US Diary 05-Oct-2023

This morning is so refreshing with a glowing bright sun, and it felt unusually warm. Preetha conveyed the happy news of Ajay, my grandson, winning the global award from Apax Digital, where he is employed.  Apax is a Global equity advisory firm specializing in growth equity and buyout investments in high growth enterprise software, internet, and technology enabled service companies worldwide. (As you might have guessed, this information was taken from their website.) I felt so happy which made my eyes wet with tears. "Congratulations my dear, I am proud of you and your parents!"

To quote from the congratulatory note: 

"Ajay's did an exemplary job helping Apax Digital's relationship with BUILD NYC for the last two years. Whether it comes to working with the Apax Foundation to apply for Apax's $50,000 annual grant, or to the logistics around the mentorship program, Ajay continues to inspire the team to make a difference from the front lines. He seamlessly transitioned to the next level, a promotion requiring true adaptability and entrepreneurial attitude".  He was also appreciated for his "mentoring and onboarding abilities" and for being "an incredible culture carrier with a great attitude". I was not surprised to read that Ajay has an intellectual maturity beyond his years. 

Thus, for me, the day started with a bang. Humming a song, I took bath and went downstairs. I made a few phone calls to friends and relatives after breakfast. Then I stepped on the deck for a 10 minutes' walk. While walking, more than 5 or 6 planes went flying over my head, up in the sky. Newark airport, where I landed, is only some 25 or 30 miles away. In spite of flying so many times in different type of planes, I still enjoy the view of planes flying like a bird in the sky, even at this age, which takes me back into my childhood days.

After lunch, I watched an old malayalam movie "Uyare" in Netflix, a story about a girl aspiring to become a pilot. I then went for an evening walk as usual with Sree and Preetha and joined them for a few steps (20 to 30) in their last round. By the time the sun set, it became very chilly, and we hurried home. I made a few phone calls to relatives in India and then took dinner.  That's all for now.  Let's call it a day.