December 29, 2009
{Childhood memories of Grandma, Maiji}
December 22, 2009
{Blogging from India: First time ever}
December 15, 2009
{Mumbai: City of Brotherly Love}
December 8, 2009
{Alone at Mumbai Airport}
As I walked out the airport building, I faced hundreds of people standing across the railing. Each one was there waiting in the middle of the night for their dear ones to arrive from an international flight. I felt everyone’s eyes on me and I tried to find my brother in the crowd. Usually when I arrive there, within a few seconds of me coming out of the door, I hear a soft deep voice saying, “This way.” That’s my brother. I walk to the side and he meets me where the railing ends. He grabs the luggage cart from me and whisks me to his car and drive off in the middle of the night to his home.
I looked at Oni, across the table, having his meal. I could not be angry with him anymore! What a brother! He was trying to become free for me. Wow! I realized that his measure of our relationship is the number of minutes he can dedicate solely to me when we're in the same part of the world.
December 1, 2009
{25 Days till Christmas and a Parent's Countdown}
Another countdown has begun in my own life. In 632 days, or 90 weeks, my daughter will be ready to leave for college. Which means there will be two more Christmas celebrations and one Thanksgiving celebration before then! As her mom and I are divorced, that means my time with her will be cut in half; only 45 weekends together before she leaves.
Wow! This countdown of mine started when I had 90 weekends with my daughter and now half of it is gone. When I look back at the last 45 weekends, I can visualize the days my daughter woke on a Saturday and I had her favorite fish curry ready for her. This last weekend, she went out on a run with a friend in the morning while I was in a mad rush to get scrambled eggs and toasted bagels ready for them when they returned. As the two friends gobbled down the brunch after their long run, I made hot chocolate in the kitchen. I watched Raka scrape the last bit of the scrambled eggs from the plate and I smiled. That's my baby. I was so content to savor the moment.
I am not sad that the countdown has begun, but rather excited that because I know our days together are diminishing, I can try my best to enjoy every moment and create memories that will last me a lifetime.
To find an inspiration to an art for this post, I went on Google images and searched for “counting man,” and guess what I found? Nearly every image is of a man counting money. Another Wow!
November 25, 2009
{10 Ways to Give the Gift of Time This Season}
1. Free day at local attraction with a twist
Find out when your local museum or local attraction has a free day. Now make it a personal trip by going online and researching your favorite exhibit. When your family visits the museum, educate each other and make it a private museum tour.
3. Take the movies indoors
Instead of spending $10 a ticket to take the family to the movies, plus the cost of popcorn, soda, and candy, watch your favorite holiday movie at home and start a family tradition. If your movie selection at home is deficient, consider borrowing a DVD from the library.
4. Board game championship
Announce your family’s annual Scrabble or Charades (or other board game) bowl game for the holidays. Make the championship real by printing rules, game brackets, certificates for winners, and play “home” and “away” games where each family member can host a game in their own room. Just think, a “home” game gives children a reason to clean the room.
5. Bake Holiday Cookies and take to neighbors
Find your favorite holiday cookie recipe and tweak it a little to make it your family’s own secret recipe. Bake cookies together, where every person has a role, e.g. the measurer, the mixer, the baker, the quality-controller, and the packer. Then take cookies to your neighbors and see them smile.
6. Dress up dinner at home
Eating out can be special, but do we have to go out to have a special meal? Why not dress up for a special night at home? Print the menu, light some candles, and make dinner special with everyone sitting around the table.
7. Take old clothes to the local thrift store
Spend an evening helping every family member find one of two things to take to the neighborhood thrift store. Giving together as a family makes the holiday special.
8. Plan a day with grandparents or at a local elderly home
Holidays become special when you create a memory for someone else. Why not plan a day with your grandparents? Drive them around and enjoy the evening listening to old time family stories. And if your grandparents are not in town, visit the local elderly homes and spread cheers by singing carols.
There’s nothing quite like a good treasure hunt inside the house. Have each family member hide something special and write down a clue for the rest of the family. As the evening unfolds, you will see the competitiveness overflow.
10. Take a day off and give the gift of time to your child
Finally, the best gift you can give is that of time. Take a day off, turn off your cell-phone, and spend the entire day with your child. No plans, just total enjoyment.
