This White House was set in a majestic setting. A windy drive way from the gate to the house, surrounded by big oak trees on either side to the main entrance doors. The driveway paved with cobbled stones. Looking down from the marble steps entrance had a beautiful view of the city. A fabulous front drop during day and at night lighted sky of stars & moon.

The owner was a pioneer & visionary businessman and professional Chartered Accountant. Took the opportunity to explore the frontier of East Africa in the 1900 when the British started to develop this area with building of East African Railways Infrastructure (EAR) and business opportunities for trading of Coffee & Tea & Livestock. Left the comforts of family & friends headed from Bombay, India via a steamer ship to port of Mombasa; to start a new life with his newly wedded wife. It was a condition of the family to wed first to embark on this journey. A blessing and comfort so each other can face thick & thin as was going to be present in a foreign land.

Ram and Sita first made a home in Mombasa. Ram started to work for East African Railways ( EAR ) as a general Accounts clerk while Sita was house wife and sawing clothes for children around the neighbourhood to earn extra cash. Few years passed in Mombasa and EAR railway line had progressed inland to Nairobi. And it became the Hub for EAR infrastructure. Ram & Sita moved to Nairobi and by now had a Daughter, Radha and Son, Arjun.

Ram & Sita by now also had become accustomed to the tropical climate and way of life in East Africa. There were lots of opportunities to provide goods & services in building Nairobi as a major city and eventually the capital city of Kenya. Ram set up a business supplying building materials and labour services and thus became a known ‘go to entity’ for new projects requiring a single point solutions for Design & Build & Deliver Company.

Enough fortune and respect was earned by Ram and his family in business circles and their participation and support to local Hindu Temple. From years of renting finally a plot in very sort out area was secured and the foundation for the -White House on The Hill- was started. Ram hired best experienced workers to build their White House on the Hill. It became the property everybody wished to have. The White House was well planned and architected. From the large double door entrance the flow to the back and sides of the house was awesome. Each room presented its own charm & distinction and character. Tastefully decorated and detailed enabling second looks. Furniture and decorative items were sourced from France Italy India China.

Ram & Sita regularly entertained business associates and friends and all looked forward to be invited again. Ram & Family enjoyed the status of one of the Elite Families of Nairobi. Both children Radha & Arjun did well in growing up, educated and settled in thier professions. Radha in Accountancy & Management and Arjun pursued Medicine and Specialized in Heart Transplants.

Life Went On Until One Day:

A terrible tragedy happened! Ram’s family Sita, Radha and Arjun were coming from a wedding reception in their Mercedes. It was heavily raining and cool temperatures. Road was slushy with water not draining fast enough and icy conditions. On a downhill windy road Ram lost control. Car left the road overturned several times and fell into the deep valley below and … car broke into flames.

There were No Survivors. That was the sad ending of Ram & family.

Fate of White House on the Hill:

Ram & Sita had no surviving family left in India. Ram was a very Smart Forward Thinking Man. He had Made A Will. As over the years Ram & Family had supported the local Hindu Temple and was well respected and honoured by the local community.

In that Will Ram’s Wish was: “in the event of No Survivors of my Family, All my Wealth be Donated to The Hindu Temple and use the funds to convert our White House on the Hill into a Hindu Ashram where persons of all walks of life would be Welcome”

The White House on the Hill became a monumental Shrine of a landmark. With additional extensions it became a place of Worship and Meditation and Rest for everyone and whoever entered the doors to White House on The Hill.

Original White House got converted into a museum containing History and Life of Ram & Sita and their children. How they came from India. The building of the EAR railway infrastructure. The challenges experienced while building the EAR. Settling in Nairobi and making Kenya home. From ordinary income earner to becoming a very successful professional businessman. Was destined for even greater heights & things when Tragedy Stopped it All.

This is the Story of Visionary who was Prepared to Face Uncertainty Danger Risk to Explore the Next Frontier!

My Prayer is To Uplift me and Protect from Evil Forces

To Change My State from being Fearful Stagnant Hopelessness to Possibilities 

To Encourage me to Face the World’s Challenges of Uncertainty and Unknowns

To be Positive Healthy Strong Energized Vitalized

My Prayer is for My Heart Mind Soul to be Ready Motivated All Times to Face All Eventualities No Matter what Happens or going to Take Place I will Face it!

