By [Dr. M.K. Shingari], Author of 8 Books (5 Technical, 3 Non-Technical)
On the morning of 1st November, I completed 85 years of my life and stepped into the 86th
year of my active and disciplined journey. My regular routine is to rest between 8:00 PM
and 3:00 AM, rising at the beginning of Brahma Muhurat, a sacred time of peace and
clarity.
However, this morning was special — it was my birthday. Out of excitement, I woke up
earlier than usual at 2:00 AM and got out of bed by 2:30 AM. After completing my regular
medication and consuming about 2 liters of hot water, I was fully ready by 4:00 AM to
begin my morning walk, something I have followed faithfully for many decades.
A Morning Surprise
As I stepped out of my home, I descended four steps and came to a small passage of about ten
meters. To reach the main entrance, I usually climb another six steps (each about seven
inches high). But this morning, to my surprise, the passage was filled with rainwater —
almost like a small pool. I could not cross it to reach the main gate of our house, Doctor &
Doctor.
I tried to clear the passage using my walking stick, but it got stuck in the drainage outlet. I
then had two choices:
- Remove my shoes and socks and step into the cold rainwater to clear the blockage.
- Wait patiently until the water naturally drained out so I could pass through.
At first, I chose patience. I waited until 5:00 AM, but the water was receding very slowly. I
tried again to push the water through, but failed miserably. I searched the house for
something small — perhaps a wooden platform (chowki) — that I could use to stand on
while clearing the drain. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything suitable at that early hour,
and I didn’t want to disturb my family, who were all asleep.
After several failed attempts, I finally accepted that nature had defeated me — at least for
that moment. It was 6:00 AM. I returned to my room, turned on the radio, and tuned in to
Vividh Bharati, Baroda/Ahmedabad station. But my mind was restless. I could not enjoy the
music, as I kept thinking about my unfinished task.
A Creative Solution
Soon, I decided to try once more. I went to the kitchen and store room, searching for anything
that could help. There, I spotted a tiffin box. I removed two of its small compartments and
placed them carefully in the water, about 18 inches apart. Using these as stepping stones —
one foot on the tiffin box and the other supported by the side grill — I managed to reach the
outlet and successfully clear the drainage line by 7:00 AM.
Finally, the passage was clear! I felt relieved and thankful.
The Walk Continues
Though I was late, I immediately set out for my morning walk at 7:00 AM, determined to
keep my 45-minute walking routine. I returned home around 7:40 AM, just in time for our
family tea gathering. It was the first time in my long career that I was late for morning tea!
Because of the delay, I also had to skip my usual energy-boosting drinks like Aloe Vera,
Amla, and Panch Ratna (a mixture of various healthy leaves such as curry leaves).
Wishes and Blessings
During tea, I noticed several missed calls and birthday messages on my mobile phone. My
first message and call came from my dear friend Brig. Kammu Idnani from Delhi. We
spoke for some time, and by the time we finished, it was 8:45 AM. After that, I spent the next
couple of hours attending to the warm wishes of my friends, relatives, and well-wishers.
Around 10:30 AM, I received a lovely surprise visit from a young student of Maharaja
Sayajirao University, who had topped her class and was to receive a Gold Medal at the
upcoming convocation on 8th November. She came with her mother to wish me on my
birthday and personally invite me to the convocation and dinner with the Vice Chancellor.
Unfortunately, I had to decline, as I had already booked my travel to Solan, where I have
another home, on 7th November.
By 12 noon, I was in my office, dictating this account of my birthday morning — a day that
began with a small challenge from nature and ended with a feeling of gratitude and joy.
Reflections
On my 86th birthday, I realized once again that life always teaches us humility. Even with all
our discipline, experience, and planning, nature still has its own way of reminding us to
stay patient and creative.
It was not a grand celebration with cakes or candles, but rather a celebration of
perseverance, problem-solving, and peace — a true reflection of how I have tried to live
my life.
This was my 86th birthday celebration — a new lesson for a new year of my life.
DR. M.K. SHINGARI
