The Best Gifts I Received In Life
The day I was born, my Baba (my mum’s father) held me as if I were the answer to a prayer he hadn’t known he’d been whispering. He looked at me with a tenderness that came from both immense love and lingering sorrow. Just a year before, he had lost his only son—a loss that had shattered his world. But there I was, nestled in his arms, a tiny new beginning. In that moment, he named me Radhika, a name brimming with devotion and grace. He said it aloud as if speaking to the universe itself, giving me not just an identity but a piece of his soul.
Baba and I were inseparable. Wherever he went, I went too. He carried me through life like a protective bear with its cub, always keeping me close, always holding me dear. One of my earliest and fondest memories is of us walking through the serene pathways of the JK Temple. Hand in hand, we would wander among the marble wonder, him pointing out stories from the scriptures etched into the walls, while I listened with wide-eyed wonder.
Our days always began with simple joys. Morning tea was an unmissable ritual, accompanied by Parle-G biscuits, their sweetness mingling with the warmth of those early hours. Baba&Dadi believed in the magic of food to bring people together, and our meals were always a celebration of flavors and love. Fruits were a daily staple, while mangoes turned summer afternoons into pure bliss. From Revari brought back from Allahabad to the ghee soaked motichur laddus, every bite carried a memory. Hanuman’s chat and batasa’s, modern bakery’s pastries and crème rolls, and bowls of creamy, homemade gajar kheer added to our treasure trove of shared delights. My Dadi spoiled me with the best food ever and she made everything magical. She was my partner in crime.💟
Baba had a way of making even the simplest things special. He’d bring home little treasures—porcelain tea sets and toys that made tea time feel regal, and small toys that sparked endless hours of joy. Each gift made me feel like the most cherished person in the world.
But what I loved most was reading to him stories of Krishna and Radha, of love and wisdom. He would close his eyes, listening intently, as if each word was a balm for his soul. Those moments felt timeless, sacred even, as though we were connecting not just as father and daughter but as two souls deeply intertwined.
Baba’s love wasn’t loud or flashy; it was steady, like the sunlight filtering through trees on a breezy afternoon. It was in the way he held my hand crossing busy streets, in the way he tucked my blanket on cold nights, in the way he whispered my name. Every time someone calls me Radhika, I feel his blessings envelop me like a warm embrace. It’s as if he’s always with me, his spirit woven into the very letters of my name. Looking back, I realize my name isn’t just a name. It’s a story of love and healing, of finding joy in the simplest things, and of a bond that transcends time.
#2. The Gift of Patience ❄️
Patience is not something I was born with—it is a gift I received from my mother. She has always been my quiet teacher, her wisdom tucked into simple words: “Good things come to those who wait.”
Growing up, I often marveled at her calmness. Whether it was waiting for a long-overdue blessing or simply letting a pot of milk simmer on the stove without rushing it, she carried an air of trust in time. She taught me that even though we have the power to act, sometimes the greatest strength lies in restraint—letting things unfold at their own pace instead of forcing the tide.
Whenever I grew impatient or restless, her words were a gentle reminder: “Let go and let God.” In her, I saw how letting go of control wasn’t about giving up but about trusting a greater plan. She showed me that patience is not passive; it’s an active choice to have faith, to believe that what is meant for you will find its way in its own perfect time.
Thanks to her, I’ve learned to wait—not with frustration, but with grace. And in that waiting, I’ve discovered the quiet beauty of life’s natural rhythm, where everything happens just when it’s supposed to.
One of the most profound lessons my mother has ever taught me is the power of letting go. Whenever someone didn’t mean well or acted unfairly, she never encouraged anger or retaliation. Instead, she’d gently remind me, “Keep going on your path, and let God handle it. It’s not your duty to punish; let life take care of it.”
At first, it was hard to understand. My instinct was always to act, to react, to make things right in my own way. But she showed me the quiet strength in choosing grace over confrontation. She taught me that holding on to grudges or seeking revenge would only weigh me down, tying me to the very thing I wanted to escape.
“Letting go,” she would say, “is not about being weak. It’s about freeing yourself.” She was right. Each time I chose to walk away from hurtful intentions instead of fighting back, I felt lighter. And in the space where anger might have festered, I found peace—free from the regret or guilt that retaliation so often brings.
