Kriya

Yesterday, September 19, 2026, I visited Hema Ravi ji, a Boloji contributor for over twenty years, while she is staying with her daughter in Somerville, New Jersey. Hema ji had also invited the celebrated author, Julie Mars.

Hema ji with her husband, daughter and son-in-law with her lovely 5-year-old granddaughter Kriya, had met us during her last visit to the USA in July 2022.

So, yesterday it was not only refreshing to meet everyone in person again and reminiscence of the nostalgia, but it was also a wonderful experience to meet Kriya again.  

The shy little 9-year-old girl took her own time, but once she adjusted, she amazed me by sharing over half a dozen trophies that she had won in school and extracurricular activities. She also evaluated my IQ and common sense by asking me to guess and identify the activity for which she had merited them.

It was a privilege when Kriya invited Julie and me into her private room to show us her artwork and toys—her own little world, which she wanted to share with us.

It was a rewarding day to rediscover innocence and the unconditional joy of sharing and caring.

Our future is surely in safe hands. 

Ethan

Since I had driven almost sixty-five miles, on return I thought about meeting my friend in Paramus, before heading home.

Upon reaching Paramus, it was fun playing with the 20-month-old Ethan (grandson of my friend Ivon McArthur) who was also extremely excited to show his toy truck, crayon box and try to communicate with his loving gestures and toddler’s gibberish.  

Both Kriya and Ethan took me back in time to my own childhood memories.

Long live the childhood and the innocent child.