Gems of PAU Botany: Anju Bhandari

 

Anju Bhandari

1976 Batch MSc

Hello everyone,

Every person’s life journey is unique.   I never imagined that I will be summarising mine like this on this platform. It’s really hard to sum it up in one page. I am trying and here I begin…

I joined PAU in 1976 and completed my M.Sc. in October 1978 under Dr. V.V.S Tyagi. Soon after I got married to a handsome and dedicated scientist, Dr Vivek Bhandari, working at the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal after just one meeting in February 1979.

Karnal Phase…. My life after marriage has basically revolved around Vivek’s career goals. And I have happily accepted this life path.  We spent little more than seven years in Karnal where we started our family. I managed to complete my B.Ed. from Kurukshetra University while bringing up my elder son. I was happy to be placed on 10^th position on the University merit list. (I also completed another B.Ed.  degree from Victoria University in New Zealand some 25 years after the first one). I also have a 4 years Kathak dance diploma and have given a few dance recitals in NDRI, Karnal.

There after…In 1986, we began a new phase in our lives. My husband resigned from his Govt. position and accepted an assignment in Nigeria. And thereafter, our adventure of shifting from continent to continent became a child’s play!  To cut it short….

Vivek’s various assignments have taken us from India to Nigeria to Saudi Arabia to Dubai to New Zealand to Singapore to Australia in that order and finally to New Zealand where we are settled now.

Vivek has set up his own consultancy company after retiring from 9-5 job. He gives consultation to food companies around the world and I sometimes help him in his work.

In between these adventures I sometimes tried to occupy myself by finding suitable jobs where ever possible and mainly worked in International schools around the world. I have worked for about 13 years in my 41 years of marriage.

I am also an artist who paints in oil and acrylic medium. I have held a few exhibitions along with other artists in New Zealand and have managed to sell some of my paintings. I have also been conducting Indian cooking classes in New Zealand that seemed popular with Kiwis

Have also been doing voluntary work in Auckland War Museum. My other hobbies are reading and making greeting cards. And I love to cook and host friends at my home. We are also keen on travelling.

I have two sons: the elder son is a Senior Executive at Amazon. He lives with his wife and son in Singapore. The younger son is a Production Specialist and he lives with his wife in New Zealand. Both our daughters-in-law are also professional women. We are very proud of our loving and caring children.

Now about my achievements… I have basically have been content and very happy to be a homemaker. I have always accepted life as it comes and gone with the flow. So asked my family as to what they thought could be considered my life’s achievement?

My Family

Well! the surprising answer I got from them was my adaptability, positive attitude and determination. Perhaps they are right.  These traits came in handy when I was diagnosed with terminal cancer in early 2018 and given only 3 -6 months to live. I had been pretty healthy all my life so it was a huge shock. But when God blesses you with thousands of other blessings all your life, you have no right to ask ‘WHY ME’. You have to surrender to HIS will and have faith along with determination and a positive attitude to beat the challenge. I think by God’s grace and medical science, I have done it!   I am still here and doing pretty well. May be that is my biggest achievement (as my family thinks).

Dear Friends, life is very unpredictable. No one knows what’s around the corner so every day is a blessing.  Enjoy it while you can and don’t forget to use your crystal ware every day because only the PRESENT MOMENT is what is in our hands.  God bless you, Soooo HAPPY to connect with you all !!

Some of My Paintings

Comments: (On Whatsapp Group Gems of Botany

[19/08, 7:02 PM] Iqbal Bhandal Alumni PAU Botany: Great story Anju full of positivity, you were always smiling and brave  Iqbal

[19/08, 7:12 PM] Dr Seema Bedi PAU Botany Ludhiana: What an immensely talented, versatile personality Anju Bhandari is. So brave to have conquered the big C. So good to know you

[19/08, 7:22 PM] Dr Amrik Singh Ahluwalia Alumni PAU Botany 1973 Mohali: Anju and me, I think we were only two M Sc Students of Dr VVS Tyagi who later migrated to Ohio, US. Your blog has been interesting and have shown your courage, determination, sacrifice too and lively God fearing personality. All the best wishes for carrying on your diverse hobbies and interests.

[19/08, 7:34 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thanks Amrik, you were true gentleman always helping me in the lab. And you look very Royal now , honestly. 

There was another girl student after us who was Dr Tyagi’s student, don’t remember her name. 

You have lovely family, saw on FB.

