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Mettilotsava 2010 – July 2 – 5 Laurel Hill Park, PA<br />
Idhu bhaghya idhu baghya idhu bhagyavaiyya; Mettilotsavakke hoguvudhu idhu bagyavaiya.<br />
Until next mettilotsava! rang everywhere. With santushta manas we were getting out of Laurel Hills.<br />
Pho<strong>to</strong> sessions were over, at least <strong>for</strong> us, <strong>the</strong>re will be more <strong>for</strong> those who stay on. As <strong>the</strong> car winded<br />
through <strong>the</strong> road with rows of trees on both sides, a breathtaking sight…bahu chithra jagath bahudha<br />
karanaath!!! (can’t help wondering how beautiful it will be in fall with fall colors) all <strong>the</strong> incidents that<br />
happened <strong>the</strong> past three days came flooding in our minds. It was quiet <strong>for</strong> some<strong>time</strong> each of us immersed<br />
in our own thoughts, brimming with joy, trying <strong>to</strong> dwell on <strong>the</strong> ones we cherish be<strong>for</strong>e a wave of ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
over<strong>takes</strong> it. Why did this have <strong>to</strong> end so soon?? All of us were mentally in ano<strong>the</strong>r world, a divine one.<br />
Idhu baghya idhu baghya idhu baghyavaiiiiyaaaa!!!<br />
Friday:<br />
The day & <strong>time</strong> <strong>to</strong> start, Jul 2 nd , 1 pm was here! With fresh memories of last years in our minds, a short<br />
prayer, <strong>the</strong> car was heading <strong>to</strong>wards Pittsburgh.<br />
This <strong>time</strong> we had a different campground instead of <strong>the</strong> usual one. It turned out <strong>to</strong> be a newer one with<br />
newer bathrooms!! The cabins were far off from <strong>the</strong> kitchen so we all would have burned lot of calories<br />
doing justice <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> food we wolfed!!! We reached around 7.30 pm. A Couple of families were already<br />
<strong>the</strong>re. Cooking <strong>for</strong> around 30 people had just begun. The ever focused Bindu already started <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong><br />
main hall ready <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> next day Aradhana function. Sashi Deshpande (everlasting cheerfulness, drive,<br />
enthusiasm & full of smiles) picked up available volunteers and started <strong>to</strong> convert ano<strong>the</strong>r large cabin in<br />
<strong>to</strong> a professional looking drama audi<strong>to</strong>rium. Dinner was served, kitchen cleaned & we retired <strong>to</strong> cabin <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> night. More families were trickling in throughout <strong>the</strong> night and past midnight <strong>the</strong> Hous<strong>to</strong>n group<br />
moved in. Friday night was bit cold (July 4 th Weekend!!!) in <strong>the</strong> cabins but <strong>the</strong> excitement of being <strong>the</strong>re<br />
with “saathvik bandhus” keep us all going <strong>for</strong>ward.<br />
Saturday: Sri Sripadarajara aradhane:<br />
The dawn broke with birds chirping & cool breeze brushing our faces. The night was very cold & <strong>the</strong><br />
water by HIS grace was cool, not cold. By 6 AM one can see activities all over, jogging, walking,<br />
chatting, and also crowding <strong>the</strong> kitchen <strong>for</strong> a mouthful of hot coffee. One had <strong>to</strong> be <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> enjoy <strong>the</strong><br />
serene atmosphere.<br />
Saturday we celebrated Sri Sripadarajara Aaraadhane. Lots of golden colored mums were ordered along<br />
with jasmine. We had people not only from o<strong>the</strong>r states as far as Hous<strong>to</strong>n, Texas, Philadelphia, Maryland
and Atlanta but from neighboring country Canada <strong>to</strong>o!!! Sri JV Acharya was getting ready <strong>to</strong> do <strong>the</strong> puje.<br />
Soon we were cutting mums, washing fruits, making garlands, washing betel leaves etc. It was sheer<br />