November 24, 2009
November 18, 2009
{Desperate times call for desperate actions!}
As I read the blog, I 100% agree that balance in personal and professional life is the key. But at times when the pendulum swings to the other side (towards professional life, funding professional growth with time taken from family members), it becomes essential to interrupt with a loud wake up call. That is the reason that when my daughter Raka confronted me on the day after 9/11, it was important, no, essential for me to interrupt my corporate life with a dramatic “quit”. Otherwise, I would have made hundreds of promises to myself about spending more time with my daughter and I would have found great reasons to defer living the promise until a later time frame. In short, I do not trust the Arjun of 2001 to follow through on his promises. Scary thought, tough to admit, but true.
Over time, I have realized that balance is the key; why choose one when you can have both? My clients will vouch that when I work, I work very hard. Being a dad is never an excuse to not perform above par. But it is an internal balance I seek, as I try to make sure that I do not allow the corporate professional to take over the dad first.
Do not worry Raka, I am really enjoying being your dad first. You know it does not always come easily to me, but your patience and belief always steers me in the right direction.
November 10, 2009
{Children Caring for Eldery Parents Can Be a Ray of Hope for Grandkids}
As I read Leslie’s comments, it reminded me of a story my Maiji (grandma) used to tell me.
In the story, there was a grandma who was getting very old, and the parents, instead of having grandma stay in their home, sent her to a distant elderly home to live. As the grandma left, the parents gave the grandma a shawl to take with her.
The little boy (her grandson), watched all this from the corner. Finally he dashed to the grandma and hugged her as he asked, "Grandma, can I have your shawl, please?" Grandma gave it to the grandson, and the grandson ran with the shawl and cut it into two equal pieces.
The parents, astounded by the rude and strange behavior of the child, asked him why he did that. The child smiled and said, "Mom and Dad, do not worry, now I have shawls for each one of you when I send you out of the house."
November 3, 2009
{Following the Red Car, Looking in the Rear View Mirror, and Seeing Myself in My Daughter}

But, what happens next? I was not sure if Raka should start driving immediately , so I called Raka’s mom. Based on her mom's confidence and Raka’s enthusiasm, I overcame my own hesitations and agreed that Raka could drive to and from school and also to her music and math tutor’s place.
But the dad in me still was not 100% ready. I kept thinking about September 14th, 1993, when I realized for the first time that the back seat would never be empty again. When did my little girl leave the back seat for the passenger seat, then for the driver's seat in her own red car? Why does life move so fast? Shouldn't sixteen years should at least feel like sixteen years?
As all these thoughts were going in my mind, I came up with a plan: we do a trial run. In the trial run, Raka will drive on her own to each of her approved destinations as I follow. That way she has a clear “road map” on how to negotiate traffic. Raka loved the idea. In fact, she would have loved any idea that got her closer to driving. So we started.
There were some initial hiccups as she drove to the first destination, it was, after all, her first time driving a car alone. When she got to the first destination, she pulled over and I walked to her car and we talked. The excitement in her young face was now enveloped with seriousness. She was worried to hear her feedback. I told her that I was proud of her, but the mistakes she made, and got away with, were serious. She nodded her head.
The journey to the second destination through the evening traffic was long. Raka was in her groove. There were some traffic situations which Raka patiently negotiated. I followed in admiration. Finally Raka pulled into the driveway of her mom’s home and we talked again. She did great. We talked about cautious left turns and avoiding unnecessary lane changes.
As I drove home, I was happy that I got to see Raka drive alone for the first time, but just like any dad I was worried. Why does she have to be so impatient? Why does she have to do things “now”? As I asked all these questions, I looked at the rear view mirror. The back seat was empty. The passenger seat to my right was empty. I adjusted the rear view mirror and caught a glimpse of myself in the process, and realized the answers to my questions. I have no patience DNA myself.
Isn’t it uncanny, how our children follow what we do and not what we tell them to do? I guess that means it's my turn to be patient.
October 27, 2009
Two Men, and Two Daughters
Next I met Tony. (I have disguised his name for obvious reasons) I was flying back from Detroit and was on my Mac, trying to finish some work. Tony was the man sitting next to me on the flight. We had exchanged our initial greetings when we first met. Halfway through the flight, I heard Tony say, “I do not mean to pry, but I was watching you work. Are you some kind of an artist or what?”