[19/08, 7:22 PM] Joginder Minhas Alumni PAU Botany, Guwahati: Your story is unique Anju.  The most challenging job is a house maker's job, which you have done successfully and with satisfaction.  A house maker dedicates her life to the happiness welfare of the family and that is a great satisfaction at the end of the day, as you might vouch for.  Good that you kept the artist in you alive.  I remember sending you a hand made card after your marriage, as artist in me also comes alive on rare occasions!!.  The best advise you gave is "use your crystal everyday" as we in India seldom use our best tableware, and keep it for the guests and whenever we take it out, we are worried that the gests might not break it!.  Your positivity will definitely help you celebrate many more birthdays.  My good wishes to you and your family.

[19/08, 7:27 PM] BB Puri PNB Ludhiana: Anju your story is really a versatile. Dedication towards family and courage to face big C is due to blessing of God. Anju do you remember us(me and Anita). We were of 1975-77 batch.

[19/08, 7:30 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Yes, I do, I remember having tea and bread pakoras with you , Anita, Rajinder and Joginder at Students Home, I read your story also, very inspirational ... God bless you!

[19/08, 7:39 PM] Neena Sethi Alumni PAU Botany: Wow Anju  glad to know about your great experience of life You r a brave n bold human being I know you will lead a happy n meaningful life May God bless you with a long n health y life Be happy always

[19/08, 7:40 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thanks Joginder for appreciating homemaker’s sacrifice. You are such a nice person and look so dignified. I remember watching a film with you  ... that was quite courageous on my part ! Yes I do remember the handmade card . So nostalgic 

[19/08, 7:54 PM] Brij Mohan Prashar COBSH Jagraon: Anju your positivity shall revive you to same normal life. Your dedication to the family is worth praising. We are proud of you. May You enjoy along, healthy and happy Blessed Life with your sweet family and friends.

Brij Mohan 1971 batch.

[19/08, 8:04 PM] Sohan Singh Kalra Alumni PAU Botany Mohali: I am happy to not that Anju is an artist .An arist know where to put colours .Keep your skill alive.I had to leave because of work pressures .I do .make pencil sketches as an when in a mood.Your story is amazing .Best of luck

[19/08, 8:22 PM] Dr Vineeta Sharma Alumni PAU Botany Chandigarh Manimajra( sector 13 )., 1978 MSc 1984 PhD: Hello Anju ji,

Hats off to ur positivity , courage, will power nd determination.your versatility nd artistic temper is unique nd so is your smile( as visible in your pics) Your role as a homemaker is highly appreciable.Wishing u a great life ahead full of energy , love ,happiness nd contentment along with ur loving family.Regards nd best wishes. Stay blessed always.

[19/08, 8:27 PM] Dr Anita Joshi Alumni PAU Botany 1977 Ludhiana, HOD: Dear di you are an epitome of love and dedication for your family.You have an amazing journey, beautiful family.God bless you with healthy and happy life

[19/08, 8:32 PM] Arvinder Singh Billa Alumni PAU Botany Nairobi: Greetings Anju. for a Nice,family and Progressive story of the Bhandari family and well in time,as per promise. Have a Dignified,Blessed Healthy Wealthy family Life.

[19/08, 8:48 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you Satish Ji for your appreciation. And taking so much trouble to post the story correctly.

[19/08, 8:53 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: I admire Anju your positivity 

Be blessed always. 

[19/08, 9:07 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you so much Respected Sir... I have never forgotten the help and encouragement I received from you when I joined the Botany department in 1976, as I was bit late in joining, you had helped me to procure missed notes and advised me in selecting courses.

You also encouraged me to give dance recital during International Symposium of Botany when I was not too confident about it. So thank you Sir for everything. Your blessings mean a lot to me 🏼🏼

[19/08, 9:12 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: Your recital was appreciated by all delegates 

You are God’s special child. You will Come out of all trials. Be blessed always

[19/08, 9:03 PM] Varsha Kaushal Alumni PAU Botany 1976 Little Rock, Arkansas, USA: Pardon my brief hiatus, Friends. I have a lot to catch-up. I will start with the latest and move in reverse......

Dear Anju, what an incredible story of dedication to your beautiful family, love for your artistic talents; courage, bravery and determination to overcome tough times! Love your positive attitude and smiling personality! All the very best for happy and healthy years ahead in the company of your loved ones. Lots of love and hugs for you 

[19/08, 9:12 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thankyou so very much my dear Varsha, it’s always great to connect to your old beautiful friends. And who can forget that melodious voice ? You were soul of my dance in PAU. Lots of love and hugs dear ️🥰

[19/08, 9:10 PM] Rajinder Kaur Alumni PAU Botany: Hi Anju  i recollect the days when we were together in PAU.WE were room mates1976-78 and above all we were very close friends.I had already known most of your artistic skills.I AM happy yo know about your caring and loving family. You are a brave, positive and very loving person. i wish you a very good health ,happiness and joy forever.I will call you sometime later

[19/08, 9:15 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you dear Rajinder for your best wishes, of course we were best mates and I was so possessive about you, bit too much , now that I think about it. Love and hugs ️

[19/08, 10:07 PM] Gurinder Randhawa Alumni PAU Botany Delhi, Principal Scientist & Head: Wow! What a beautiful, inspiring, brave Journey Anju di. it was sheer delight to peep into your beautiful life with loving family. The message you brought to live every beautiful moment of life with attitude of gratitude is Superb ️ Rather you have lived it. I wish I have met you at PAU. You were there till 78 and I joined in 79. let's hope we meet now when you visit India, I am based in Delhi. Three cheers for your exceptionally gifted artistic skills.

