In 10 days, I turn 28. My journey has definitely had its fair share of ups and downs, but I feel truly blessed to be where I am today.

The last 3 years, especially, have been a roller-coaster ride. When I turned 25, I had my biggest success so far with BlueLithium. A year later, I was able to publish my book worldwide and got the chance to share my story with Oprah. This year, one of my parents dreams came true when I got an honorary doctorate from Pace University. And I started, a new chapter in my life with the launch of my third Company, gWallet. I can only hope I am able to continue the path of success and able to inspire others to also reach for their dreams.

Part of this journey, I’ve also grown a close affection to philanthropy. And, have been involved with 8 really awesome charities focusing on homelessness, disaster relief, education, and children. I’m fortunate I have the opportunity to help out and not a day goes by without me thanking God for this chance. I also realized the more chances I get to help, I’ll continue to make my grandmother smile from up above. So, this year, I’m actually starting a new tradition. Instead of focusing on gifts (as we normally do on birthdays)…I want to dedicate it to philanthropy.

So, I’m asking all of my friends, family, & supporters to either volunteer, get involved, or even make a donation to any of these charities. If you’re interested in learning more about any of them, check out the Philanthropy section at http://www.chahal.com to see how you can get involved.

Here’s to another awesome year, and continuing the journey of life…

Tomorrow is going to be a tough day for me, as I pay my last respects to someone that has been the inspiration in my life. Whether or not I am able to say all of these words tomorrow, I guess, I’d love the world to know the impact my bibi ji had on me. I’ve also created a YouTube Memory that consists of my most memorable moments with her: A Tribute to My Bibi Ji (YouTube)

I still can’t believe today – I am here, giving my eulogy. I can remember as if it was just yesterday when my grandmother was holding me close to her chest. Today, I wish I had the power to turn back time.

My parents came to America a year before us. When I was just 3, I stayed in India with my grandmother and I became very sick as a child. But, my grandmother’s love for me was stronger to push away any sickness. She was my protector, my angel.

When I came to America, I stayed with my grandmother for a year before I had to go to school. Now, that I look back that was my best one-year ever. The minute I woke up, to the minute I slept, I was embraced with the presence of my, bibi ji. She used to tell me every morning:

Tu mera ladla (You’re my special one)
Tera naal menu bahot pyar va (I love you the most, with all of my heart)

When I came back from school, I would come home most days with my self-esteem in shreds. But, my grandmother would sit me on her lap and say:

Na puth Na roh (My son, don’t cry)
Tu mera sona puth va (You’re my beautiful son)
Sabh kuch rabh ne teek kardena (Everything is going to be alright, God will fix everything)

Throughout the last few days, I kept thinking about all of the different moments I had with her. And every time I would shed tears, her voice with those words would come back to me as if she was here watching me. I miss her so much.

When I turned 10, my dad thought it was time for me to sleep on my own bed. My grandmother and I shared a room. So, the minute I saw her come into the room, I jumped in bed right back with her. We were truly inseparable.

I can’t imagine what it feels like to lose anyone. This is my first loss. But, it’s hard to quantify what is gone. My bibi was my best friend as a child, my hope as a teenager, and my inspiration as an adult. I am simply who I am today, because of her.

As a teenager, I shared every moment with her. I wanted her to know of my success since I remembered clearly the sacrifice she made in her life for us. She was the most humble person that gave up everything and in return only gave unconditional love.

Several years later, she began to show signs of Alzheimer’s and soon enough was forgetting me. I don’t know why God did that; maybe he felt if he did that – it would make this day less painful. But, it hasn’t. Her memories and moments in my life, I will cherish forever. And, I will miss her presence more than ever.

One thing I will never forget though, is the last few hours I did share with her. Her body had given up and she was suffering. The first time, when she was at her last heartbeat, we knew we were seconds away from losing her; so, I came close to her side. I held her hand, kissed her forehead and wanted to let her know that I will never forget the love she gave me. Moments later, her heart started to beat normal again, even when the rest of her body gave up.

The second time again, we thought we were a few heartbeats away, and as we came close, her heartbeat came back. She sensed our presence. That moment I knew, her love for us was too strong and she was trying to fight an impossible battle with death. She did not want to lose us. But, I held her hand, kissed her forehead again and whispered to her: “Bibi, It’s okay to go, I don’t want you to suffer anymore.” Seconds later she was gone.