I have to confess that I was somewhat thrilled at him calling me an artist. At least one guy on this planet has been fooled! When I explained to him that I have been traveling the country, speaking about responsible parenting, and that I have written a book about my own experiences, he wanted to see the book. As miracles would have it, just then the book appeared. (To those of you who are not used to my attempted humor, I have the book always ready, anticipating these requests which come but once every few months.)
Tony looked at the book and saw my picture. Then he looked at me to make sure it was me. Assured that it was me, he quickly read the back cover where I have asked a few questions targeted toward parents. Within minutes, I heard Tony again, “These questions are simple. I know the answer to them all.” I was excited as I, myself did not know the answers.
Q 1. Why do men go after power and glory more than spending time at home to watch their babies grow?
Tony’s answer: Power and glory pay for life and comfort for our families. It is important to provide for one’s family.
Tony’s answer: He did not know the last part, as Tony is self employed, but money is what pays for everything. Growing up poor, Tony realized that without money, one has to worry about tough day to day problems. Working hard to make money allows a man focus on my family, as then there are no day to day problems to worry about.
Tony’s answer: Not true, as Tony is completely focused on the long term. Long term is about providing for his daughter.
Tony’s answer: Do not know as I am self employed.
Tony’s answer: Hmm. Don't know.
Amazing logic! Or was it? Of course I do not know Tony’s daughter, but is that what she really wants? Does she want to play an expensive musical instrument under the supervision of an amazing and expensive tutor? Or does she want to simply play her heart out with dad and mom cheering her at home, in their living room? I do not know. But I know that the evening before, PPC’s ten year old daughter and her friend performed an impromptu piano and violin concert for me in their dining room. When they finished it with a “grand finale style” dance, I knew it was one of best concerts I have ever been to.
Back in the flight, Tony was still talking. I was looking out of the window and watching the setting sun as we got close to Denver.
October 20, 2009
{Traffic Light Dinner}

Last Wednesday was one such evening. We had already had a tough evening, and the activities were just picking up. Raka was hungry, and I was hungry too. Our schedule was so tight that we did not have time to sit down and have a dinner together. It was the same as if I was the assistant to a busy executive. There are bound to be times both my boss and I would have to skip lunch.
As skipping dinner was looking eminent, suddenly I had an idea. I warmed some rice and egg curry, and put it in two different Tupperwares as Raka and I left the house for the last set of errands. As we drove, every time we stopped at a traffic light, we ate.
Finally, me being the cheesy dad that I am, I found a name for the dinner. Traffic light dinner! I was very excited to be the first father daughter team on the planet to enjoy the traffic light dinner. When I let Raka in on my discovery, she did not get it. I had to explain her, “just like a candle light dinner, today we have...”
Raka had heard enough. She said, “I get it, I get it, Dad. Grrr.” The last grrr was her way of showing me that my lines were too cheesy.
That night as we drove into the garage, I was still giggling about our traffic light dinner, and Raka was still not amused. But at least we had a dinner moment together. I wish I started this when she was younger, then she would have surely appreciated it.
October 13, 2009
{Do More Toys Mean Less Time Spent? Is it What Kids Really Want?}
I keep thinking about how many toys I had as a young kid growing up in India. Most of the gifts I got were books, and I would bet my parents received even fewer toys than I had.
When I start thinking about the early days of my daughter's childhood, I recall a room in her mom’s basement full of toys. Her bedroom in her mom’s house had so many plush toys that most nights she has to fight for space when she went to bed. And of course, she had more toys in her room at our home. My daughter’s case may be a slightly (or more than slightly) extreme case, magnified by the time I was absent and was trying to compensate for my absence by buying her more and more toys.
But is that what she wanted? Yes, the toys did act like “local anesthetics,” and may have made my daughter forget for a moment that her dad was absent. Maybe it was convenient for me to hide behind her “thank you, Dad, for the toy” and not worry about her repeated questions “what time will you be back from work, Dad?” Doesn’t it translate into the more toys my daughter got, the more time she missed out on spending with her dad?
