24. 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations that I attended.

 

I feel truly happy and grateful that I got this opportunity to say a few words today for Uncle and Aunty’s golden wedding anniversary.

I met the Bagaria family a few years ago as next-door neighbours, at a phase in my life when both my children had gone away to college and my husband was mostly a weekend husband because of work postings. Even though I was busy with my own work during the day, evenings in an empty house had started feeling difficult.

And that is when this family quietly became such a beautiful support system for me.

The children — especially Shourya and Shristi — would come running to greet me. Aunty would often keep aside some special dish or snack for me and lovingly say, “Come, eat with us.” Those simple words carried so much warmth and comfort.

I stayed near them only for a short period, but the affection and bond have continued for years.

One thing I always admired about Aunty was how proudly and lovingly she spoke about her family — her children and daughters-in-law. I remember when she had kept an Ekadashi fast and wanted to do the udyapan pooja. She was so happy talking about how everyone supported her wholeheartedly. Listening to her always felt so lovely because you could genuinely see the love and respect in this family.

Recently, when I was posted in Goa and staying in a rented apartment, some people there openly told us they didn’t want to become friends because we were “just tenants” and would leave someday.

And I remember thinking — what a contrast.

Because families like the Bagarias make people feel included, welcomed and cared for, no matter how temporary life may be.

And on a lighter note… aren’t we all tenants in this world anyway?

Maybe we can all learn something from Uncle and Aunty — to be a little more affectionate, a little more accommodating, and a little more inclusive.

So today, here at the Jio Convention Centre, we have all been enjoying a truly rich and memorable experience of hospitality—from the moment we handed over our vehicles to the valet at the entrance, to the lavish and delicious spread that has been so thoughtfully arranged for all of us. And as we receive the prasad of the Satyanarayan pooja and this beautiful Lord Ganesha memento, I feel that these are not merely gifts; they are reflections of the generosity, warmth and thoughtfulness that Uncle and Aunty have shared with family, friends and well-wishers throughout their lives.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish Uncle and Aunty a very happy Golden Wedding Anniversary. May God bless them with good health, happiness, peace and many more years of togetherness. May their love, kindness and ability to make everyone feel like family continue to inspire all of us for years to come.

Thank you.