This is absolute joy!!! I know Smt. Abhyankar from Delhi. We used to live 5 minutes from her. We called her Abhyankar Bai as she was my sister's English teacher. I have participated in programs written by her for the local Marathi Mandal. I cannot believe that the blog will now have her story. Thanks to Dr. Boradkar and all his efforts that I got to see and read about her happiest moment in life...
Thousand Moon: Shrimati Sushila Abhyankar
Contributed by: Dr. R. Boradkar
We used to visit Abhyankars quite often when they were in Pune. Advancing age and dwindling health compelled them to shift to Delhi Delhi and they had nostalgic memories of their fairly long stay in the Capital city of India
Shrimati Sushila Abhyankar lives in Delhi
After 1956 she shifted to Delhi .In Delhi she joined Minority School
And now lets see what she has to say about her Happiest moment.
Here comes the moment of utmost Happiness.
[Kshan Ala
“I am now 90 years old and at the fag end of my life, standing before God. If God asks me which is the moment of utmost joy in your life, I would unhesitatingly say Oh God it’s the 5th February 2012.This day is the day of ecstasy for me .On this day I experienced the happiest jolt in my life .Till the last moment I knew nothing. I only knew that on this day we were to celebrate the “ Dohal Jevan “ of my Grand Daughter in Law Sou. Neha Abhyankar my grand sons wife .This was a joyous occasion and I was participating whole heartedly and with unparalleled enthusiasm.
It was the morning of 5th February. At about 11 a.m. I reached a big hall. The guests relatives and others had already gathered there. There were men and women and everybody was greeting me. The morning was pleasantly cool. Soft music filled the atmosphere. .There was joy every where. I was ushered to a front seat where I sat. There were many people known to me and all were greeting me in a traditional way.
There was a decorated Swing right in front and my grand daughter in law, wearing a green sari[Shalu] was occupying it. My daughter in law Sou Vidya and Sou. Neha's mother were on their toes running here and there. Every one had gathered around the swing. Cameras were clicking. All were greeting Sou Neha. I too got up, went to Sou Neha, gave her some sweets and greeted her and wished her well. I then went back to my seat and sat there beholding what ever was happening.
It was then that I saw a huge big Balance on my left hand side. It was also decorated. I didn’t understand as to why a decorated balance was there It had no business to be there in to days function. I was just wondering and asking myself as to why it was there, but couldn’t find an answer.
It was then that my son Pradeep came to me took my hand and started taking me towards the balance. Like a puppet I went with him and reached the balance. There was my son Pradeep and his wife Vidya on one side and my daughter Sou Padmini Joshi and her husband Shri Vijay Joshi on the other side . . All my four grandsons were there and all were smiling. Pradeep then told the gathering “ My mother has completed 90 years and we have gathered here to felicitate her on this occasion.” Every body clapped and expressed their joy. Gently I was made to sit in one pan and was garlanded with a garland of currency notes and flowers .I was so overwhelmed that I just couldn’t speak. It was as if I was in a trance. In the other pan they were putting Panchamrut. I then realized that they were having a celebration of PANCHAMRUTI TULA for me. In the meanwhile someone spoke on the subject MOTHER and some poems were recited. The celebration[Sohala} lasted for about fifteen to twenty minutes. I was then gently led back to my chair. I distributed sugar and honey to the women who were there and the celebration was over. All my relatives including those from Pune gathered round me. I had lots of questions to ask but then I was profoundly happy and these two celebrations had filled my mind with contentment so much that I totally lost my appetite
The guests were enjoying the food. Heartily. I was still being showered with greetings, good wishes and presents , rather a bounty of them. The Twin functions were happily over. The guests dispersed and we were left to ourselves, the family members only. Again there was chatting ,while partaking food and a good bit of a very happy laughter. We returned home in a state of gay abandon.
I was still pestered by the question How did this happen? Who did it ? and the answers were not forthcoming.
But I soon got a clarification. The idea was mooted by my grandchildren Samir and Amit Abhyankar. And the plan was deftly executed by my son Pradeep and his wife Sou Vidya. Good I didn’t know. Ignorance is bliss it is said.
In retrospect I realize that I have mixed feelings .Its difficult to think objectively ,and find out what was gained and what was lost in life. I am an ordinary woman and I lay no claims to any greatness in life. For me this function was unforgettable.
I take no credit for this but feel that the credit goes to the elderly people who brought me up with grace , care , love and a proper culture and also to those who taught me and wished me well. My strength lies in this belief of mine. We have to learn to pick up happiness and discard misery.
This felicitation is really felicitating the elders and the two generations next to my own have participated joyfully in it is something really great, as I feel it, and I consider myself fortunate for that.
I wish all of them a very bright future and pray that they fare well in their life.
All the best and for all the time to come , for all of them.
Shrimati Sushila Abhyankar
New Delhi
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