delight <strong>to</strong> watch Shantha Bai from Hous<strong>to</strong>n, a veteran in Rangoli, preparing <strong>to</strong> do her seva. Sridhar<br />
Acharya (alias Venu) was busy giving instructions in English <strong>to</strong> whoever he can set his eyes on. The<br />
design around <strong>the</strong> peeta looked as if it had been printed & was a feast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> eyes. In <strong>the</strong> kitchen madi<br />
adigai was on with veterans GV, Sashi, Sridhar, SriKrishna & teenager Mukund. Five different types<br />
sweets <strong>for</strong> alankara pankthi was <strong>to</strong> be done. Nirmalya <strong>the</strong>ertha was given by 7.30 am & salagrama puje<br />
started in full swing. Sri JV Acharya’s vistara puje was in progress & ended with shodashopachaara<br />
puje chathra chamara sahithavaagi. After Rug veda samarpayami, s<strong>to</strong>tra priya etc, it was <strong>time</strong> <strong>for</strong><br />
naivedya. In a small kunda, kenda (boggu…ek dham natural) was ready & vaishva deva was done.<br />
Shanta Bai in full swing…Narayana nene manave!!<br />
While <strong>the</strong> puje was in progress, Shanta Bai showed her Rangoli talent by drawing chithra of Sri<br />
Mahavishnu. Looked as if “Alankaara Priya” was enjoying <strong>the</strong> entire puje that was offered <strong>to</strong> HIM.<br />
Special mention should be made of Sri San<strong>to</strong>sh & Sri Phani, young men, who were eda bala sevakarus <strong>for</strong><br />
Sri JV acharya. The sincerity & humility with which San<strong>to</strong>sh & Phani carried <strong>the</strong>ir duties, be it making<br />
baththis, ganda grinding, getting arathi ready, vaishva deva, devara naamas during bhojana <strong>time</strong>, deserves<br />
accolades. Always cheerful & with ei<strong>the</strong>r mantra or devara naama playing on <strong>the</strong>ir lips through <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
<strong>time</strong> of puje & serving anna <strong>to</strong> all baktharus with <strong>the</strong> same cheerfulness was <strong>to</strong> be seen <strong>to</strong> be believed.<br />
It has <strong>to</strong> be said that <strong>the</strong>se young men along with o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong>ir home <strong>to</strong>wn, are not only observing<br />
ekadashi but jagaraNe also, making use of modern technology. Phani leads <strong>the</strong> jagarane group in<br />
Hous<strong>to</strong>n. Those interested are <strong>to</strong> dial in <strong>the</strong> conference # & session starts at 8.30 pm Hous<strong>to</strong>n <strong>time</strong> &<br />
taratamya bhajane goes on till 1 am <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>time</strong>. During any spl occasion, like Sri Rama navami or any<br />
yathigalus araadhane, ef<strong>for</strong>t is taken <strong>to</strong> sing songs on <strong>the</strong>m/by <strong>the</strong>m. The enthusiasm with which<br />
participants participate is extremely contagious…It does not matter if one knows not how <strong>to</strong> sing bec with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir encouragement we overcome <strong>the</strong> shyness & <strong>the</strong>n its all Ananda, ananda math<strong>the</strong> paramaananda!!!<br />
After mangala aarathi shanka nadha (San<strong>to</strong>sh & Shashi avaru….<strong>the</strong> gambheera nadha is proof of Sri<br />
Vaayu devarus presence in <strong>the</strong>m) & jangatte sahitha, alankatra pankthi preparation began. Five elite<br />
panditha baktharus were invited <strong>to</strong> decorate <strong>the</strong> pankthi. Eye catching rangolis in color, decorated each<br />
baale ele..yep! plantain leaf was specially ordered <strong>for</strong> this occasion. All of us made a beeline <strong>to</strong> offer our<br />
namaskaras <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. Then it was <strong>time</strong> <strong>for</strong> regular pankthi. Through <strong>the</strong> entire duration of <strong>the</strong> pankthi,<br />
different people sang devotional songs, still reverberating in our ears.
