My father Shri Soom Nath Ganjoo and my mother Smt. Ratan Rani Ganjoo. I have cherished memories of my father. A real father, role-model the kind you read about in books, heart and soul of our home, that is, 90-Balgarden, Srinagar Kashmir. His un- timely death gave me the biggest shock of my life. But after 23 years today he still lives within us, I mean my sisters Sarla and Rita, my brother Ravi, and our mother Ratan Rani.
My world is my better-half Shiv Nandan Trakru and my children Ritu & Vishal and Ankush. The world just got more beautiful with my grandson Ishan, our darling Ishu.
Ritu Trakru is a software engineer, brilliant in academics and all-rounder, above all, down to earth with good values in life. A real Kashmiri girl maintaining culture and traditions of Kashmir in USA also. Married to dear Vishal Kachroo, (S/O Dr. T.K. Kachroo and Dr. Khema Kaul), Software Engineer, and MS from Washington University. He is our eldest son, very intelligent, loving and caring. I have no words to explain what he means to me, when he calls me MA, it just sooths my soul. God bless him. Ritu and Vishal are made for each other. They just compliment each other perfectly. On 3rd Nov 2005 god blessed them with a baby boy, ISHAN heartthrob of our whole family. His million-dollar smile and mischievous eyes keeps us busy whole day with chummis and machies, mahs and nalmots (kisses and hugs). LOVE YOU A LOT.
Ankush Trakru, our son BE mechanical, now studying masters from FMS. He cracked all MBA exams, CAT 2005, GRE with 99 percentile. Got through all top B-Schools interviews, got scholarships for Masters in U.S.A., but finally decided to study in Delhi. Tall, fair and handsome, he has more stuff jammed into both his head and computer than either can handle. Extremely well-versed and intelligent, he can talk about varied subjects in depth and with a unique perspective that he brings into every thing he undertakes. He has great command over language and half of what he writes is well beyond most people's comprehension, including me. A perfect son and brother, he is generous, affectionate and well-mannered, an achiever who has more confidence than pride; dreams than ambitions.
My mother Mrs. Ratan Rani Ganjoo, loving, honest and a kind soul. Having bundles and bundles of love for her children, grand-children and great-grand-children.
My younger sister Sarla. Working in P.N.B. Her husband Mr. Omesh Jalali. Sarla is an ideal working mother who has balanced her professional and personal life perfectly. Baby is the artist of the family - singing, dancing, painting; with an artist's soft heart. Omesh or Betajee is very honest, affectionate and down-to-earth. You should hear the surbandi these two create when they have a 'tumbaknari'. They have a daughter Sneha. Sneha is a very affectionate young girl with good values, regard for elders and a great sense of humor. She is loved by young and old alike for her simple heart and warm soul. For me, she is 'mathri'. God bless her.
My brother Mr. Ravi Ganjoo. Chip of the Old Block - he is a true copy of Papajee, maintaining traditions of Ganjoo family and caring for his sisters. He bears the mantle of the Head of the Family with ease and grace, and a near-childish sense of humor. Love you. Married to Neelima Labroo. Neelima bears a strong personality who shares her husband's responsibilities. Tall, slim, beautiful, she is a perfect companion to Bhaiyajee. She has just the right kashmiri 'quip' ready for any moment. Loves children a lot and children also respond to their favorite 'Mamijee' with lots of love. Neha and Sushant are their two kids. They call me Badi Mummy with all love and respect. Neha is a beautiful shy girl with expressive eyes. Sushant is a sharp, intelligent boy with a mind of his own and maturity beyond his years.
Then comes my youngest sister Rita. Babli true to her name is like bubbly, cheerful and full of laughter. Sentimental, beautiful and loving, she is like a breath of fresh air. Truth be told she has been to us like our eldest daughter, married to Dr. Victor Kaul. Genius, featured in Who's Who for his work in Microbiology, 'Babloo jee' is extremely well-read; good-looking and handsome. They have two sons Vishesh and Vaibhav. Vishesh is truely special with his artistic wizadry, be it story-writing, painting, cartoons or just plain jokes. Vaibhav adds glory to his family with his keen intelligence and sharp intellect. A huge cricket fan, you can spot his letters to the editor on the subject at the ripe old age of 13.
We are four sisters - Baby, Babli, Neelima and Me. And when we are together, nobody can make out who is bhabi and who are sisters. That is the love and affection we share with each other.
Sushant, Vishesh and Vaibhav are the three musketeers of our family. With their antics, they can drive any one crazy and with the bonding they share, they re-define brotherly love. Ankush bhaiya is their role-model and they especially enjoy his company.
Sneha and Neha are two beautiful young ladies, fitting princesses of our family.
Amidst all this happiness, there is an underlying lasting sorrow, which will dampen every single moment we now share as a family. A flower resplendent in his affection, love and infectious smile was torn away from us mid-bloom by the cruel hand of fate. A flower who never came to bloom and would always remain in our hearts as a half-open bud, tantalizing us with the prospect of what could have been and now will never be. Sidharth Jalali or Manu, son of Sarla and Omesh Jalali - had a special bond of love with everyone who ever came into his contact. His engaging talks, michievous eyes and perfect manners tugged at your heart-strings in a way that only he could. God bless him, wherever he is, in whatever form. He was a blessed child and I think we were blessed to have him to call ours for whatever little time he was with us.
MANU YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN OUR SOUL LIKE A SHINING LITTLE STAR.