Real Life Real Faith Wisdom for Everyday Life May/June Issue | Page 32

ACR:  Who would you say have influenced you more over the years of your life?
DA:  I have been most influenced over the years by the life of my father. He was a freedom
fighter in India’s struggle for independence from the British. My father was a follower of
Mahatma Gandhi and, in fact, he went to jail twice in the India’s non-violence and non-
cooperation movement against the British. Frankly, that is the only context in which one can
proudly say that "My father went to jail for the cause of independence of my Country". My
father passionately believed in India’s independence from the British. He worked hard and
even sacrificed his personal pleasures and freedom in doing so. It is also noteworthy that I
am one of twelve siblings, as my mother had to take care all of brothers and sisters while my
father was incarcerated. However, with total support for each other my parents were able to
fullfil their commitment to each other, the family and their new country. Each time when I
think of my father's life and his many sacrifices, I'm very much inspired to do my best, also.
ACR: We’ve discussed some pretty good generic insight into relationships, but you’ve been
married for quite some time…tell the reading public about the woman you married, and
what has been the main ingredients that have defined longevity between the two of you?
DA: I am truly blessed to have been able to marry my wife, Lalita. In about two months, we
will be married for 47 years. After being a student in Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina
for three years, in 1970, I decided to get married. I travelled to India because I had made a
promise to my mother that I would marry an Indian girl. When I met my wife, it was an
arranged meeting but we both had equal opportunity to say ‘No’, if that is what we decided.
However, she said ‘yes’ and after a 3-hour dating session, we were engaged after three days,
and married twelve days later. After about 30 days, she accompanied me to the US. While
we have had our share of challenges, eventually leading me to start on my book project, I
can honestly say that Lalita was the best thing that has ever happened to me. She is a very
giving, genuine, generous person and she shares my values. I am not embarrassed  to
acknowledge that my wife is smarter than me. The ingredients which have defined our
relationship are honoring each other, honesty, being true to yourself, and to communicate
openly and truthfully, even if we have done something wrong.