One day, we will too..... Ek din ham bhi ....

During the recent visit of Respected Raj Mami ji and Narinder Mama ji to Chicago, we almost continually talked about Bhapa Ram Chand ji Maharaj.

And in those heartfelt conversations, a thought kept echoing in my mind...

How rare and blessed are those souls who, even long after they have physically departed, continue to live vividly in the hearts and thoughts of those who knew them.

Bhapa Ram Chand ji was one such divine soul — a presence so pure, so deeply rooted in devotion and humility, that even time cannot fade his imprint.

His simplicity, his loving nature, his calm presence, and wisdom — they all left an unspoken mark on every life he touched. 

As we shared memories, stories, and small moments we had witnessed, it felt as if he was with us — smiling gently, listening quietly, and silently blessing. 

There was a certain energy and peace in remembering him. 

It reminded us that true saints don’t just live in time — they live beyond time.

Their lives are not just remembered — they become living guidance for generations to come.

And remembering them — talking about them — is our way of staying close to them.

Of keeping their light alive in our hearts. 

However, it also made me think - -

What about us? 

What about me?

            "Ek din ham bhi kahaani ban kay hee reh jayengay 

              Par Kahaani aesi ho - ki log dohraatay rahen 

              Chehray ka hai kya - Vo to maati me mil jaayega

              Baaten meri 'Rajan' - log suntay sunaatay rahen"

One day, we too will become just a story —

But let it be a story worth retelling, again and again.

What’s in a face? It will turn to dust one day. 

Let it be my words, Rajan, that people keep listening to... and passing on. 

                     " Rajan Sachdeva "

A Tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain

Ustad Zakir Hussain was undoubtedly one of the greatest artists of our era. 

However, what truly distinguished him - what set him apart and made him even more beloved was his humility. 

Zakir Bhai’s greatness wasn’t just in his music but also in his profound humanity. His friendly, warm and down-to-earth personality left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.

I feel deeply fortunate to have had numerous opportunities to witness his warmth and humility firsthand through many cherished moments.

The first time I met Zakir Bhai was in 1984, during a small house concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

After the concert, the host introduced me to him and asked me if I could take him to the Canadian embassy the following morning. 

I eagerly agreed, considering it an honor. 

The host said he would drop Zakir Bhai off at my apartment in the morning. I invited Zakir Ji to have breakfast with us and asked for his preferences. With a big smile on his face, he humorously said, “Punjabiyon kay ghar aakay Toast khayenge kya? Arre bhai, koi Aloo kay paranthay khilao, lassi pilao—itnay din baad to kisi Punjabi ka ghar mila!”

("Do you think I would come to a Punjabi's house and eat butter toast or something? Aray Bhai - make some Alu parathas - make some Lassi - after so many days I am coming to a Punjabi house")

His humor and approachability instantly made me feel at ease.

We spent the entire day together, quickly forming a bond that lasted for many years. During our conversations, I shared that I was a big fan of Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib but I was too intimidated to approach him. Zakir Bhai not only encouraged me but also helped me connect with Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib, paving the way for a wonderful relationship with him as well.

Another incident stands out vividly in my memory, leaving an everlasting impression of his kind nature.

In 1991, I organized a three-day music festival in Detroit, Michigan, featuring several great artists from the Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) including Pt. V. G. Jog, Buddhadev Dasgupta, Shrimati Girija Devi, Ajay Chakravarty, Rashid Khan, Pandit Samar Saha, and few others along with Mr. Vijay Kichlu. They stayed at my house for 10 days. Zakir Bhai arrived two days early.

I was alone at the time, as my family was visiting India. Every morning, as I prepared tea for everyone, Zakir Bhai would join me in the kitchen, insisting on helping me. I felt humbled by his generosity, and even a bit embarrassed to have such a legendary artist assisting me in this way. But he always put me at ease, and his gestures of kindness were deeply moving. He even encouraged others to help - to get whatever they wanted by themselves - so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed.

During the Tabla workshop he was conducting at my house in Southfield Michigan, where he was addressing a gathering of about a hundred people - he invited another Tabla artist to present a few features of his Gharana. 

He was hesitant and said - Zakir Bhai, this is your workshop - your place not mine. But Zakir ji pulled him with his hand and asked him to join him on the stage.
Moments like these reflect the kind of person he was — someone who uplifted others with his warmth and generosity.

