Kamaljit Sran
I’ve known Ravi Aunty and her family for 30 + years. She was always unbelievably nurturing and caring. She would host gatherings at her home on a regular basis and warmly welcome all. Over the last few years, she tirelessly did seva at the Hayward Gurdwara. She made an amazing effort to attend all functions. I took for granted that whenever there was a gathering in the community (keertan, wedding, anniversary party, etc), she would be there. She recently made me realize: We are all so lucky to have grown up in a culture where our families truly bonded. I think having immigrated from a foreign country, they all found immense joy in connecting to those with similar roots. They really cherished people dropping by for a cup of chai (no phone call required), hosting parties in their cozy homes with home cooked meals (no RSVP required –the more the merrier!), openheartedly having langar sewa for 400 + friends at least once a year , and even hosting wedding events with 600+ guests. We often take for granted that the warmth and connections people like Ravi Aunty and our parents created will carry on forever. What I realize is that we, the next generation, should really try to cultivate what they started. As they get older, these beautiful ways to keep in touch, may be lost. It brings a smile to my face as I think about my visits to Ravi aunty and Jaswant Uncle’s home as a teenager. It makes me sad that what had been so familiar has left us. I am hoping that Ravi Aunty’s legacy of graciously opening her heart and her home, will carry on in us!! As I left the Hayward Gurdwara today and was saying bye to Bob, Sunny, Jaswant Uncle, Bali and Elaine, I had a split second urge to find Ravi Aunty and say bye to her as well. I had momentarily forgotten that she has physically left us. However, spiritually, she will always be with us!! Thanks Auntie for touching my life and for bringing so much joy to me and so many others. You were like a Masi to me!! I will miss you immensely! Kamaljit Sran