The season for toy buying frenzy is just around the corner. This Christmas, why not buy fewer toys for our kids, and instead give them a “dad and daughter, all day together” gift certificate? And if we have to buy a gift, why not buy a gift that allows us to do a project together? My daughter’s favorite father daughter project was the “Pretty Petals Scented Flower Maker” project or the “home made pottery project” that we got from Michael’s.
I really wish someone gave me this wisdom a few years back and not 96 weeks before she leaves for college. But there is some good news. When I asked Raka about her favorite projects that she and I worked on when she was younger, her answer matched my guess.
Yess! Not bad!
October 6, 2009
{The Pursuit of Happyness}
October 1, 2009
{Back to Where it Started}
Tonight I am in Provo, Utah. 20 years, 15 days, and a few hours after my first day in United States, I am back in the town where my journey in this country all started. In 1988, I was scared, I was apprehensive, I was excited, I had my life in front of me to pave it anyway I wanted. I had chosen academic excellence at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT and professional career advancement after that, but I did not know the price I was getting ready to pay.
Today I am a 46 year old divorced man and a proud dad. As my flight landed in the Salt Lake City International Airport, I wished I was back in 1988, I wished I could redraw my life, I could plan my life knowing where I was heading. There was regret, reflection, and remorse in the air. In the middle of the whole flashback my iphone rang. It was Raka.
"Dad, you landed? Everything ok?"
"Yes baby, all is good. Let me call you back once I get off the plane," I said.
The cloud of remorse and self reflection moved away and I could see my ray of light in life. True, I cannot go back and change the past, but I also realized that when I come back here in 10 more years, I may not have any regrets at all.
September 23, 2009
{Definitely Maybe: Perfect father daughter movie? Definitely maybe not.}
Today, Raka is not feeling in the best of health and did not go to school. This morning she asked me if I could get for her some dark chocolate and the movie Definitely Maybe. Feeling bad about her being sick, I stopped by at the local Target and WalMart before my meetings downtown. I found the dark chocolate, but not the movie and had to tell Raka that I tried, but could not get it.
All day during my meetings, the movie was bugging me. Hence on the way back, I stopped at Cheapo Disk on Colorado Blvd to look for the DVD. When I found a previously viewed copy I did not waste any time in grabbing it.
On the way back I kept thinking about my childhood. There were days when I would be sick and Maiji (my maternal grandmother) would make my favorite chicken stew and read books to me. Then there was that one instance when my dad brought me my favorite comic book. Somehow, during those sick days, a little bit of extra attention went along way in making me feel better.
Raka had a huge smile on her face as she saw the DVD. She grabbed it and then looked at me and said, “Dad, can we watch this together?”
I picked up the DVD and read the back cover. It is the story of a dad sharing his pre-divorce life with his daughter. Wow, a simply perfect story for Raka and I to watch this afternoon. I said “Definitely Yes.”
UPDATE:
5:40 PM. Watched the first hour of the movie and could not take it. Raka was the first to raise her concern. “Dad, can you believe that the guy is saying all this to his eight year old daughter?” Yes, it is sad and embarrassing that the movie summary targets a father and a daughter, but is hardly a movie a father and daughter can watch together. Oh well! Even if the movie together plan did not work out, the thought was cute. May be we will stick with Disney.
September 16, 2009
{What do you do after you finish a book?}
It was fun to discuss with Oni (my brother who lives in Mumbai, India) the sequence of stories, and hearing from him over and over how I had no clue about what I was doing. It was fun to argue with Raka on what stories would be included in the book. Of course, I lost nearly all these arguments. It was fun to work with Cody and the team, and to see their excitement about the book. It made me feel that they are all better equipped to be better parents than I was at their age.
As I sit with a finished copy of the book in hand and re-read it, I try to find the most heart touching moments in the book.
- My all time favorite chapter: When Raka wanted to marry me.
- The two stories I would (most) like to reverse: Not being there when Raka was in her early childhood, and missing my brother’s wedding.
- The most uncomfortable moment: The gay incident.
I can bet that I will read the book many more times and find many more favorites in the book. I can see Raka at different ages walking around the book; reading it over and over is becoming kinda addictive.
But now comes the tough part. The tough part is to push the book, market the book, and make sales happen. Unfortunately that is necessary.
I would really love for someone to pick up the sales job and let me write on.
