We joyfully announce the birth of our first child

Dear All,

In our lives has come a time
When our wishes have come true
We are delighted to let you know
Our home has come some one new!

We were blessed with a baby boy on November 22nd 2008 at 5:20 am at the Swedish Medical Hospital. The baby and his mom are doing fine.

At his birth, Atharv weighted 8.6 lbs and measured 21.5 inches long. Pictures at the link below, taken on Day3 at the hospital.

http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=a5d4a745-8d83-48e1-9312-7c72f823baab

In anticipation of your blessings to the new born.

Proud Parents,
Abhinav & Deepti

Remembering Dadaji - Shri Atul Krishna Sharan

Sadly enough I never knew my Dadaji was such a great person, until Piyush Bhaiya (see below) wrote all that about him. As a kid, for me he was a good friend, always ready to play with me and my Chachaji's sons and my cousins; Ankur, Ankit. He would tell us stories and engage us in his conversations.

He would sometimes accompany the three of us to school, when Ankur and I would walk while Ankit would perch at the back seat of at the front bar of his cycle. Perhaps one of the reason why I never felt ashamed to ride a cycle, even when I working as a lecturer; where as all my school friends had long back started riding scooty's / cars; was that I had seen my Dadaji riding a cycle all his life. This thought must have occurred to me; when we could ride one at his age, why couldn't I ride one at my age?

At Dusshara, Dadaji would bring us toy teer-kaman (bow and arrow) to play with. Once Ankit who was barely 5 that time, aimed and by mistake shot that wooden toy arrow at Dadaji's eye. My daddy who was passing by and saw that, suddenly came into a complete state of shock and was almost on the verge to loose his temper, but on the other hand there was not a word of anger in Dadaji's voice, not a single brow on my his forehead. He simply lay down for a while, treating his eye. And in the next 15 minutes got back to his feet and started playing with us again, as if nothing had happened in the middle.

I always heard my daddy say in admiration, of how Dadaji managed to raise his kids; how by Dadaji's inspiration and motivation; 4 of his kids ultimately went on to study at one of the most reputed engineering and medical colleges of their time. All that happening within the limited means that he had.

Everyone used to appreciate his stamina and health conscience attitude where he could walk for miles together, without feeling the need to hire a rickshaw or an auto. My parents always realized that Dadaji was light years ahead of them in terms of the strength he possessed and drew immense inspiration to be like Dadaji.

Dadaji was not only good at his work; he was a great cook too. Several years after Dadaji moved to Allahabad, and once came to visit us; on one occasion he tough us how to prepare post-partum ladoos. They were full of rich dry fruits, black pepper and tons of ghee; and undoubted the most different and best ladoos I had ever tasted before.

The last time I had the fortune to seek Dadaji blessings was in my marriage. In spite of his poor health condition, Dadaji stayed awake through out the marriage, and gave his last blessings to me and Abhinav; as we got prepared to leave for my new home.

May his sole rest in peace.

My paternal cousin - Piyush (Bua's ji son) wrote this when my Dadaji left this earth for his heavenly abode on November 5th this year.
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Dear Brothers & Sisters,
This is a tribute to our beloved Nanaji.
Please share any memories you have of him, with all of us.
Love,
Piyush
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My maternal Grandfather, Shri Atul Krishna Sharan left for his heavenly abode, at the age of 94.

He was a model of simplicity and righteous living.

A large part of his career was spent as a News Editor, at the All India Radio (AIR).
In the later part of his life, he also acquired a LLB law degree, and worked in the offices of the noted jurist, LM Singhvi.

Not many people know that Nanaji was an expert at many languages. Apart from Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi, he also knew French and Russian.

I have fond memories of the love he showered on us as children. When we used to visit Ghaziabad, he would stand outside the gate waiting for us to arrive from the station. When we arrived, he would lift us in his lap, and hug us.

He led a very simple life. He never liked wasteful expenditure. He was happy with whatever he had, and led a life of contentment. He did not like to throw anything away, and would try to reuse and recycle everything. He never craved for materialistic possessions.
His life was based on a spirit of sacrifice.

He used to do Shirshasana and other Yogic exercises regularly. His regular Yoga exercises, moderation in eating, temperance in outlook, and contentment of heart were the secrets of his long and healthy life.
As children, we loved to see him do Shirshasana, where he would show us how to balance himself on his head.

He was a pure vegetarian, and only ate Sattvik food.

He was a very sweet and simple man, whom you always found smiling. I never saw him angry, or shout at anyone. He would take life's ups and downs with equanimity, without losing his cool. He was a straightforward person, who bore no ill-will towards anyone.

He liked to keep himself updated on current affairs, and would read the newspapers regularly. When we used to go to his room, we would usually find him reading something, wearing his characteristic dhoti.

One of his interests was to listen to radio channels from around the world.
He was very fond of his beloved radio.

His blessings will always be with us.
May God give Peace and Liberation to his soul.
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