I have been away from Mumbai for a little over a year now and have managed to just about survive in this foreign environment - an unknown country - so far away from home. Looking back, I realise that Dance Class has been such a big part of my life.

One big chunk of my memories are full of those pleasant times I have spent with you and Shyam mama, at your home and at SIES School, participating in the rehearsals and programmes. These were always so meticulously planned, to great perfection by you, Aunty, in your own unique style, which has always brought us, your students together, binding us like flowers in a garland.

Your knowledge and vision combined with your perfection, discipline, punctuality and propriety are the hallmark of your teaching, thereby raising the levels of this noble profession to unconquerable heights. No wonder then that you are a teacher par excellence. You have selflessly propagated with dedication and zeal, these great forms of the Indian fine arts, Music and Dance, so that later generations may benefit, imbibe, preserve and promote this rich cultural heritage. But this is just one side of your persona.

On the other side, you are a synonym for humility, compassion, sincerity, and devotion, qualities which are very rare in immensely talented people. You are our angel of virtues. For me, you are an icon and a role model. Simply put, you are God's gift to us.

Destiny, sometimes, has been cruel and unkind, while dealing with us in our lives and often, we are the chosen recipients of a larger share of worldly trials and tribulations. In moments of such misfortune, you have, with courage and conviction, faced such setbacks and surmounted with dignity, those undesirable moments. The fact that you have never ever compromised on the quality of your teaching, during these unwanted aberrations of life, makes you not only a great teacher, but also an amazing person.

As your student, I am eternally indebted to you, not only for the teachings imparted to me, but also for guiding me to be a better human being, by instilling in me values and virtues that have firmly stood by me, specially during this one year that I have been away from home. Words and deeds are absolutely insufficient for me to repay my gratitude to you, dear Aunty.

Though far away, on this special day, my thoughts will be full of you and Shyam mama and I shall pray for your well being and happiness. As always, I seek your blessings and request you to accept this humble tribute as a small token of my respect, love and affection to you, my dear Aunty.

Many Many Happy Returns of the Day !

Lots of love,
Renu Rajasekhar
Charlotte, NC