My Ammama was a vessel of poise, grit, beauty, and confidence.

Among the many lessons she shared with me, one stands out the most: “Do your best, and damn the rest.”

Growing up, I was easily affected by the voices of the crowd. Their thoughts and feelings superseded any of my own. And whatever they said, I felt — usually at the cost of my own anxiety.

I remember sharing these worries with her, and — always direct and soothing — she came back with this: “Arjunbhai, have you put your whole heart into it? Then that is enough. Forget about them.”

A mountain of reassurance, in 7 simple words.

She would have been 79 today. Happy birthday, Ammama! I miss you.