Devara puje by JV Acharya in full swing… Padha Puje <strong>to</strong> alankara pankthi Brahmanas…<br />
Ladies doing what <strong>the</strong>y do best…Singing! May be! Mouth watering dishes in progress….<br />
Sri Sudhindra & Smt Poornima who sponsored <strong>the</strong> entire Aaraadhne gave beautiful framed brindavana<br />
(2010 aaraadhne at Mulubagalu) pho<strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> all families! A brilliant idea!! Bless <strong>the</strong>ir soul!! Our heartfelt<br />
thanks <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir antharyami &<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m!! Finally, <strong>the</strong> lunch session was over by 3 PM and already people<br />
were off <strong>to</strong> preparations <strong>for</strong> activities <strong>to</strong> follow. The preparations <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> evening drama assumed<br />
maddening pace with number of people pitching in <strong>to</strong> set up <strong>the</strong> audio system, stage preparation, stage<br />
decoration, mini rehearsal, make-up <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> ac<strong>to</strong>rs etc etc all <strong>the</strong> way until 7:45 PM.<br />
Saturday evening:<br />
Parallel <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Drama preparations, Kids talent program was in full swing in <strong>the</strong> main hall. Participation<br />
was <strong>to</strong>tal and kids of all ages from 3 years <strong>to</strong> College kids participated very enthusiastically. Mainly it<br />
was “dasaru nama Ghana”. Cho chweet <strong>to</strong> hear tiny <strong>to</strong>ts haadu in thodhalu maathu. All <strong>the</strong> young<br />
talented children sang so beautifully, madhura geetha filled <strong>the</strong> hall.<br />
Rayaru Karune – What a drama !!!!<br />
All vessels washed <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> night session, snacks/coffee/tea were served. As <strong>the</strong> evening was approaching,<br />
<strong>the</strong> excitement was building up in a feverish pitch since it was <strong>time</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> much anticipated drama by<br />
The New Jersey team on Sri Rayaru’s karune. Unlike last <strong>time</strong>, Sri Prasad was MIA!!!!!!. Still he wrote<br />
<strong>the</strong> entire script <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> drama. Characters were as if tailor made <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> respective roles. Sri Shashi and<br />
his team put an all out ef<strong>for</strong>t <strong>to</strong> get everything ready by 7:45 PM. His Brindavana was just out of this
world. It was more than 6 ft in height & was of plywood. He had painstakingly carved <strong>the</strong> crowns & it<br />
looked perfect mudra sahitha. The team practice was <strong>for</strong> more than three months including weekdays at<br />
<strong>time</strong>s running well past 11 pm!! What a dedicated team!<br />
Sri Sudhindra as Gurugalu brought life <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> character. His height, weight, white dhadi fit him <strong>to</strong> a T.<br />
Sri Ramesh as nawab, Sri Ramamurthy as his assistant, Sri Kesava murthy as appannacharya, Sanjeev as<br />
Venkanna & Mr & Mrs Raghavendra as <strong>the</strong> desai couple, Chetan as Rayarus shishya & Shashi dazzled in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir respective roles. Songs, like last <strong>time</strong>, were sung by Sri Bhatni….awesome in his majestic voice…..<br />
Balitha Suktha Book Release:<br />
Sri JV acharya <strong>takes</strong> regular weekend classes on Sundays <strong>for</strong> one & all interested in learning Madhva<br />
siddhantha. While afternoon is studded with Vaayu stuthi (completed), Balitha suktha (completed),<br />
Narayana varma(completed), evening is <strong>for</strong> Sumadhwa Vijaya. All his lectures are recorded and<br />
painstakingly put in<strong>to</strong> document <strong>for</strong>m by one Sri Pramod Vittal in Hous<strong>to</strong>n (did not come!). As a<br />
celebration of this ef<strong>for</strong>t, <strong>the</strong> first release “book on Balitha Suktha” was released subsequent <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Drama<br />
program. Group chanting of Balitththa Suktha followed by brief introduction by Sri JV Acharya and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
Sri Gopinath Galagali was requested <strong>to</strong> release <strong>the</strong> book on Baliththa suktha. Awesome ef<strong>for</strong>t and way <strong>to</strong><br />
go Sri JV Avare!<br />
Sunday morning: Mettilotsava:<br />
This <strong>time</strong> few new ideas were floated. Instead of each group from different states singing songs while<br />
walking <strong>to</strong> sanctum sanc<strong>to</strong>rum according <strong>the</strong>ir own list of songs, it was decided <strong>to</strong> sing one list of songs
in unison with lead singers after say 25 people. So amongst conference calls, <strong>the</strong> list of songs was<br />
decided & was compiled in English, Sanskrit, tamil, telugu & kannada!!! When Mettilotsava procession<br />
began, all of us had <strong>the</strong> list in hand & slowly made our way <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> temple. By 8:30 AM teams were at <strong>the</strong><br />
foot hill and men started off with Veda Parane & Vayu Sthuthi followed by groups starting <strong>the</strong> usual sang<br />
dasana maadiko enna with lot of gus<strong>to</strong>, some emotional & teary eyed. By 10 AM <strong>the</strong> group dharshan<br />
complete with hearts filled with image of Venkataramana <strong>the</strong> groups temporarily split with around 30<br />
