Age and Friends of All Ages

 I am quite amazed that I have friends of all ages. I am 65 as of now (early 2026).

I am able to connect with toddlers I have met without them throwing a fit, mostly. The slightly older kids I can have some conversation with, if they want to have one- I did with a kid about books, recently. Amazing, ain't it?

Of course, twenty-somethings and thirty somethings are usually my students from a faraway time zone, but to their credit, they do talk to me still- both online and offline. Not sure why, but they do. Of course, I try to engage online through DP awards, commenting on their posts, or forwarding memories from the time when everyone was on Facebook. Now, they are divided between FB, Insta and Linkedin, as I am not on X.

Some share success stories of their lives/careers, some just comment regularly with some witty answers to silly questions I pose, etc. And best of all, some make an effort to meet up with me when I suggest it, on a visit to their city. For example, Pratima Gaikwad and I have met several times in Hyderabad now. And Abha in Mumbai and Delhi. And Sheetal too, in Pune and Mumbai.. Shafique in Indore, and Bangalore. You get the drift.

Will also meet two young people, and their spouses in Bangalore soon. 

And that is what makes life beautiful.. in 2026 too, it should.