My 50th Birthday Speech

I am so happy to see each of you here today. When Chitra insisted on having a gathering for my 50th, I was worried about how many days she was going to lock the downstairs bathroom…some of you may know this, but that is a Menon household party prep tradition. She cleans it and locks it till the guests arrive, so the boys don’t mess it up!

I am blessed with a loving family, a small circle of good friends, a small circle of respected colleagues and a small circle of departed souls who watch over me. When I look at the faces in this room, I see people who have played a key role during inflection points in my life.

I do want to thank each of you and also those who are not here today. Grab a seat and a drink get comfortable as this will take long and there is no music to cut me off. 

Let me start with the souls that watch over me. My parents, they gifted me with good genes, love and life experiences that made me who I was when I got married at 25. My brother is not in this room today, but I hope he gets to listen to this recording, because he remains connected to me. The one memory I will always carry off him, is from grade 7 and 8. He would pick me up from my boarding school and take me home. I dearly missed home and would scan for his massive frame at a distance, it used to be a welcome sight. Ramesh Bhai if you are listening, you are a prickly sight now!

Chitra I have known you since I was 21. It is safe to say, my parents molded me for the first 25 years of my life and you have molded me for the second 25 years. Clearly you did a better job, I have loved every moment, and looking forward to how much more molding you will continue to do!! Jokes apart, you are the love of my life, you have been by my side every step of the way, you are my strength, my happiness and you complete me. I don’t think I could live a day of my life without talking to you. And when do I start my Vipassana course??

Yash, my boy, I am reliving my first 25 years with you. I can see traits from Chitra and me in who you are. I know that sounds super scary but you are a kind soul and I will always love you. Now make sure you get all As in school!!

Bea and Eric, it means a lot that you enthusiastically agreed to be here. Eric did try his best to wiggle out, but we were able to reschedule this event and gave him no chance to escape. The first chapter of my US journey is written with both of you. Working for your projects from India in 2003 was a peak into my journey in the US. You both embraced me at work and taught me the ropes. Honestly, even though I was a business partner, you did treat me as your team member. But it went beyond office…you welcomed us into your homes, and taught two young and naive Indians the American way. We did not have much money to spend and thanksgiving and Christmas would get lonely. I can’t remember how many of these holidays we spent with you and your extended families. So, thank you for being my guardians during my initial US years. And for others in the room, you can blame both of them for bringing in two more immigrants into our country!!

Lynda and Dave, both Chitra and I idolize you. We met you because of our yoga explorations, but you have played a bigger role. 3.5 years back, when Chitra was facing her health crisis, Lynda you played the role of a strong mother in her life. You may think of your actions as something you did for her alone, but it went way beyond. In many ways it helped me a lot and definitely reduced my burden. What Chitra is doing today and how she is progressing her yoga routines, would not have been possible without you. 

Kelly and Rob, I did not give you a heads up about this speech. I honestly thought Rob would have conveniently dropped out. Now Kelly, I am going to praise Rob a bunch and I would not be helping his already “know it all” inflated self! But here goes. On the surface we are both polar opposites, fire and ice. But my dear friend, I have now cried on your shoulder on three occasions…who’s counting. In the absence of my brother, you have stepped into that void and I have leaned in. No matter how much we agree to disagree on topics, I will definitely be one of the guys giving a speech at your funeral. And here I safely assume you will be kicking the bucket before me!

Jan, since the time we have met you, we have not stopped talking about how wonderful a person you are. And you were the first neighbor we met in 2013 when we moved into this home. So, if it is all a facade that you maintain, you have done a great job. For me you reflect the personification of grace and dignity. I also see a bit of my mother in you, so never stop me from clearing the snow on your driveway. And I would never ever stop you from sending over your home baked cakes!

Sugandhi and Kamlesh, thank you for joining us and definitely helping in lowering the average age in this room. I have known you both from work and that too only in the last 2 years or so. Whenever I am with you, there is a definite youthful energy I walk away with. Even though one of you calls me “Dad”, I respect your work ethics. It reminds me a bit of myself from my younger years and more importantly gets me, to up my game. I don’t want to let you down and there is always that youthful energy that I want to suck off guys!

I think I have covered everyone in the room. There are a few folks who could not make it. All I can say, the people in the room are happy you did not, because I would be talking longer. I do plan to put this onto my blog and in that extended directors cut, I will mention a few more folks. So thank you all for coming and blessing me with you presence and your energy. 

See Chitra, I did not cry! (Oh how miserably I failed to drop that last sentence!)

For the two folks who were not in the room

Smita Ma’am, I look forward to hosting you next year and proudly introducing you to all. You believed in me, not just with words but by actually putting your hard earned money on me. The Ranthambore and Bharatpur field trip during my second undergraduate year, was made possible by your generosity and it boosted my self esteem tremendously. I used to call mom everyday when she was around and now I do the same with you. Thankfully, not everyday. Now take a big sigh of relief and work on your US visitor visa. 

Krish, abbe buddhe (hey old man), whenever I want to laugh, I call you. I not only laugh with you, but at you too!! Our relationship started in 1998, when I unofficially made you my mentor at work. We now share “everything” and remember I know “all” your secrets. Continue to be who you are and break records after your 63rd birthday! 

Swipe left to view all the pictures

For any sadists who want to watch me cry and others laugh!

Click here