If there is one thing that her legacy was based upon, it was “our happiness.”
Her life revolved around us four. She showered us with nothing but endless love and protected us from everything. Her goal was simple, “unity.” And, her legacy will continue for many generations to come.

With my final words, God, I have something to ask. Thank you again for bringing an angel on this earth as my grandmother. I can’t thank you enough for that. But, if there is anything else I can ask, it is the following:

In my next life, please re-unite Bibi Ji with me.
But, if you’ve decided to keep her and not repeat the cycle of re-birth, then please let her continue to be my angel, this time from up above.

I will forever miss you…

I guess I can now officially say I crossed the quarter century mark! Last Thursday – I officially turned 26! It was kind of a crazy moment – since this was the first time I actually also took two weeks off to celebrate it. The best thing about it was I didn’t have to think about my blackberry. It was liberating – since for the last nine years of my life – I had the addiction of never taking a vacation.

One of the greatest moments for me was before I left for my vacation – my brother threw me a surprise birthday party. It was a great surprise since when I looked around the room – everyone I wanted to be there – was there. Most importantly, my sister flew down with my niece and nephew as well. Hugging, kissing and playing with my niece including having that 2 year old – say I love you over and over – was probably the best moment of all! It’s amazing how sometimes these little guys can lighten up your face by being innocent and pure about how they feel.

I guess there was also one other liberating thing about my birthday. I realized I was actually 26. All my life – because of the role I carried – everyone outside of my family/friends just assumed I was older. And you can say – with the responsibility I had – I kind of forgot how old I was. Might sound weird – but it’s kinda true. It was great to enjoy this year with true family and friends – and remind myself how old I was! And realize, I haven’t really lost my entire youth yet. Well, most of it – not all yet!

It’s amazing how fast the years go by - when your caught up in the race of life. When you finally slow down to take a breath – you get to appreciate what you have accomplished, where you are, and most importantly who is around you.

I might have grown some white hair already – but am truly looking forward to what the next 25 years have to offer.

Thanks again everyone for the bday wishes!!

I was fortunate this weekend as I got to celebrate a lot of things. On Friday it was my elder brother’s birthday, Saturday was my nephew’s birthday, and of course Sunday was Mothers day. It was a memorable time since I cherished every moment with my family. It’s not too often we’re all in the same place for 72 hours.

I also spent a lot of 1:1 time with my father, whom I admire greatly. Given the success I’ve had in my life – he also knows the great struggles and problems it comes with. As well as, the shift in how society ends up labeling and taunting you when you become more visible. Therefore, he reminded me of a famous shayari (poem) that he heard. It was great to be reminded of these words. I’ve translated the words from hindi to the best of my capability – as I think the words are beautiful and powerful and the underlying theme is something we can all relate to.

Chal Rahe ho tho – bathani ki zaroot nahin
As you begin to reach your destiny – there is no reason to say

Chal Rahe ho tho – bathani ki zaroot nahin
As you begin to reach your destiny – there is no reason to say

Rukh ge jis din – pooche ga koi nahin
Because, if you ever fail – no one will ever ask

Jhante he jo – dhol vo peethe nahin
But, those who know – will never expose their noise

Chalte rahte hein bas – mor kar dekhte nahin
They will simply march toward their destiny – with never looking in the past…

This week I spent a several hours working with my ghostwriter, Pablo, on a draft for “The Dream.” When I was a kid – I could have never thought that I’d be writing a book at 25. And over the last few months – given what’s happened to my life, it’s been one of the most amazing experiences thus far. If you think about it – whenever you go through a life changing experience – you need to sometimes realize the checks and balances in life. What I mean is, realize what got you there and what your priorities are. This helps you stay grounded. Writing this book has not only been a great experience, but it’s been a very humbling exercise. It made me realize in detail all of the different elements I went through as early as 16, to be where I am today. And of course, who in my life – supported me all the way.

One of the upsides of writing a book is that – in the first page of the book – you’re able to write a dedication. It took me less than 30 seconds to write this dedication. It was an easy decision for me, since I realized that after all I am – and after all I’ve been through – it’s because of my family. So, thank you once again:

Dedication

“This book is for my father, who taught me the meaning of perseverance; for my grandmother and mother, who showed me the true meaning of love; and for my three siblings, who have been there for me every step of the way.”