[19/08, 10:33 PM] [19/08, 9:12 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thankyou so very much my dear Varsha, it’s always great to connect to your old beautiful friends. And who can forget that melodious voice ? You were soul of my dance in PAU. Lots of love and hugs dear ️🥰

, Illinois, USA, 1973-76: Very inspiring journey, Anju ji! Being a home maker is very challenging role and key to success of the family. Very well done. God bless you with a very long healthy, happy and peaceful life.

[20/08, 12:35 AM] Dr Vandana Aggarwal Alumni PAU Botany Chandigarh, Associate Professor: Dear Anju ji, what an inspiring story. Your attitude of moving with the flow of life and keeping happy, your versatility, your love and devotion to your family, your uplifted spirit to take the challenge of your life head on with such positivity ...make you a person worth admiring and emulating. Wish you unlimited happiness and radiant health. It's a great feeling  connected to such wonderful people with shared roots.

[20/08, 3:18 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you so much Vandana for such profound admiration. Bit more than I deserve. It is indeed my good fortune as well to connect with all so well accomplished friends . God bless you always 🥰️ Lots of love!!

[20/08, 3:26 AM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Nice to read your write up Anju. Admire your talents, courage and attitude towards life. Sector 9, Karnal is our permanent home. I have been to NDRI multiple times. Do you still go to Karnal when you visit India?

[20/08, 3:32 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you Ashok, I did read in your story about Karnal being your home town now. We have shared roots  Sadly we haven’t visited Karnal for a long time now. It will be good to visit sometime in future. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy life.

[20/08, 4:38 AM] Ravi Sethi Alumni PAU Botany US: Anju.. you had a wonderful life around the world.. and New Zealand is a gorgeous place to retire.. wonderful family.. lovely paintings.. Great attitude..I am sure you will have fulfilling and long life.. best

[20/08, 4:44 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you so much Ravi Ji, I understand that you were first student of Dr Malik. Good to have encouraging words from seniors like yourself. 

New Zealand indeed is stunningly beautiful country and we are blessed to be here. Best wishes to you Sir 

[20/08, 9:44 AM] Rupinder Sandhu Alumni PAU Botany 1976-78 US: Hi Anju ji , read your beautiful life journey across continents. Admire your sacrifices , your devotion to your family and your painting skills . The grace and courage with which you overcame a demon called cancer is remarkable. You have a beautiful loving family , enjoy! Wishing you a happy healthy and wonderful life ahead . Hope to meet you someday , best regards- Rupinder  Sidhu

[20/08, 10:12 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Hello Rupinder... many thanks for your loving wishes. Grateful to God 🏼 for blessing me with some strength to face a big challenge and good wishes of friends like you which encourage to keep on moving in life inspite of tough times.

God bless you !

[20/08, 10:55 AM] Arvind Allipuria Alumni PAU Botany: Dear Anju

While reading your story from first line to last, it is so well connected and engrossing. You are such a good artist and a story teller. Your life as a home maker is so graceful and your fighting spirit and attitude towards life is worth saluting. I am so eager to see you, maybe I have to travel to New Zealand as and when time permits. Stay blessed always. 

Regards 

Arvind

[20/08, 11:18 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Dear Arvind... I am really touched by your words coming straight from the heart. Words have so much power when written sincerely. Thank you so much for this affection 🏼. Please do come, I would love to host you at my place. Looking forward to meet you ....

Kind regards Arvind and God bless !

[20/08, 2:48 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Dear Arvind... I am really touched by your words coming straight from the heart. 

Thank you so much for this affection 🏼. Please do visit us in New Zealand, i would love to host you at my place. Looking forward to meet you ....

Kind regards and God bless !

Anju

[20/08, 2:53 PM] Dr Arvind Kapoor Alumni PAU Botany US: Dear Anju, i hope you remember me there are two Arvind and i am senior Arvind Kapur. Your journey of life is quite inspirations. Inspirational and smooth sailing God bless you all and your journey should remain joyful and healthy

[20/08, 4:06 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Hello Arvind... I surely remember you. 

Many many thanks for your good wishes 🏼

May you have happy, healthy life with your family and friends !