God Bless me with enough Energy and Strength to keep going and Stand Tall

Walk me Through the Maze of what I am Facing and about to Experience 

Guide Me and Lay Down the Path for my Heart Mind Soul to work in Tandem

Extend my Longevity Bless me with Great Health & Disease Free 

Navigate Me to Good Positive Things and Situations 

Feed me with Love Friendship Calmness Strategies 

Help me to deal with Negative Thoughts Bad Situations Life’s Challenges 

Preserve My Soul and Identity upon Departure from this Life 

Unite My Soul with our Departed Family from this Life 

Let the Angels shower Us with Blessings and Peace 

God Grant My Prayer

God gave me this Soul in a Human Body. I have somehow natured this Human Body put through Thick & Thin to reach thus far.

How Time Passed before Me. I just don’t know. How from Birth to Youth to Adulthood to have got Married, had children, Daughter & Son and then Tragedy happened. Wife got sick with untreatable diseases and Passed. Left us Devastated.

How Time Went by I Just Don’t Know.

I did not find time to Care about Me. My Body suffered from neglect. No healthy meals, No proper rest & exercise. Just chugged  along to SURVIVE THE MAIZE OF LIFE and from Moments of being Happy to Sorrow.

Now I am Old Man. Having difficulty walking & maintaining balance. Eyesight is getting weaker. Not much to look forward to. But still Alive.

My God would say “this is not the way to Live your Given Life by me”

God saying: “you are required to Look After Yourself No Matter What Your Age. Should take care of your body to maintain your Soul & Mind. Human body starts to deteriorate as you age. You are not a Robot that would last for ever. You are Flesh and Blood which has only so much Earth Life”

God: “So look after your Being. And Enjoy Rest of Your Given Life till your time comes to leave this Earth.”

WHAT IS CHANGE

Change is Fundamental and Inevitable 

Weather we Like it or Not Is Going to Happen 

CHANGES IN LIFE

From Birth to Toddler to Childhood to Youth to Adulthood 

We have to Adapt to these Phases of Changes in our Life 

It is Given Natural Phenomena of Evaluation 

Cannot be Stopped 

Growth and Transformation of Life takes place

Shaping of Character 

Finding Pursuing Opportunities 

Setting Goals 

Experiencing Milestones 

Facing Challenges 

Shaping Identity Personal Development 

Winning & Loosing 

Learning & Not Giving Up

Striving to Succeed Again 

Looking After Your Loved Ones

Naturing Good Relationships 

Believe in Yourself 

Trust in YOU

Gracefully Aging 

Embrace Change 

Change is Not Static 

CHANGE IN OUR WORLD

Our World is going through Unprecedented Change

From Climate Changes to Covid Diseases to Political Turmoils

We don’t have much Control over these Changes

All we can Ask to Bless us With Good Health Peace some Happiness

Reconciliation of some Peace and Agreement to Nations at War

Live and Let Live

CHANGES TO OUR UNIVERSE

We should protect our Earth Oceans Sky Air – Our Universe from getting Destroyed by Unwanted Changes

Depletion of the Ozone Layer needs to be controlled

Weather Patterns are Changing

Let’s Protect our Universe

Let’s do our part how small it may be

Will make a Big Difference Eventually

Change is Unifying Theme Connecting Life World Universe

Serving as Catalyst Growth Adaptation and Exploration

Embracing CHANGE can Lead to Greater Understanding and Appreciation of Complexities of Existence

I am a Widower now

But I was Once Married 

To a Beautiful Simple Soft Spoken Lady

She came into my My Life Like a Bird 

Totally Surprising Me As if it was meant to be 

Was introduced to her by a Friend

Got a call saying:

“Are you Married Yet”

“I Said No”

“Then come for Dinner to meet this Lovely Person Visiting us looking for her Future Husband 

Hurry! Before She Flies Away”

It was not April 1 – Fools’ Day!