people returning back <strong>to</strong> camp <strong>for</strong> salagrama puje.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r routine aspect was cooking <strong>for</strong> some 30 people after <strong>the</strong> program. Srikrishna had <strong>the</strong> brain wave<br />
<strong>to</strong> get up at 4.30 am & cook bele so we all can eat by 2 pm. He slept around 1 am <strong>the</strong> previous day. Just<br />
like San<strong>to</strong>sh/Phani, Srikrishna deserves kudos <strong>for</strong> his selfless service, devara naamas in his majestic voice<br />
& humble attitude. Soon people were enquiring how old he is!!! yep! we can give 100% guarantee that<br />
he will be one of <strong>the</strong> most eligible bachelors in two years!!<br />
Sunday evening:<br />
Then it was youth’s turn. It was impressive what Deeptha & Sindhoora came up with. With help from<br />
Vijendra, ano<strong>the</strong>r eligible bachelor, who has an all round personality, we were dumbfounded by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
presentation. All this was spearheaded by Sri GV Srinivasan or GV uncle as he is affectionately called.<br />
Professional presentation was followed by distribution of E-Letter and commitment <strong>to</strong> have Youth<br />
quarterly conference calls etc. All were convinced <strong>the</strong> future of Mettilotsava is in good hands! Out of <strong>the</strong><br />
blue, Sindhoora’s younger sister Vaishnavi, made her mark, with mike in her hand, quipped “ <strong>for</strong> those<br />
who do not know, Vasu Moorthy also has a second daughter besides Sindhoora” This was hilarious!
Youth having fun <strong>to</strong>o! Ladies busy paan preparing….<br />
A brief but quality (blame it on <strong>time</strong>, moves <strong>to</strong>o fast!) philosophy discussion was followed by <strong>the</strong> most<br />
anticipated pravachna by Sri Achaya Galagali’s at 6 pm. Krishnana smarane through His guna chinthane<br />
and Gopi Ghee<strong>the</strong> were <strong>the</strong> “take home message”. As <strong>the</strong>y say “<strong>the</strong> proof is in <strong>the</strong> pudding”, no one<br />
needed proof <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> quality and <strong>the</strong> versatility of his pravachana, when most of us wiped joyful tears<br />
away. His delivery in one word….masterful. He transported <strong>the</strong> entire hall <strong>to</strong> Gokula. If Kalinga<br />
mardana Krishna was dancing in our minds, it was Krishna as a dutiful person in Pandavas house, ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>time</strong> & as navaneetha chora in ano<strong>the</strong>r. His pravachana was studded with loukika jokes as <strong>the</strong> hall roared<br />
heartily blinking away tears all <strong>the</strong> <strong>time</strong>. Why did he have <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p?? Was it 2 hrs already…wow! Gopi<br />
geetha & Venu geetha made us feel like we were with HIM.<br />
During dinner, <strong>the</strong> young and ever obliging Sri Bhatni started off with devara naamas and was going on<br />
and on with most of us enjoying it in its entirety. His melodious rendition of “Jagadhodharana Aadisidalu<br />
Yasodhe” was simply breath taking!!! We are a gifted VMS family!! After dinner & cleaning, it was <strong>time</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong> campfire which <strong>the</strong> kids & youth enjoyed.<br />
It was around 10 pm & we were in <strong>the</strong> Kitchen & <strong>the</strong>re was a mini Q&A with Sri JK, ano<strong>the</strong>r stalwart in<br />
veda vichara. We joined <strong>the</strong> group & he patiently explained <strong>the</strong> queries. Unbelievable that this intense<br />
philosophy session lasted till 1:30 AM! Poor JK still smiling after all this! For those who would like <strong>to</strong><br />
know more about his style, <strong>please</strong> join VADAVALI where vichara is thrown open <strong>to</strong> one & all.<br />
Extremely interesting, <strong>the</strong> way discussions are analyzed.<br />
Time flies & it was 1:30 AM when we trudged <strong>to</strong> our cabin. I was shocked <strong>to</strong> find a mini party (talk<br />
only) in progress. What started as confusion in names snowballed & branched in<strong>to</strong> more confusion and<br />
laughter all <strong>the</strong> way. We were laughing so loudly & shamelessly that….ok! let me tell that we had <strong>the</strong><br />
whole Hous<strong>to</strong>n group including two elderly ladies, in ours, & a New Jersey family with elderly couple in<br />
a ano<strong>the</strong>r room. Sri JV acharya, jolted from his sleep, burst open <strong>the</strong> door (2 nd room) & pin drop silence<br />
followed. We, including my cousin’s son, his fiancée & her cousin & <strong>the</strong> rest of Hous<strong>to</strong>n stared at him<br />
speechless, ready <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> worst. Poor acharya was in shushupthi state when he was rudely awakened by<br />
our laughter. “Ondhu nimisha ondhu yugavaagi thoruthidhe” was how we felt. It was him vs us, I<br />
guess..plain & outright outnumbered…just smiled & joined us in <strong>the</strong> party!!! Like <strong>the</strong>y say, “if u can’t<br />
beat <strong>the</strong>m, join <strong>the</strong>m!!!!” Soon all of us pounced on his bro<strong>the</strong>r Sridhar acharya <strong>for</strong> conversing in English<br />
all <strong>the</strong> <strong>time</strong>. It was one of <strong>the</strong> youth pointers that kannada should be spoken at home & here he was,<br />
Mettilotsava leader, going against <strong>the</strong> very root. Let’s say that we made a bajji out of him that he might<br />
have very well <strong>for</strong>gotten that English language even existed! This is when his name changed <strong>to</strong> Venu.
