University Send Off

Do you remember when you left home after the 12th grade to join the University? The excitement, the preparation and the send off?

This story is about the send off party for our grandson in USA. Those of you familiar with the school education system in USA, would know the energy and scale with which high school (12th grade) graduation is celebrated. Rightly so, because higher education leads to professoonal careers and bigger job or startup opportunities.

Prior to the graduation, the high school student (and his/her parents) spend the year writing the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) exam, shortlisting the universities, preparing the essays for application, visiting the probable universities, and finalising the choice of program and the university. It is a major milestone not only for the student but the entire family. Next comes the send off. Time for the teenager to leave home. The empty nest syndrome for the parents follows thereafter. A glimpse of a nest about to feel the emptiness.

Our grandson Nikhil in California has secured admission into Computer Science (Hons) program in the University of Wisconsin at Madison. It was such a pleasure to attend the send off party for Nikhil and spend four weeks  walking, driving, hiking and playing golf together. Pictures follow.

Checking out the Tesla's Cyber Truck!

Golfers across three generations playing together before Nikhil goes off to the University. 

See Ashi's imaginatively designed gift boxes for the thank-you-gifts. Second picture shows the gift boxes being packed by Nikhil's friends.

Nikhil is a Taekwondo Black-belt 3rd Dan holder. See the picture below.

In fact the whole family goes for Taekwondo together. See Ashi the Mom with Nikhil and Naman at the Taekwondo Academy in Mil Pitas, California.

Nikhil's room filled with Taekwondo medals.

The send off party included the intro to Nikhil and Naman (his younger brother), brief speeches by the grandparents, dance performances by family and friends followed by dancing to DJ's music.

Pirates of the Caribbean by Viyaan on piano

A million dreams...

Dada Dadi's send off speech...

Nikhil and Naman - the opening performance 

Ankur and Ashi, Nikhil's parents performed a lovely dance.

When the DJ lit the dance floor..

Anchita's poetic send off

Specially composed poem by Sachi

The rocking duo

Here is what I spoke as a grandpa.

It is such a delight to be here from India.

Once in the College dorm

You can forget your Mom

But don't forget your Dad

As he recharges your Card

Everybody says it is now freedom time:

Freedom to bunk a class

Freedom to raise a glass

Freedom to eat

Freedom to sleep

'Nikhil, you are getting late!'

Such commands can wait.

Naman says:

Your room is now taken

Till the next vacation 

Taekwondo's focus and determination 

Will help in reaching your CS Destination

Go, rock the University and it's many a test

All of us present here wish you all the best.

God bless and love ❤️

------- 

Some more pictures of a memorable evening. 

Bravo Ankur and Ashi for such a grand send off for Nikhil. So many guests spoke about Nikhil and his superlative qualities. It made us all proud.

Nikhil had written a guest story for our blog when he turned eleven. You may click the link below to browse the picture story.

Why Kodaikanal - a picture story about few well known and some unknown spots in and around Kodaikanal. Check out how many of these spots  have you seen?

Naman, the younger brother is equally talented. When he was eight-years-old he already had a web site of his sketches. He too has contributed a story to our blog which can be browsed by clicking the link below.

Sketching At Eight - Sample the incredible sketches made by Naman when he was just eight! The story also has an interview with Naman.

Talent sure runs in the family!

As this Black Belt 3rd Dan, drummer, dancer and writer goes to University,  we wish him God speed.

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Pleasanton/ 3rd Aug 2025

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