These moments are just a few of the countless memories that are imprinted deeply in my heart.
His greatness wasn’t limited to his artistry only — 

he was not just a legend in music, but a true gem of a human being as well.
I treasure every moment I spent with this incredible person. 

We will always miss you, Zakir Bhai—with love and immense respect.
                                            " Rajan Sachdeva "

       Ann Arbor Michigan 1984

 

      At my apartment in Ann Arbor 1986

                           Lunch with Zakir ji - 1991

                    At Pandit Shyam Kane's home 2008
 

       with my son Rishi - at our house 2010 0r 2011

      With his wife Tony At Zakir Bhai's place San Fransisco 

जम्मू-कश्मीर की धरती से -- 'निर्दोष' इक संघर्ष, ते किश यादां

जम्मू-कश्मीर की धरती से... 'निर्दोष' इक संघर्ष, ते किश यादां !'

भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि - श्री रतन टाटा

                                भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि - श्री रतन टाटा 

                        जो सिर्फ नाम से ही नहीं - कर्म से भी रत्न थे 

                 एक अनुभवी उद्योगपति और जाने-माने परोपकारी व्यक्ति, 

                         जिनका कल 87 वर्ष की आयु में निधन हो गया।

                                         रतन टाटा के चंद शब्द

अगर आप तेज़ चलना चाहते हैं - तो अकेले चलें 

लेकिन अगर आप दूर तक जाना चाहते हैं - तो सबके साथ मिल के चलें।

कितनी अजीब है बात है कि हम उच्च और मशहूर ब्रांड के कपड़े पहनना चाहते हैं -

लेकिन हम पायजामे में सबसे अधिक सहज महसूस करते हैं।

हम ताज और मैरियट जैसे होटलों में अमीर और कुलीन लोगों के साथ बैठना चाहते हैं - 

लेकिन वास्तव में हमें दोस्तों के साथ सड़क के किनारे एक ढाबे पर चाय पीने में ज़्यादा आनंद मिलता है। 

हम बड़ी बड़ी कारों के मालिक बनना चाहते हैं और लंबी ड्राइव पर जाना चाहते हैं - 

लेकिन अपने दिल की बात हम केवल किसी प्रियजन के साथ एक गली में या सड़क पर चलते समय ही करते हैं।

                         इन  4 चीजों से कभी न शर्माएँ 

पुराने कपड़े - क्योंकि आपके कपड़े आपकी प्रतिभा को परिभाषित नहीं करते।

गरीब दोस्त - क्योंकि दोस्ती में कोई हैसियत और स्टैट्स नहीं देखी जाती।

वृद्ध माता-पिता - क्योंकि आज आप जो कुछ भी हैं, वह उनके कारण ही तो हैं।

सादा जीवन - क्योंकि सफलता का अंदाजा आपकी जीवनशैली से नहीं लगाया जा सकता।

                                   ~~~~~~~~~~

उन्होंने सिर्फ़ सादगी का उपदेश ही नहीं दिया -

उन्होंने खुद भी एक पवित्र और सादा जीवन जिया।

वे हर जगह अपनी सादी जीवनशैली के लिए जाने जाते थे।

वे सिर्फ़ नाम से ही नहीं बल्कि कर्म से भी रत्न थे - जो हमेशा अपने कौशल एवं विवेक तथा धन से देश और मानवता की सेवा करते रहे। 

Don't Be Shy at 4 Things -- "RATAN TATA

                    

            A heartfelt tribute to Sh. Ratan Tata -

A Veteran Industrialist and Well-known Philanthropist, who passed away yesterday, at the age of 87. 

                       Words of Ratan Tata

If you want to walk fast - walk alone, 

But if you wish to walk far - walk together.

How strange is it that we wish to wear high brands - 

but we feel most comfortable in pajamas. 

We wish to sit in the Taj and Marriott with elite people - 

but we enjoy roadside tea with friends.

We wish to own big cars and go on long drives - 

yet we talk our hearts out only while walking down a long road with a loved one.

              DON'T BE SHY AT 4 THINGS: 

Old Clothes - because your clothes do not define your talent. 

Poor friends - because there is no status in friendship. 

Old parents - because what you are today is because of them. 

Simple living - because success can't be judged by your lifestyle. 

                                 ~~~~~~~~~~

He did not just preach simplicity - 

He lived a pious and simple life himself as well.

He was known for his simple lifestyle.

He was a Ratan (Gem) not just by name but also by deeds - who served the nation, people, and humanity with his skills and wealth. 

May this Noble Soul rest in eternal peace.