Namaskaram. Iniya Pirandhanaal Vaazhthukal ! I am sure anyone who has met Aunty, even briefly, will have lots to say about her. The students of Nritya Geethanjali can surely fill a book !

Almost two decades have gone by, but my memories of the moments spent with Aunty are still fresh. Shy and a little scared, I came to class one weekend, alongwith my mother. A class filled with students in white salwar kameezes, green belts, some in saris and amidst them was this special person, addressed 'Aunty'. One weekend after another, we would come to class; sometimes my mother would accompany me, sometimes dad. It was a long way from home, but we would make it. It was a lot of fun... learning new dances, new songs and the sheer excitement of coming to class.

Aunty would sing and we would dance. We would make mistakes and she would correct us patiently. We would also get an occasional scolding... that we well deserved. She would get up to show us how a step is supposed to be done or how a particular expression should be and we would all stand there watching her, amazed !

Monday and Thursday classes and sometimes at Aunty's home - wherever the location or whenever the class, it was something I would always look forward to. The time spent with her was really special. She had so much to share with us and conversation on any topic would leave us very satisfied. Stories, advice, (that we still follow) anecdotes, and her sense of humour would always make the class more interesting.

We, as students, grew closer not only to Aunty, but even to each other and are proud to be part of the NG family. Though I am miles away from her now, her lessons in dance and in life itself will always be there with me. She has been an inspiration and will always be. Words cannot clearly express what she means to me.

Tears roll down my eyes when I think about how much I have missed in the past two years, although I am very happy to have attended Aunty's 75th birthday celebration, last year. I remember visiting the website and not being there, when she performed for Maha Shivaratri, missing out on the group performances and all the fun that we used to have during the rehearsals. But I will always cherish the memories of all those years spent with Aunty and my NG family and given an option, I would probably rewind and relive all those years again.

On behalf of Naveen and my parents, here's wishing Aunty a very happy 76th birthday and many more to come. We pray for a happy, healthy, prosperous and long life.

With respect,
Yours affectionately,
Mrudula