September 9, 2009
{A Tuesday Lunch with my Daughter}
Saturday evening, as we got ready for our dinner at Bistro Vendome in downtown Denver, Raka called me to see if she was dressed appropriately for the occasion. As I stared up from the bottom of the stairs, I saw the most enchanted scene yet in my life. Raka looked simply adorable. I breathed heavy to keep my emotions to myself and nodded as all her friends started pouring in. Initially, I made the reservation for 30 people for dinner, though we had invited nearly 45 people. (I was sure that this being a long weekend, not too many people would show up.) I underestimated Raka’s popularity; 41 out of 45 showed up, it was a good problem for dad to have.
As the evening progressed, I kept looking at Raka. Earlier she was my little princess, now she is a true princess enjoying every moment with her friends. In the middle of dinner, I surprised Raka with the first copy of the book. She smiled and gave me a big hug.
After Saturday’s celebration, the cousins went back home, and Raka and I reluctantly went back to our normal lives. When I was dropping Raka at school on Tuesday morning, she asked me if I could bring her home for lunch. At 11:20 AM I got a call from Raka to pick her from school. She and two other friends came home for lunch and I made grilled cheese sandwiches for them while they started a study group discussion over lunch.
Now I am in my home office, listening to Raka and friends in the dining room. They are studying, they are giggling and enjoying every moment.
As I am catching up on my emails and writing this blog, I feel fortunate (again), pleased, and truly appreciative to be able to be home on a Tuesday and listen to my daughter her friends giggle over lunch while I work.
Isn't life great?
September 8, 2009
September 2, 2009
{The Book will be here September 15th!}
The publishing journey started in April. Initially the target launch date was June 21st, Father’s Day. As Father’s Day came and went, my frustration with the time line started to increase, but finally, the book is will be ready around September 15th. And September 15th is Raka’s Sweet 16th Birthday.
When I sit back and chill, I cannot think of a better time for the book release. I guess there are times destiny has a plan better than what we can plan ourselves.
For all those who have supported me in the last five months, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you. I look forward to your support, comments, advice, and thoughts as book takes its baby steps in the world of reality.
August 26, 2009
{The Last First-Day of School}

Raka started her Junior year this Monday. The first day of school this year was no different than most years, as she had a special set of clothes and a pair of new blue shoes, all ready for the first day.
When we got to the school, she darted out of the car and I waited for a moment to see my fashionable daughter run in to meet her friends.

All the memories from the past were flashing in my mind but reality sunk in as I pulled into the drive-way. I realized that I have witnessed a lot of amazing first days of school, but after this there will be only one more left. But wait, next year Raka most probably will drive to school on her first day, and I will be watching from the window as her little red Nissan Sentra pulls into the street. I can't believe I did not even realize that this was the last time I was dropping Raka for her first day of school.
How time flies. I wished I would have known this the night before so I could have driven a little slower and savored every moment.
August 11, 2009
August 3, 2009
{Fatherhood: The Best Job on the Planet}

Friday, July 31, 2009
The corporate world was busy trying to wrap up their work for the week and for the month end before they left for home. I was already home, sitting at my desk, working before I headed out for a few errands. Suddenly I heard the security system beep indicating that someone has opened the garage door. That could mean only one thing, Raka was back.
Raka left at eight that morning to run with her school cross country team. I got up and went to the garage to find the entire cross country and track team there, outside the house. Raka saw me and gave a loud, warm shout, “Hi Dad!” Some of the kids knew me and added to her loud greeting, “Hi Mr. Sen!” Before the screams faded, Raka yelled again, “Dad, can you get me a pair of scissors, please?”
I did not know why they needed a pair of scissors, but there was no time to ask. I dashed into the house and came back with scissors and a jug of cold water. I realized that Raka was handing her fellow runners frozen popsicles as treats. The scissors were needed to cut the corners. The girls all stood as I walked over and cut the edges of the popsicles. As they took their first bites of the popsicles, the coach on the bike indicated it was time to get back on the road. The kids slowly got back on the road and screamed out one last time, “Thank you Mr. Sen!” At the end of the scream, I heard one voice stand out, “Thank you dad.”
I stood at the garage door for a second. I do not why, but I felt thrilled with life.
As I went back to my desk and tried to finish my work I still had a smile on my face. I have the best job on the planet.
