Promise 75

A love letter to our papa, a taste of timeless love

Promise 75 is just the dawn of another wild adventure – a promise of a beautiful future that Papa continues to create with his grandkids: Bhavya, Navya, Raahil, and Shaurya.

Seventy-five is a big milestone, and it’s our turn to shower him with the love, gratitude, and quiet reverence he’s always given us – without ever asking for it back.

Papa has always been the one who believed in us more than we knew how to believe in ourselves. He loved us unconditionally, dreamed for us long before we even closed our eyes the night before an exam, and pampered us in ways that prepared us for the world outside.

Papa, we truly have big footsteps to follow.

You taught us life lessons not through lectures or rules, but through your living example – silent, yet sturdy … soft, yet strong. You live your values so deeply that words sometimes fall short to describe your wisdom.

To the world, you may seem introverted – quiet, settled, and satisfied.

But to us? You’re an innovator, a sharp observer, a master of unexpected jokes.

You love even your enemies like family.

You forgive before anyone asks for forgiveness.

You notice every small gesture.

You give without announcing, and you serve without seeking.

Your love language is subtle, layered, and full of grace.

Your synergy with God, and your relentlessly positive spirit, turns everyday life into something sacred and magical. We’ve learned hospitality, generosity, and kindness from you – at a level most people don’t expect, and few can match.

You’ve honored every role you’ve held – as a son, brother, husband, father, and now grandfather – with quiet brilliance.

Since Mummy passed away, you’ve carried both roles without a single complaint. Your presence has been our greatest anchor. You’re not just “doing” the role of a grandfather – you’re nailing it.

We’ve picked up style and elegance from your wardrobe, learned the art of neatness from your decor sense, and watched how you carry storms in silence – transforming chaos into calm, every single time.

There are more than 75 reasons we call you our legend.

Your commitment to our family, your loyalty to our business, your unwavering work ethic – they are contagious. You’ve taught us how to show up, stand tall, and work our way forward with dignity.

You never asked for anything big for yourself – just your routines: work, pray, love, and let others live joyfully around you. That has been enough for you. And somehow, more than enough for all of us.

Your life is a masterclass in living simply, loving deeply, and leading quietly.

You are our strength, our storyteller, our soft place to land.

Vanilla Custard Fruit Salad – a family classic that has sweetened our memories for as long as I can remember. That perfect pairing of chilled milk and fresh fruits has always been more than just a dessert; it’s a feeling. A taste that melts into your senses and takes you back to the simplest, happiest days.

We siblings grew up sharing this bowl together, and even today, it remains our go-to celebration staple – a humble dish that turns any ordinary day into a special occasion. And on our dad’s 75th birthday, it had to be on the table.

Instead of traditional gifts, we created something with heart:

• A classic vinyl record, personalized with his photos and framed with a wooden hanger
• A lock of his hair, a symbol of style and strength
• A measuring tape with a message: Your love is beyond measure
• And my personal favorite – a T-shirt that reads “The Legend – the Legacy, Like Father Like Daughter”

Because sometimes, the best way to honor someone is not with extravagance, but with moments, memories, and meaning.

Happy 75th to the man who continues to inspire us – measure after measure, memory after memory. we love you dearly, Papa.

I’d love to hear about your family’s birthday special dishes – the ones that bring back memories, spark joy, or carry deep meaning.

Please share your favorites with me at tasteofcommunity25@gmail.com – your story might just be featured in an upcoming edition!

Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.