This one is for my soul-mate…

From a letter written by Swami Vivekananda to Shrimati Sarala Ghoshal — Editor, Bharati in April 1897

In this battle of life, men are rare who encourage the initiator of new thought,

not to speak of women who would offer him encouragement, particularly in our unfortunate land...

And so it is, that on this birthday of my wife, I once again remind myself how fortunate and blessed I am...lucky to have her and grateful for her unstinted support and faith in my efforts…

|| Shubh Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bhogali Bihu ||


Sunrise

Related: A post on the symbolic significance of this first Hindu festival of the (modern) New Year.

B Shantanu

Political Activist, Blogger, Advisor to start-ups, Seed investor. One time VC and ex-Diplomat. Failed mushroom farmer; ex Radio Jockey. Currently involved in Reclaiming India - One Step at a Time.

You may also like...

13 Responses

  1. Uma says:

    Best wishes to your wife on her birthday and Happy Makar Sankranthi to you all!

  2. chakram says:

    My kudos to your wife. And Happiest Makara Sankranthi to you all.

  3. B Shantanu says:

    Thank you Uma and Chakram..and Shubh Makar Sankranti to you both as well.

  4. Bharat says:

    To readers of this blog: Today is the 250th anniversary of the third battle of Panipat. About 100,000 Hindus (Marathas) perished in Panipat defending their motherland from Afghans. The losses on the Afghan side were also massive, at 60,000, and the afghans could no longer entertain any dreams of holding land in Punjab as a result of this mutual destruction. Let us have a moment’s silence in memory of our fallen Hindu heroes.

  5. Mahesh says:

    Many many happy and healthy returns of the day to Nandini. Shantanu and Nandini – you are a fantastic couple and a family. Shubh Makar Sankranti to you all.

  6. Indian says:

    Nandini is a beautful name. HaPPy BiRtHdaY!

  7. Milind Kotwal says:

    Dear Shantanu,

    Wishing Many Many Happy Returns of The Day to Your Wife and You !!!

    तिळगुळ घ्या आणी गोड गोड बोला !!!

    Milind Kotwal

  8. B Shantanu says:

    @Bharat: Thanks for the factoid…

    Mahesh, Indian and Milind: Thanks a lot! I will convey the wishes to her.

  9. Chandramouli family says:

    Shantanu-ji -the article on MAKARA SANKRANTHI is extremely integrating and exhaustive which is the need of the hour to awaken our youth to the UNITY IN DIVERSITY aspect of OUR BHARAT.

    With all our BEST WISHES to your wife on her birthday for a long,healthy and fruitful life.A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HER !

    We are in Bharat (GUJARAT) and saw myriads of colourful kites flying in the blue skies and later in the evening also witnesed floating ‘tukkals’ in the night sky – flame-lit lanterns skilfully strung on thread one after another, adding more light to the already starry and moonlit sky.

  10. sat says:

    dear shantanu – happy makar sankranti to you and your family… and birthday wishes to your wife. as a famiy man, i could understand the value of support you receive from your family in your endeavours.

  11. Vikram C says:

    Dear Shantanu,

    Wish you and your family a shubh Makar Sankranthi.
    May God bestow upon you and your family the strength, courage, stamina and faith to carry on your wonderful efforts and service towards our dear Bharat!

  12. Jai Joshi says:

    How lovely! Best wishes to your wife on her birthday (even though I’m late).

    Jai

  13. B Shantanu says:

    Chandramouli-ji, Sat, Vikram and Jai: Thank you for your wishes…
    ***
    All: This is the link that Chandramouli-ji was referring to: https://satyameva-jayate.org/2008/01/14/makar-sankranti/