________________ सिद्ध-सारस्वत your students look so scared of you?" It was then that Dadaji told me "The students sitting outside are not afraid of me, they are afraid of what they don't know. They face a fear of the unknown. They lose their resolve, because they don't know what to expect when they come in here to turn in their notebooks." "Well that's silly, I'll tell them that my Dadaji is the nicest person in the world and that they don't have to worry at all," I responded cheerily. "Thank you beta, but it is often the fact that anxiety grows into fear without us realizing it. It is important to always take a step back and evaluate what is it that you are really afraid of before entering a situation. It helps you maintain a clear head." Of course, at the age of 7, this was practically useless information. However, this conversation stuck with me for a long time, and as I grew older I began to understand what exactly Dadaji was trying to convey that day. Looking back now, this was probably the most important piece of advice I have ever received. Within two minutes Dadaji had changed my entire perception of the world. Although I was too young to recognize it at the time, it has certainly shaped a lot of my decision-making and character as an adult. I am thankful that Dadaji has helped me grow into a more introspective adult. It is something that I will forever admire Dadaji for. Ku. Archita Jain U.S.A. Dadaji is still in touch with his inner child Most of my memories with Dadaji are tied to the sticky heat of India in the summer, filled with storybooks and sweet mangoes and the best poha I've ever had, courtesy of my Dadi. As a result, this particular memory is especially unique, because it was one of the few times they visited us here in America. Dadaji and Dadi don't visit often, so whenever they do, we love to show them everything America has to offer. That year, we took them to the Grand Canyon, one of the most beautiful natural wonders I have had the honor to visit. Unfortunately, they had visited when the blossoming beauty of the Grand Canyon was muted by the grey dullness of winter. After a disappointing visit hiking up to the vista spot only to be greeted with a relatively unremarkable slab of rock, I was crushed that I was not able to show my Dadaji the beautiful view, and thought he felt the same. After all, he had hiked through mushy grey snow for nothing! As we hiked down, with faces fallen and embittered hearts, it began to snow anew. At that, I could not have imagine that day getting worse. And yet, I watched a smile grow on Dadaji's face as he watched the snowfall and wondered at the 123
