Yes, many people celebrate their 70th birthday with great enthusiasm, but there are some who, while celebrating their birthday, become an inspiration to everyone. Manju ji’s birthday was just such an inspiration for all. First of all, her children themselves became role models for others. A month in advance, they began telling everyone to “save the date” – 5th February – as it was their beloved mother’s 70th birthday. What wonderful son and daughters-in-law! They prepared a list of all the relatives and friends who loved their mother and whose presence would make her happy. Seeing the love and affection with which they planned everything for their mother deeply impressed me. I became an admirer of Manav and Shilpa and, despite many other commitments, reserved that date especially for them.
I am writing this in my column today because I know that many parents, sons, daughters-in-law, and daughters read my articles. Every son and daughter-in-law should value their parents’ happiness in this way. It is not necessary to throw a grand party; even just cutting a cake together and spending quality time with them is more than enough.
All three of Manju ji’s children prepared together for the celebration — daughter Priyanka and son-in-law Amit, younger son Manas and daughter-in-law Charu. First of all, seeing Manju ji’s dress filled me with joy — how beautifully she was dressed! Along with her beloved husband Naresh ji, the children created a unique and wonderful short film about her life. Watching it, one could truly understand her entire life journey. It became clear that the Manju ji who keeps everyone happy with her laughter and smile has filled her entire family with happiness. She has seven sisters-in-law and one younger sister-in-law, for whom she is more than a younger mother; their lives feel incomplete without her.
The most touching moment was when Naresh ji spoke about his wife. He said, “Today is not just a birthday; it is a celebration of a life that has touched hearts without making noise. My wife Manju is filled with quiet strength, simplicity, and humility. She has always remained the same — speaking less, listening more, and standing by me in every phase of life. A true companion — in joy and laughter, in turbulent and difficult times she remained strong. In challenges, in smiles, and in prayer, she stood beside me. Even today she teaches that beauty lies in simplicity, greatness lies in patience and strength, and one should work selflessly. Whatever grace surrounds us today, I credit to my wife, Manju.”
Wow! What more could one ask than a husband praising his 70-year-old wife like this on her birthday? Truly, Manju bhabhi is just like that. Whether it is a festival or a happy occasion, she remembers me just as she does her daughters and sisters-in-law. In her gestures are hidden love, style, warmth, and affection. My children instantly recognize anything sent by her, saying, “This must be from Manju aunty!”
She is truly an ideal Indian woman with values, who has kept her large family united and supported everyone in difficult times. Today, because of her, her family is reaching great heights. Seeing her reminded me of my own mother and mother-in-law, who were just like her. A woman is the axis of a family — as a mother, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, grandmother — she strengthens and binds the family together.
Meeting her family brought me immense happiness. Her sons and daughters-in-law, daughter and son-in-law were warmly greeting each guest, and her grandchildren — Aadhiansh, Annaya, Aadhya, Meeraaya, Aviraj — were spreading joy everywhere. The atmosphere felt like a fragrant garden full of happiness. I also got an opportunity to speak, and looking at Manju ji, I said that if someone like her enters everyone’s life, life becomes beautiful. And may our daughters be blessed with husbands like Naresh ji, who truly understand and respect their wives — not only in family and society, but most importantly, in their hearts. My close friend Sonal told me that her day begins and ends with Manju ji. She also shared how her sons and daughters-in-law are modern yet deeply rooted in values.
My eldest daughter-in-law accompanied me to the event, as my other two daughters-in-law have babies less than a year old and had to stay with them. On the way back, my daughter-in-law Sonam said, “Mom, when you turn 70, we will celebrate your birthday just like this — you must not refuse.” After Ashwini ji’s passing, celebrating my birthday feels somewhat meaningless to me, so I laughed and said, “Why would I announce that I’ve turned 70?” trying to brush it off humorously. But she has insisted that they will definitely celebrate it that way. And Sonam’s wish is supported by my other daughters-in-law, Sana and Radhika — all three have united on this. I thought to myself, Manju ji, you have truly become an inspiration — even to my own children.
