God's children!

It has been a while since I penned some thoughts.

10th October, was special not just because it was Akhil's birthday, but it got Nithya and me to be very touched and moved by his friends.

We got a call a couple of days before the 10th, to be invited to be part of an evening that his friends had planned for. They were keen to get dinner for  kids at a blind school in Akhil's memory!

This was most touching and almost had me struggle to control my emotions. Young folks, with such values, to care for a friend who was no longer there.The same kids, who a few years ago had gate crashed home early morning, on a 10th with a cake for him.

I admire these friends who seem to ready to teach many an adult on caring and respect.
Not just for a friend they loved and was not around, but even to us, his parents for whom they felt they needed to be around with, on that day.

Salutes to them and their parents, for bringing up such gems.
Truly, God's children! May God be with them!

This one's for you Akhil!

Yesterday, was truly humbling to receive the Namma Bengaluru Award as the "citizen of the year." Humbling, because I feel there is far better work that other  nominees have done.Also, humbling is that we are barely  2 years old as Beyond Carlton and to believe we are in someway touching the Banglorean is inspiring! This award is based on nominations and votes by Bangalore citizens and that makes it truly special.

This award is to all members of the Beyond Carlton group and those who have steadfastly supported us.
I continue to believe this is a long journey and such awards should drive us to do more. Awards for work done towards society, in my mind, should only be used as reality checks and not the reason-why, we are on this road.

Beyond Carlton,born out of a tragedy and we having translated our anger, grief and loss into working to make our city better is most rewarding. The pleasure in making a change for others is divine!
My close friends talk about my missionary zeal and dogged singular drive as maniacal at times, but I believe someone needs to keep hammering away!

Two years ago, I never ever thought I would even look at working on making an impact on our city, even in a small way.
Akhil is the reason why!
This award goes to him for making me the reason I am here and being the inspiration to give back.
This one's for you buddy!!!

It is that time again!

As we get close to the 23rd Feb., I can sense that we are on the edge!
Irritable,anxious,down...
The mind is restless,flashes of two years ago, seem to whiz by.

We are planning a quiet day, on the 20th (Akhil's anniversary as per the Hindu calendar) with a prayer and on the 23rd we will also be continuing the effort with Beyond Carlton and of course, will miss him terribly.

I haven't been writing for a while and that has to do with a new professional engagement, that has me more occupied!Possibly good, that I am distracted!

Such is life, a roller coaster and that I guess, is  the circus of life...!