channi MamaJi, was a very special person to me. His visits to Delhi from Dhanbad still keep my childhood memories vibrant. He always motivated and appreciated everything I did and made me feel wanted and loved. His soft words were full of love and his smiling face conveyed that love everytime. His devotion for my mother was the way I learned how the love of a brother should be. Mama Ji was an exceptional person who left beautiful memories in my heart and mind.

Sheel Mami Ji was a very humble, caring, lovable and generous lady. She always welcomed me with open arms and the memory of those embraces still take me back in time. I remember her knitting sweaters and stitching dresses for her daughter Neelu. Mami Ji holds a dedicated place in my memories which is my treasure to hold. I had always seen her as a tough and strong lady. She was a fighter all her life and taught us not to give up in hardships. She taught by example, how to smile, keep moving forward, and not let anyone or anything become distractions. Today, Mami Ji lives in my heart and continues to teach me important lessons of my life every time I remember her.

- Daljit

We miss them..

A TRIBUTE
We have fond memories of Harcharan Mama Ji. To us he was Charni Mama. He was endowed with all the wonderful traits that a genuine human being could possess. Full of warmth and compassion. A gentleman to the core. He held my parents in high esteem and regard. It was a treat to see the sister(Balwant Kaur) and her brother often engaged in animated conversations. He was affable, ever smiling and extremely gentle in his approach. With his suave mannerism he left a lasting impression on the whole family. What we remember most of him was his ability to get along with young and old with abundant ease and joy. We as youngsters (Gogi, Gula and Baby) could take liberties with him and crack jokes without his ever taking offence to our utterances.

Sheel Mami, as we addressed her, truly complemented Mama Ji’s personality in every way. Her hallmark was appreciating others with open heart and showering encomiums. She would never let us return from her house till we satisfied her with copious helpings of edibles that were on offer.

She and Mama Ji were a made for each other couple. In punjabi parlance both can said to be truly ‘milansar’. We miss them. Their good vibes engulf us even today. They will always remain in our hearts.

It is indeed alluring to find the reflections of the parents sterling qualities in their progeny who leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the familial bonding with us all continues to flourish as before.

- Gogi

We could just hear her..

I have very fond memories of Charni Mamaji and Sheel Mami ji. As I go down the memory lane I find them to be very loving, affectionate caring and kind hearted. I remember Mamaji to be very calm, pleasant, gentle,and soft spoken personality. He always used to visit us whenever he came to Delhi. I still fondly remember a beautiful doll which he had gifted to me Though he departed quite early his memories are still fresh in my mind. I clearly remember the day we got the sad news about his untimely departure May be God also needs good persons to be in His court

Mami ji was full of life, very lively, social, loveable and well informed personality I had more opportunities to interact with Mami ji than Charni Mamaji She would always remember to call us and invite us.

I would say she was deft in handling relationships. Whenever I met her I could clearly feel her love and affection and warmth for me As I said she was full of life- she would discuss about the latest trends in suits, financial matters, cooking etc. I still remember the sambhar she used to make. Even today I am following her receipe . I remember our last meeting with her, even though she was not well yet she wanted to know whether we had been served tea. To conclude I remember the affectionate bond that she shared with my mother and was blessed to have affectionate and caring children -Ashu and Mini I really miss Mami ji and Mama ji May Waheguru rest their souls in peace

- Timma & Bali

Their memories will always be cherished..

- Jeenu & Kanwaljeet

An epitome of poise, strength ..

Words can not be enough to describe what I and my family feel about Sheel Aunty. More I tried to express my feelings about her and Chachaji, more I realised how difficult the task is. In a failed attempt I can only say, “An epitome of poise, strength and dignity, Sheel aunty was someone who believed in family values like no one else.

She bestowed each and everyone with tonnes of love and respect. She would always be an inspiration to us, setting a classic example of how to face every challenge that life throws on us, while still being grateful for everything that god has blessed us with.

I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to spend ample amount of quality time with Chachaji when he got posted in Delhi. I still cannot forget the day when I cleared my examination for job in SAIL and how excited he was. A fatherly figure, who taught us by example, how to love and value one’s family. Words will never be enough to express how blessed and grateful we are to be a part of this clan.

- Bittoo & Rano

She was a great lady..

Dear Ashu, Mini and Kabir
I’ll never forget the pretty face of our Masiji. She was a great lady.There’s a special place in all of our hearts for our mothers, just like there’s a special place in every mother’s heart for her children.

Every mother teaches her child to be strong always. Because she knows that one day she’ll be gone. So be strong and follow every word which Masiji taught! You would continue to carry her memory in that special place in your heart.

- Gittu

She was one of the kindest..

We have always known Sheel behenji as an affectionate, respectful and humble lady. She was one of the kindest person I have ever met, as she opened her heart and home for everyone.

She enjoyed meeting people, chatting with them and was always concerned about everyone in the family and even at the hospital.She shared a special bonding with our Biji (Buaji) like sisters, and used to love our family very much. Jijaji was also very loving,caring and kind hearted person. We shall miss their presence in our lives.

- Narinder Kaur & Raghvir (Son)