Her wisdom has guided me through countless moments when I could have let negativity consume me. Instead, I’ve learned to trust in a greater justice, one that doesn’t need my interference. I’ve learned that the best response to unkindness is to continue walking your own path, with your head held high and your heart unburdened.
Because when you let go, you don’t just escape regret—you find yourself. And in that, you find freedom.
#3. The Gift of Learning & Friendship
The greatest gift my father ever gave me is the lifelong lesson of learning—not just from books, but from life itself. He taught me to keep an open mind, to see every experience as an opportunity to grow, and to embrace the role of a lifelong student. From my earliest days, he supported my education, not just with words but with unwavering support, reassuring me that no matter the outcome, I was never alone.
Even when I chose paths he gently advised against, he stood by me. He let me make my choices, stumble, and learn from my failures. From him, I understood that failures are not the end—they’re lessons wrapped in disguise, each one a stepping stone toward something greater. He taught me to face them with courage and extract wisdom from every fall.
But beyond being a teacher, my father was my first and truest friend. From him, I learned that true friendship is the only relationship that withstands every storm, and every test of time. It doesn’t demand conditions or adherence to expectations. Instead, it frees you, lifts you, and grows stronger with every passing moment. Through his life and actions, my father showed me that while other relationships might come with rules, friendship is boundless. And when you find that bond in someone—whether a parent, a sibling, or a stranger—it becomes a treasure that lasts forever.
Because of him, I’ve learned to cherish life’s lessons and the beautiful gift of friendship. In his love and wisdom, I’ve found a strength that continues to guide me, reminding me always to keep learning, keep loving, and keep growing.
#4. The Gift of Love
The bestest gift I have ever received is my baby sister’s love. Her mere existence has been a blessing, a light that shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. When she was a toddler, her giggles were the purest music I had ever heard. They sounded like an old man’s hearty laughter—so unexpected and so full of joy that I would do anything to hear it again and again. Making her laugh became my favorite pastime, and in her laughter, I found my own happiness.
Her childhood was a treasure that enriched my own. She was my real-life Barbie doll, and I adored taking care of her. It was her presence that turned my wild, carefree self into someone more responsible. I wasn’t just her sister; I became a nurturer, a protector, and in many ways, a mother. She gave me purpose, and through her, I discovered sides of myself that I might never have known. Who I am today—the grounded, thoughtful person I strive to be—is because of her.
Now, she has grown up, and life has taken us down separate paths. The closeness we shared as children may have faded into the background of adulthood, but for me, her existence remains the greatest gift. She is still the same blessing she was when she giggled through her toddler years.
Even if the distance between us feels wider now, my heart carries her with me. I feel blessed to have had her as part of my life’s journey. She made my childhood a joyous adventure and taught me lessons I will carry forever. Her love and presence have left an indelible mark on my soul, and for that, I will always be grateful.
#5. The Gift of Guidance
The greatest gift I have found in life is my teachers. A teacher’s presence is a light in the darkness, a compass when you are lost. My Guruji’s initiation to gift me a guru mantra is a lifelong gift. He appeared in my life during a time of chaos, when I was seeking direction but didn’t know where to look. It wasn’t I who sought him; it was he who saw me, without my asking, and chose me as his student. That moment changed my life, for in finding a teacher, I found a path. His wisdom became a harbor where I could anchor whenever life’s storms grew too fierce. He showed me that learning is not about finding all the answers but about discovering the strength to navigate uncertainty.
Under his guidance, I have come to understand the deeper truths of life—of patience, humility, and the power of inner reflection. His teachings aren’t confined to words; they are a way of living, a lens through which to see the world more clearly and walk through it with grace. Even when I falter, I carry the gift of his wisdom. It is a constant reminder that I am not alone, that I have been given a beacon to guide me through life’s uncertainties. To have a teacher is to have a source of unwavering support, someone who not only sees your potential but helps you uncover it.
Guruji’s presence in my life has been nothing short of transformative. His belief in me, his decision to share his knowledge, and his role as my guide are blessings I cherish deeply. Without him, I would be adrift. With him, I feel grounded, supported, and ready to face life with an open heart.
Finding a teacher isn’t just finding guidance, it’s finding a gift that continues to give, every single day. For that, I am endlessly grateful.
🙏🏻