On coming <strong>to</strong> know nirmalya will be ready by around 7 am, we slept, if I may say so, at 3 AM only <strong>to</strong><br />
wake up at 6 am!!! Positive no Pragnya namaka bhagavantha that night <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> lot. Un<strong>for</strong>gettable night!!<br />
Monday morning:<br />
The thought that we have <strong>to</strong> bid good bye in a few hours weighed heavily in our minds & it was a quiet<br />
morning with pooja. Girija, Sri JV acharyas dharma pathni, in 9 yard saree( all 3 days <strong>for</strong> pooja) did <strong>the</strong><br />
cooking <strong>for</strong> around 15 of us. I have <strong>to</strong> learn a lot from this young lady. Always with a smile playing on<br />
her lips, honeyed talk, she is a pillar of strength <strong>for</strong> her pathi. Her devout service, catering <strong>to</strong> all his needs<br />
during puje is laudable. In tamil <strong>the</strong>re is a saying “eLLu endral eNNai” akin <strong>to</strong> English saying “when he<br />
says jump, she doesn’t ask why but how high”!!!!!!<br />
The galata Gang in our Cabin…. Until next <strong>time</strong>, see you, bye etc …<br />
Sripad did mouth watering vegetable avalakki in two giant sized pan which disappeared in a jiffy! Paan<br />
was served on both days after lunch & munched eagerly by <strong>the</strong> lot. I felt very guilty & ashamed & sought<br />
<strong>the</strong> couple <strong>to</strong> express my apologies regarding our party night. On sensing that (6 th sense??) <strong>the</strong>y (separate<br />
occasions) didn’t even let me finish. Just brushed it off saying <strong>the</strong>y were just happy that even in far off<br />
countries aradhana was celebrated with sincere devotion. And that <strong>the</strong>y were blessed <strong>to</strong> be a part of <strong>the</strong><br />
same. I learnt a lesson here.<br />
Last but not least, no article is complete without mentioning our camera man Sri J (or Janardhan)!! He<br />
was asked <strong>to</strong> go <strong>the</strong> grocery s<strong>to</strong>re like a hundred <strong>time</strong>s which he did willingly & smilingly! (can’t accuse<br />
him <strong>for</strong> not taking snaps <strong>the</strong> morning session of first day) I guess <strong>the</strong> participants are <strong>to</strong> be blamed. Well<br />
be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> event, emails were sent requesting <strong>to</strong> fill up <strong>the</strong> spreadsheet <strong>for</strong> participants count. 160 turned<br />
out instead of 80 based on <strong>the</strong> list. Three cheers <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> huge turnout but NOT RSVP!! Strongly<br />
discouraged!! Let’s have some courtesy <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> cooks who have <strong>to</strong> manage everything & <strong>the</strong> 2 nd pankthi<br />
people who don’t get savories!!! amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs & J who has <strong>to</strong> race against <strong>time</strong> <strong>to</strong> get stuff needed!<br />
We missed Kesava rao, Sripi & o<strong>the</strong>r regulars. Kesava Rao went <strong>to</strong> India as <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r of Prasanna & is<br />
expected <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> States as fa<strong>the</strong>r in law of Padmini. Have <strong>to</strong> pick a nice saree <strong>for</strong> reception!!<br />
Great news is this <strong>time</strong> new people from Maryland, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Hous<strong>to</strong>n, Toron<strong>to</strong>, North<br />
Carolina and Atlanta participated & all of <strong>the</strong>m voiced <strong>the</strong> same thing. We will be permanent members of<br />
Mettilotsava! Surprisingly newcomers outnumbered <strong>the</strong> repeat visi<strong>to</strong>rs this <strong>time</strong>!!!