July 28, 2009
{Raising a Father Gives a Night to Remember}
As I walked down with Raka, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be home when Raka had a splinter. It felt so significant to be there for her. A magic moment indeed.
Saturday’s Magic Moment:
The second magic moment is connected to a speaking engagement I did over the weekend. I was invited to an Alumni dinner for graduates of IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), India’s premier institute of Engineering and Science education, to talk about my book. Over the last fifty years, IIT in India has been the most coveted group of Universities, similar to Ivy League of colleges in US. It was great to meet a talented group of professionals and their families.
Raka was there with me as I talked about the book. Then, after the talk, a spontaneous discussion arose. It started something like this:
“How different are we, as parents, compared to our own parents?”
As the group talked, I realized we all strive hard to be better parents than our parents and not make the same mistakes they made. But does that mean we are not making mistakes? My take on that is to be parents with “no regrets.” I know I am making mistakes, as no one is perfect, but at least when I look back in another few years I will not have regrets, regrets that I did not spend enough time with my daughter.
I tried to visualize Raka leading a group discussion similar to this in twenty years where everyone will talk about all the mistakes Raka’s dad made. At least no one will be able to say that I did not try, hard.
“Is our parenting challenge increased more by being first generation immigrants?”
This was a great discussion as most of us came into this country with hardly any wealth and had to accelerate our success to be “someone” rapidly. Isn’t ignoring family life a natural consequence of that? I was asked whether my life changing moments could only come when I was financially stable.
Personal life changing moments like mine come when one stops searching and is content with what he/she has. I was happy when I made a few thousand dollars a year when I was in graduate school. But in the quest for my version of the American Dream, the words “more” and “now” drove my life, and that changed my whole perspective.
So yes, I believe the challenges faced by our next generation, who are born-in-the-US, will be totally different.
“Communication is the key”
Moms who had great relationships with their fathers talked about how creating an environment where a child can talk freely is very important. Many a time, a conversation never even starts because the parent is either absent or the child feels that the parent will not understand. Sad but true.
I am so glad even when I was buried in the corporate world, Raka and I had some communication doors open so that she could tell me “Dad, you do not know me.”
“Moms and dads are now unisex roles”
I learned this first from Joie, one of Raka’s friends, and then from the IIT group. In today’s world, moms and dads cannot have fixed roles. They have to be cross-trained and be ready to take over each other’s jobs. In tough times, this is the only way to parent.
No wonder there have been quite a few uncomfortable moments with Raka when she comes in and starts talking about things that I, as a man, and as a dad, am not equipped to deal with.
“If you had a son, instead of a daughter (no Raka, I am not trading you, ever) how would he have reacted?”
This was a tough question as I have never thought of this. I have been so “enchanted” by Raka from the day she was born that I cannot even think about how a boy would have reacted. Parents with boys talked about how boys do not talk, how they become quiet.
That to me is a bigger challenge. How do you make a boy talk?
“Balance is different for different individuals.”
When someone uttered these words, a light bulb went on in my mind.
Exactly.
How can the definition of balance be the same for all of us? Every family needs to find the balance that they want and they are comfortable with. I am glad the book is not preaching only one form of balance.
When I take a step back, I am thankful for the two magic moments I experienced this weekend, solely attributed to the book.
Now let me get to Saturday’s specific magic moment:
At this IIT alumni event, the theme of the book completely changed the mindset of the evening. Everyone opened up and shared their vulnerabilities. It was an amazing feeling to have parents feeling comfortable talking about what matters most instead of sticking to their traditional “consequential conversations” e.g. politics, sports, careers, or the economy. Bipin Agarwal of the Redhawk Investment Group summarized the evening in an email he wrote to me. He said, “Raising a Father is not just a book, and a life story. I sure hope this becomes a movement for all migrants, including Indian, to ask the basic question of how to preserve the value system of the country they were born in the Western society.” Raj Shah, another alumni, told me he “loved the discussion it sparked and [my] insights.”
I am confident Raising a Father will help raise awareness of work-life balance issues. I do not know what destiny and fate have in store for the book, but am grateful to the book for connecting to parents and for giving us all an evening to remember. I sincerely hope the book gives me more opportunities like this to talk, discuss, and learn.