So Accepted the offer Presented myself to this Dinner 

My Journey of Marriage started. As Fate would have it

I was Once Married 

We did not know each other before 

Upon meeting and pleasantries 

There was instant liking for each other 

The dinner was Sumptuous which she had prepared 

As the evening passed 

Discussions Talks Jokes by her especially were so pleasant, engaging, Interesting

Resonated with my Thoughts & Likings

Our meeting became an Obsession 

As though we knew each other Well from before 

Thoughts of having  her as my marriage partner started to grow stronger and definite as the evening progressed 

My Mind was racing 

She captivated me: the way she carried herself with such Ladylike Class & Dignity & Intelligence 

We met few more times over coffee and Dinner 

And it got established that our liking for each other, ideas,  goals were Mutual and we both had Strong Desire to be Soul Mates 

After Approval of our Parents 

Were married within two weeks of our meeting 

Our Love, Friendship Grew and we got to know each other better as time went by

We got into the mode of having children and raising a family 

We had two Healthy Beautiful children

Girl and Boy 

We were so Happy. Devoted Quality time & love to our babies 

Her Motherly Love with Enthusiasm Pride & Joy showed in upbringing of our kids. They hardly got sick.

She was totally immersed in thier schooling and Professional Accreditations 

She became ‘The Go To Person’ to our Kids and Me 

But Kids got the Priority 

Today our Daughter has a Career in Business Development. And our Son is a Physician 

Time went by pursuing Jobs Opportunities and Adapting to Ups and Downs of Life in General 

I was Once Married 

I Was Once Married 

We were a Great Family of Four 

Enjoyed home life 

Going on Vacations & Cruises 

Celebrating our Special Days of Birthdays and our Wedding Anniversary 

As God doesn’t give you everything in Life

Takes away some things which are dear to your Heart & Soul 

I Was once Married 

My Beloved Wife became sick with incurable disease

Health deteriorated over 15 years period 

Gradually became bed ridden

We took good care of her at home. That is what she deserved and wanted

Learnt how to be  Caregiver without any training 

It was Painful to witness & feel how uncomfortable she was getting & suffering but her doctors could not do anything

Had Good & Bad days 

Finally her Time Came. We Lost her. We are Deeply Saddened but Relieved she is Not Suffering Anymore

I Was Once Married for 50 years to this Lovely Person 

Came Flying into my Life as a Bird and Left me Flying to her Next Journey 

It had been Awesome Partnership and Marriage Except last 15 years, which had not anticipated.

Very Bitter “Why Her”

No Amount of Words can Describe our Loss

Only left with Great Memories 

Which are Precious & Priceless 

I Was Once Married for 50 years 

Slow Down

Don’t Go So Fast

For I still have some Unfinished Things to attend to

Have to deal with my Obligations 

Have to Endure with some Painful Feelings 

Have to Fulfil some Responsibilities 

During My Life’s Journey on this Earth 

Some people got Upset

And Left the Relationship & Friendship 

We Had and So Cherished 

All Gone 

Nevertheless 

Have to Extend my Hand of Friendship & Love Again to these Upset Persons 

For I am A Pious Being

Don’t want to take Grudges as Extra Baggage on My Train of Life 

Ones Crying & will Miss Me

Have place in my Heart

Hopes & Desires which were not Achieved have to ‘Let Go’

Sad to Experience Some Relations have gone Sour and others showing no signs of changing their Attitudes & Feelings and have Drifted away

Phoney & Untrustworthy Relations have to be Forgotten and Eliminated to acquire Peace of Mind

My Good Lord: Allow My Last Breaths to Thank those Loved Ones who Deeply Cared and Devoted their Unconditional Time Energy & Love to be part of my Life’s Journey

My Life’s Train Move Slowly for I still have to Attend to Unfinished Matters before I Reach my Final Destination 

Yes, have not Published lately. Was busy going through my boxes from my house move.

What to keep and what to get rid of – that is the Dilemma. Things which have been acquired over the years:

Things which are so precious, important, valuable and irreplaceable; and so fond of that just don’t want to part with.

Things which have not used in years but as I think of getting rid of immediately my Mind says “No & No you may need it. Where will you run to find and get it now in your old age.” Hence, though that Thing may never be used by me again, Did Not Get Rid Off. And vicious cycle of Accumulation of Unwanted Things starts again.

Consequently not much is getting rid of and have no room for have Downsized to smaller and more functional home; yet newer, modern and convenient to my life style at this period of my life.