Tid bits:<br />
Kudos <strong>to</strong> Ms Seethalakshmi who had successfully completed “dharane paaraNe vrata” not once but twice<br />
besides Vishnu panchaka vrata <strong>for</strong> a whole year. I always thought such vyakthis existed only in books.<br />
To clarify, <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>mer is a vrata (<strong>for</strong> a month) where one par<strong>takes</strong> food <strong>for</strong> one day & fasts <strong>the</strong> next day &<br />
if it coincides with ekadashi its two days fasting…..mind boggling! That <strong>to</strong>o <strong>to</strong> be observed during<br />
chaturmasa first month, shaka vrata or last month, dwidala vratha!!!The latter is fasting 5 days in a month<br />
…2 ekadashis, hunnime, amavasya & shravana nakshatra day, <strong>for</strong> one full year. All I could do was close<br />
my wide open mouth & offer my namaskara <strong>to</strong> her antaryami & her.<br />
Harshala Rajesh was one of <strong>the</strong> persons along with Sujatha from Toron<strong>to</strong>. Since she had communicated<br />
via emails we knew her name. To <strong>the</strong> question “Where are u coming from” & hearing <strong>the</strong> reply<br />
“Toron<strong>to</strong>”, our immediate response was “oh! U should be Harshala! & she would answer” I am Sujatha &<br />
pointing a finger across <strong>the</strong> room “that is Harshala”!!! This happened, at least three or four <strong>time</strong>s …Poor<br />
Sujatha but she did take it in stride! Harshala’s bro<strong>the</strong>r was ano<strong>the</strong>r person who gave his all in lending a<br />
helping hand in everything, making Srikrishna a beaming person.<br />
This is embarrassing. On Friday, due <strong>to</strong> some prior confusion, it was felt we were in dire need of huli<br />
podi. “Chinte yakke maduthiddhi chinmayanidhaane” is a proof of <strong>the</strong> following. At that particular <strong>time</strong><br />
we were four of us in <strong>the</strong> kitchen including a new comer. He agreed & followed up on our request & lo<br />
& behold…fresh gama gama podi reaches on Sat be<strong>for</strong>e noon. Embarrassing bec I <strong>for</strong>got <strong>the</strong> baktharu’s<br />
name but I remember part of his wife’s name… Anu. So Mr & Mrs Anu thank you very much <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>time</strong>ly help.<br />
Our sincere thanks <strong>to</strong> all who pitched in & made this a grand success! May Sri Hari, Vaayu & Gurugalu<br />
bless our VMS family <strong>for</strong> more such a get <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r!<br />
July 2 nd Friday:<br />
I got up early, since it was Friday, completed puje & was ready by noon. Checked all items in <strong>the</strong> list &<br />
checked <strong>the</strong> checks!!!! Nervously, switched on <strong>the</strong> TV <strong>to</strong> watch Wimbledon Semi finals. My kids & I<br />
were rooting <strong>for</strong> Nadal while my better half was <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r person. Can u believe it!! Well all I could<br />
see was, Nadal was close <strong>to</strong> winning his first set when it was <strong>time</strong> <strong>for</strong> us <strong>to</strong> leave. My son did update me<br />
as & when needed. Later, as soon as <strong>the</strong> Mettillotsava was over, Called up son and it was <strong>time</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
celebrate <strong>the</strong> champion…yes! Nadal won his 8 th title. With joy overflowing (<strong>for</strong> me), we eagerly returned<br />
back <strong>to</strong> Pittsburgh’s Laurel Park with more energy!<br />
P.S: I sat down <strong>to</strong> pen <strong>the</strong> article lest I <strong>for</strong>get <strong>the</strong> incidents, on Tuesday itself & being dashami, <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
no work after lunch. I jotted down <strong>for</strong>mat & began with His grace. Ram came home in <strong>the</strong> evening &<br />
asked me if I had checked my email. On hearing my reply in <strong>the</strong> negative, he rattled off “ you have <strong>to</strong><br />
begin like this & <strong>the</strong> style should be this”…etc..etc… all said & done he is my best?? critic! & wow! It<br />
was how I had exactly written!! Are we made <strong>for</strong> each o<strong>the</strong>r or what!!!!<br />
BharathiramaNa Sri MukhyapraaNaanthargatha Sri KrishNaarpaNamasthu.<br />
Chitra Ram