I celebrated my 50th birthday in 2018. And, our daughter gifted a Fitbit that she bought from her monies, earned as an intern. That day, it dawned on me that a new chapter of my life begins in 2019.
2018 was a milestone year.
Two other events, across different generations of my family, make 2018 a milestone year.
i. A new chapter opens in our daughter’s life in 2019.
Our daughter, Svikriti Kasichainula, graduated as an Engineer (ECE) from Rutgers University in 2018.
Migrating to a faraway town, city, or country for education is a centuries-old phenomenon. But, the societal cultures of India continue to negotiate with this reality because of their deep-emotional bonding. And a child forever remains a child, to the parents of these cultures. Equally, the parents remain suspicious & concerned about their child’s abilities to navigate the situation.
However, the truth is much different. And, it is the child that does the heavy lifting on this journey. Likewise, Svikriti negotiated real challenges in her first two years before graduating with flying colors. And, her grandparents do not miss a single opportunity to talk about her boldness.
Facing stiff competition, Svikriti landed a prestigious internship and, a job at BofAML, a leading global financial institution. Thus, a new chapter opens in Svikriti’s life. And I, her father, must learn to treat her an equal.
ii. 2019 will see the release of my father’s book.
My father completed the hand-written manuscript of his book in June 2017. To get it published, it took me 18 months. And, the experiences on the journey have been very humbling, to say the least.
In the book, my father, Dr. Kasichainula Kameswara Rao has shared the experiences of his life. Therefore, I believe that my father’s book is his legacy.
2019 will see the release of the book and I intend to do all I can to keep my father’s legacy alive and intact.
On reaching 50, I will become my daughter’s peer (with grey hair). Likewise, I take the responsibility of achieving my father’s purpose (in writing a book about his life experiences). Thus, there are relationship changes with two generations of my family. And, thus, a new chapter of my life begins in 2019!