But with heavy heart and determination have to “Let Go” some unwanted stuff. And have to be Strong Minded to execute this.

So, preparing boxes of some good Things and in great condition for someone else to use and taking them to charitable places. Feeling very good & happy about this deed of mine. Just have to console and convince My Mind; this is right thing to do.

Going forward am mindful of hoarding things. And getting Out of the mindset that will need this and that so just keep it. As am of the Age in Final Quarter quite vulnerable to getting my call from my Creator: “my time is up on this Earth” And would not want my Loved Ones to deal with this Mess

I leave this Post to say: “very easy to get attached to Material Things” and unwilling to part with. This is meaningless as we cannot take them into our next life. But what we can take is Great Memories: Loving Moments, True Meaningful Relationships, Love & Faith for your Religion, Support of your Children, Family & Friends at your Hour of Need. All this is Priceless.

God Bless and Stay Attached to Good Memories and Not Material Things!

Had to Leave you All as I got Sicker and Sicker

Did not have Strength or Desire to Live Anymore

My Creator was on My Side

Witnessed my Pain & Suffering Gave me a New Start Helped me out of my Misery Ending my Time on this Earth

Did not mean to give you this Shock Have Caused much Sorrow & Bereavement & Left without saying Goodbye

Am Missed and lots of tears being shed for my absence but it is better this way for Me and You Looking after Me was not easy Chore

Now am Not in Pain & Suffering
Am Healthy & Happy in my New World

Remember Me As I Once Was

Healthy Vibrant Wife Had Two Lovely Children

Going on Trips Cruises and African Safari

We enjoyed raising our Daughter & Son with Pride & Joy

We were filled with Immense Pride and Joy when our Son Achieved his Accreditation as a Medical Doctor and our Daughter Graduated with her Degree in Commerce

Both have Wonderful Careers now

Cherish the Memories of the Wonderful Times we had

The Love Bond and Gratitude we Felt & Shared with Each Other was Priceless

So Fortunate to have known you All

Until we Meet Again!

Remember Me As I Once Was

We have gathered to perform 

“ANTYESTI”

The Last Rites

At your favourite spot 

‘The Falls’

With white water gushing from the mountains and turning into blue water stream surrounded by rocks and trees 

You would always say:

“what a beautiful spot”

That is why this is the chosen spot to perform your Ceremony of Ashes 

As we Disperse your Ashes into the Water 

Let your Spiritual Journey Begin 

Ashes to Ashes 

Water to Water 

Ocean to Ocean 

May you travel to the Great Oceans 

Let your Remains get washed of all Evils Diseases and Sufferings

You encountered in your life here 

Get Purified along the way 

Your next life be far better than this one 

Let tears from our cheeks flow with you 

Sorrow of “Letting You Go”

Your Final Persona 

May the Water Gods be with you 

Angels in Haven be on your side 

For Safe & Smooth Journey to the Oceans of this Earth 

May your Spirit be at Peace Happy Healthy Forever 

No Amount of Words can describe Our Loss 

Thank you for 50 years of Wonderful Time and Memories to Cherish  

Bon Voyage 

Tai-Chi is a Meditative Movement. A form of Martial Arts Emphasizes Slow Deliberate
Movement and Deep Breathing combines both Physical Exercise and Mental Focus promoting both physical and Mental Health

Tai-Chi is rooted in Taoist Philosophy from China.  Emphasizing Balance Harmony and Flow of Energy ( Qi ) within the Body 

Often recommended for Stress Reduction Enhancing Mental Clarity and overall Cardiovascular Health 

Slow flowing movements make Tai-Chi accessible to people of All Ages and Fitness Levels. Particularly beneficial to Adults to prevent Falls and Improve Mobility 

Tai- Chi encourages Mindfulness promoting Awareness of Body and Breath leading to Deeper Sense of Relaxation and Mental Clarity 

There are various Styles of Tai-Chi like Yang Chen Wu Sun each with its unique characteristics and forms. Practitioners learn series of movements that Flow Together Seamlessly 

Tai-Chi often practiced in Parks and Community Centres Fostering Sense of Community and Friendship 

Tai-Chi is a  Valuable Addition to a Balanced Lifestyle of Body and Mind 

Try Tai-Chi to Experience your Balance of Life !