‘Sonali-Rama’ Lunch: Truly Gracious Welcome >>>>> Enduring Spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ with a Difference : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 ‘Sonali-Rama’ Lunch: 

Truly Gracious Welcome

Enduring Spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ 

with a Difference

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao (August 30, 2026)

            Our friends Sonali Jagannath and her husband Rama Pakala, through my daughter Kinnera Koniki, originally from Telangana and now settled in the USA, live with their family in Missouri City, Texas, a suburb southwest of Houston, in a spacious home set amidst a generous expanse of land. The entire property, particularly along its boundaries, is adorned with a variety of plants, including banana trees, giving the place the distinct appearance and charm of an Indian village farmhouse. Their home thus reflects both the comfort of life in the United States and the warmth of the Indian traditions they continue to cherish.

When my wife Vijayalaksmi, our daughter-in-law Parul Kapoor, and I arrived there for lunch, the couple, Sonali and Rama were at the door to extend an affectionate welcome to all three of us. There was also a pet dog, but knowing that we were somewhat apprehensive around dogs, they kindly kept the dog safely outside, at our request. That small gesture of consideration itself reflected the sensitivity and thoughtfulness of our hosts.

Particularly touching was the presence of the host’s 90-year-old father, T Jagannath. Despite his age, he stood graciously at the entrance and, with the enthusiasm and energy of a much younger man, personally led us inside. The host’s 80-year-old mother was equally warm and welcoming. Her affectionate reception added another dimension to the occasion, making us feel less like visitors and more like members of an extended family.

Sonali’s father, Jagannath, and her mother, both now in their 90s and 80s respectively, are lovingly cared for by their daughter. Sonali seldom attends any programme without having them accompany her. Ever since we came to Houston, we have seen the three of them together on more than one occasion: a beautiful reflection of her devotion to her parents and a message that children of ageing parents always remain a source of strength, irrespective of where they live, whether near home or far away, even abroad.

Jagannath has lived a long and remarkable life, defined by a lifelong pursuit of excellence. From his youth he was an avid athlete. He also achieved top academic honours as a gold medallist in Law from Andhra University. Even now, he continues to embrace his lifelong passions for global exploration and sports. An elite member of the Travelers Century Club, having travelled to more than 100 countries, he actively pursues opportunities to witness major global sporting spectacles, from the FIFA World Cup and the US Open to the Olympic Games. His continuing curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for life embody an extraordinary and undiminished spirit of adventure.

The lunch was, by any measure, an elaborate and memorable one. Among the many dishes served were Vegetable Biryani, Brinjal Curry, Channa Masala, Paneer, Roti, Raita, White Rice, Sambar, Rasam, Vadiyalu, Curd (not Yogurt!), and Curd Rice, Payasam, Ice Cream, Lemon Pickles, and several other items whose number I eventually lost count of. The food was not only plentiful but exceptionally tasty, reflecting the care, affection, and warmth with which it had been prepared and served.

Before we left, Rama made for us some of the best coffees, providing a fitting and enjoyable conclusion to the meal. Gifts were also exchanged between our daughter-in-law Parul and our host Sonali, adding a personal touch to an already warm gathering. Their two daughters could not join us because of their demanding study schedules: one pursuing medicine and the other studying computer engineering. Their absence was understandable, yet they remained very much a part of the family atmosphere we experienced.

Understandably, we also missed our grandchildren, who were equally busy with their co-curricular activities. Meanwhile, my son Aditya, and his two elder sisters Bunti and Kinni, were away together on an outing. Though the three siblings do not get to meet very often, whenever they do, they make it a point to enjoy some time together, keeping alive the simple pleasure of outings they shared during their childhood.

Perhaps the most touching moment came at the time of our departure. Our host Sonali presented a beautiful saree to my wife and bade her farewell in a typically Hindu ritual manner, offering Kumkum as a mark of affection, respect, and auspiciousness. It was a simple gesture, yet one carrying deep cultural meaning. Even while living thousands of miles away from Telangana, the familiar traditions of home were alive in that moment.

Not the least among the memorable aspects of the gathering was the lively and meaningful conversation that followed. The discussion revolved around how the marriages of the four participating couples had taken place, particularly the phase preceding marriage. It naturally touched upon love marriages, partly arranged marriages, and fully arranged marriages, with the conversation exploring, in a light and positive spirit, the respective advantages, challenges, and lessons of each.

There was no attempt to judge one approach against another. Instead, the discussion reflected on how circumstances and choices have evolved, and how coming generations may enjoy greater freedom, understanding, and optimism in shaping their own lives. The conversation ultimately turned toward the future, with genuine hope and positivity for the children and grandchildren and for the many possibilities that lie ahead of them.

Another interesting thread of discussion was health and wellbeing, particularly the importance of both dynamic and static exercises, working up a healthy sweat, making walking a regular part of life, and keeping stress under control. The emphasis was less on any rigid formula and more on a sensible way of living: more movement, more walking, less unnecessary stress, and, ultimately, a sound mind in a healthy body.

What made the conversation particularly pleasant was the warm and relaxed environment in which it unfolded: open, friendly, and completely free of judgment. The atmosphere encouraged everyone to share experiences, thoughts, and perspectives freely, allowing the conversation to move naturally from personal experiences and family matters to health and wellbeing. Even subjects that could otherwise sound serious or instructive became enjoyable, engaging, and mutually enriching in such a congenial setting.

            What made the occasion especially meaningful was that our hosts Sonali and Rama, not to speak of Smt and Sri Jagannath, though settled comfortably in Houston, continue to carry with them the warmth, values, customs, and hospitality of Telangana. Their graciousness reminded us that distance may change where we live, but it need not change who we are. It is heartening to see how some Indian, particularly Telugu, families in the United States, especially in Houston and its suburbs, consciously preserve their roots through traditions, customs, family values, Telugu language and literature, and, above all, the timeless tradition of hosting.

My wife and I have ourselves been fortunate to experience this same warmth in our own family: whether in India with our elder daughter Prema, or in Houston with our second daughter Kinnera and son Aditya, where their spouses too have embraced and extended this tradition. Such experiences reaffirm that hospitality is not merely a custom inherited from the past, but a living bond of affection and belonging that can continue across families, generations, and continents.

A gracious home may welcome guests, but a gracious heart is what makes hospitality truly memorable. And therefore, the experience also conveyed a simple message: true hospitality is not measured by the size of a home, the number of dishes on the table, or the formality of a welcome. It is measured by the thoughtfulness with which guests are received, the respect with which they are treated, and the warmth with which they are seen off. In that sense, our visit was far more than a lunch; it was a beautiful expression of friendship, family, culture, and the enduring spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’