Publisher’s View
Dear Reader,
In the 33-year journey of Desh-Videsh Magazine, this is the very first time I am writing an editorial column—and that too, to share my deeply personal feelings about my husband, my life partner. I hope our readers will understand and appreciate the emotion behind these words, because this moment marks one of the most significant and meaningful milestones in both Rajni’s life and mine.
On March 20, 2026, we had the immense joy and privilege of celebrating Rajni’s 80th birthday—an evening that will remain etched in our hearts forever. This was not just a celebration of age, but a celebration of a life filled with purpose, resilience, faith, and service. As I stood surrounded by our family members and dear friends, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Rajni and I are truly thankful to each one of you who joined us—your presence made the evening warm, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Over the years, I have witnessed Rajni’s journey closely—from his early beginnings in India to building a life of integrity and accomplishment in America. His path has never been easy, but it has always been guided by values, determination, and an unwavering belief in doing what is right. Beyond all achievements, what defines Rajni most is his love for family, his humility, and his commitment to giving back to society.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was Rajni’s heartfelt speech, “Eighty Years — A Sacred Journey.” As he spoke, the room fell into a profound silence. His words carried emotion, reflection, and spiritual depth. It was not merely a recounting of his life, but a powerful reminder that life’s true meaning lies in gratitude, resilience, and service. His message touched everyone present and left a lasting impression on all of us.
As his life partner, I have had the honor of walking beside him through every phase of this journey—through challenges, growth, and countless blessings. This celebration was not only about looking back at eighty years, but also about appreciating the love, relationships, and purpose that continue to guide us forward.
I have also taken the liberty of sharing Rajni’s entire speech in its original poetic form in the following pages. It is my humble way of preserving not just his words, but the emotion, depth, and spiritual essence that touched all of us that evening.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Aruna Shah
Publisher, Desh-Videsh Magazine
“Eighty Years — A Sacred Journey”
Tonight, I do not stand before you
As a man who simply turned eighty.
I stand here as a pilgrim —
Grateful for every step of the journey.
I was born in the soil of my Matrubhumi, Bharat
Where faith rose before the sun,
Where my mother’s whispered prayers
Were the first victories I won.
I carried no riches across the ocean —
Only values stitched into my soul:
Bhakti in my breath,
Dharma as my goal.
Then America became my Karmabhumi —
Not just a land of opportunity,
But a battlefield of growth.
The early years were not easy.
New language. New culture. New skies.
No safety net beneath my feet —
Only determination in my eyes.
I worked hard.
I worked quietly.
I worked with giants — Fortune 500 towers of steel and glass.
I learned. I built. I earned trust.
I let integrity become my compass.
But something inside me whispered —
“Build your own path.”
So I stepped into risk.
One business rose.
Then another.
Then three stood tall.
Yes, one fell.
And yes, it hurt.
But life taught me early —
Failure is not defeat.
It is training.
It is fire shaping steel.
And through every ambition,
Through every uncertain leap,
One presence stood unwavering — Aruna.
Not just my wife,
But my anchor.
My courage in quiet form.
When storms gathered without warning,
She was my calm in the storm.
If I built anything in this life,
It is because we built it together.
Then came the true wealth of my life —
My sons.
Two bright lights
Who turned a house into a home.
In their laughter I heard music.
In their growth, I saw purpose.
And as life unfolded,
Blessings multiplied —
Two daughters-in-law
Who did not just join our family —
They strengthened it.
They brought grace.
They brought warmth.
They brought love that expanded our world.
And then —
Four grandchildren.
Four living miracles.
Four reasons to fight harder.
Four reminders that life is not behind me —
It continues forward.
Then came the battle I did not choose —
Cancer.
It knocked without warning.
It tested my body.
It tested my spirit.
But I was not alone.
My family became my armor.
My friends became my shield.
Even strangers sent prayers
That I could feel.
In hospital rooms and silent nights,
When machines hummed and fear whispered,
I remembered the Gita —”The Bhagavad Gita”
The soul cannot be broken.
The Self cannot be burned.
And when weakness said, “Rest,”
My grandchildren’s laughter said, “Stay.”
When doubt said, “It is too hard,”
Love answered, “Not today.”
I did not fight alone.
We fought together.
And by grace —
I stand here today.
Eighty years.
Not just years of work.
Not just years of success.
But years of learning
That life’s true measure is service.
Today, my joy is not in what I earned —
But in what I can give.
In feeding children through Akshaya Patra,
In serving community,
In seeing divinity in every child’s smile —
I found the deeper meaning of living.
Then, a quiet light entered my path —
Not through struggle, but through awakening.
When Sister Shivani came to South Florida,
Her words touched not just the mind, but the soul.
In her simplicity, I found depth,
In her silence, I found answers.
She showed me not to change the world, but myself —
And led me to the Brahma Kumaris, a path of peace and inner power.
Matrubhumi gave me roots.
Karmabhumi gave me wings.
“The Bhagavad Gita” gave me steadiness
Through all life’s changing things.
I have stumbled.
I have risen.
I have lost.
I have won.
But the greatest victory of my life
Is standing here surrounded by love.
If I have learned anything in eighty years,
It is this:
Struggle is sacred.
Work is worship.
Family is fortune.
Service is freedom.
And gratitude —
Gratitude is everything.
So tonight, I do not celebrate age.
I celebrate grace.
I celebrate resilience.
I celebrate all of you —
Who made this journey beautiful.
At eighty, I am not at the end.
I am simply at a higher vantage point —
Able to see how every battle,
Every blessing,
Every tear,
Every triumph
Was part of a sacred design.
And if tomorrow comes —
As I pray it does —
I will greet it the same way I greeted the first day in this country:
With faith in my heart,
Courage in my step,
And service as my purpose.
Thank you
For walking this journey with me.
