Holiday greetings from our home to yours - 2014

Hello there,

Roshan and Taran - growing up fast!

Here we are again - at the cusp of bidding goodbye to 2013 & welcoming 2014. We had a beautiful year, full of adventure and fun and we hope you had a blissful time too. So here's a recap of how we fared in 2013.

Taran and Roshan turned 9. They have continued to enjoy school (thankfully!) and are making steady progress in chess & tennis. Both the boys had violin recitals this year and played the recorder at school. Apart from their love for sports, school and fascination with books, what truly stood out this year, was their initiative to make rainbow loom bracelets and sell it door to door thereby raising over $2,000 for charity. The boys did this to honor the memory of their chess friend, Mr. Steve Ferrero. We are proud of Taran, Roshan and all their friends who helped in this poignant effort. They also planned a prayer service in honor of their grandfather's younger brother, who passed away suddenly. It's a joy to see their growth from little kids to young adults.

Ritesh had a big career change this year as he, along with some investors, started Seamless Health, a healthcare startup. A new job meant that he had a lot of running to do. He took the name and work literally and ran his second half marathon!  Nidhi was very supportive of Ritesh joining the healthcare industry and so tore a few ligaments in her foot so as to contribute to the sector.

Nidhi and Ritesh in Atlanta during Thanksgiving

Nidhi continued volunteering at Taran and Roshan's school and has also been actively pursuing her Reiki practice. She also became a member of SGI this year. It's an important step in her journey to spirituality. She now has weekly chanting and discussion meetings in her house. Its the boys, however, who have been enjoying her spiritual journey the most. They now bash each other up as and when they want and blame it on "it was my brother's karma from a previous lifetime!" 

An important aspect of this year has been that Nidhi turned 40 this year and it was celebrated by everyone who knew her. Ritesh threw a big bash for her, thereby earning brownie points for the next several years (or till her 41st). Yet again, he demonstrates that he knows the art of investing - we refer to the emotional investing here. Everyone was happy that she turned 40 – now she will, hopefully, act more mature.

Taran and Roshan at Qutab complex in New Delhi

Travel has always been a priority for the Idnani family and no year is complete till the time they hit the roads. The Idnanis spent the spring break with family and friends in Canada, Thanksgiving with friends in Atlanta and found themselves back in Canada for Christmas. They also continued to travel for chess tournaments to New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. 

Taran and Roshan at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

However, the highlight of this year was their travel to India this summer. From the historical forts and opulent palaces in Jodhpur and Jaipur, to the pious destinations of Pushkar (the only temple of Lord Brahma in the world) and Ajmer (the famous shrine of the venerated Sufi saint, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti), the psychedelic colors of traditional outfits, arts and craft in the desert state  and the affectionate hospitality of their family - the trip to Rajasthan is one that has been etched in their memory forever. Mumbai and Delhi, as always, were vibrant and intoxicating. Goa captivated them with its swaying palm trees, lush greenery, white sand and the Arabian Sea. The drive to Dehradun was picturesque and the city was charming. But the biggest draw was the outpouring of love, affection and food by friends and family. We felt truly blessed & fat! 

As we wrap up this year, we wish you an exciting journey in 2014 filled with love, peace, good health, happiness and wish that you truly live in the moment as opposed to for the moment.

To see a world in a grain of sand,

And a Heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.

                               - William Blake

Stay in touch!

Ritesh, Nidhi, Taran and Roshan