Today, as we gather to celebrate your graduation, I find myself reflecting not only on how far you have come, but on the extraordinary journey that brought us here. I remember you as a little boy who would run around the living room with your Dadu and Amma, transforming into Ben 10 with a fierce imagination—ready to save the world one alien at a time. The way you would light up Oktoberfest, dancing to the Flieger song, laughter in your eyes, rhythm in your feet, joy in your soul or the way that you would get the zoomies of pure innocence in the evening with Nani, Nanu and Kakua that gave you the nickname of Furtu.
I remember you gently leading Amma through the streets of Portland, showing her around like a local guide, patiently translating menus, pointing out sights, making sure she was always comfortable. I remember you dragging Nani in through the snowfall in Bend with the child like innocence. They were love in motion. You made them feel at home, thousands of miles away from there’s’.
Today as you walk into a new chapter—one filled with promise, purpose, and immense possibilities, keep those imaginations, innocence, rhythm and love intact. That is what makes the person that you have become.
Your Dadu and Amma are not here with us in person, and I feel their presence deeply. I know in my heart they’re watching over you, Vyom—with immense pride. As educators, they’d be thrilled to see not just the academic achievements, but the kind, thoughtful, and grounded young man you’ve become. They’d smile knowing how you’ve grown—not just taller, not just wiser—but more compassionate, more curious, more you.
Rest of your family and friends have all taken time out of their busy schedule and many have travelled very long distances to be here today just for you . That shows their immense love for you. It’s a gift which is extremely rare commodity these days. Cherish these and protect that with all your heart all your life. If I may borrow a few lines from a poem that I wrote for you on your last birthday.
“Seventeen years, my boy, how time has flown,
From that bright sunny August in Munich, where you were born.
Perched on my shoulders, Marineplatz or Mannheim, reaching new heights,
Wide-eyed and always with a smile, you saw the world full of dreams.”
Your high school journey is ending, but another beautiful path is unfolding ahead. Mimi and me are immensely proud—not just because you’re graduating or that you are going to a good school to continue the education journey —but because you’ve stayed kind, true, and full of integrity. Most importantly, you’re a wonderful human being. That is your real achievement. May you never stop dreaming, never stop dancing, and never stop being curious.
You are, in every way, a Mukerjee. And as you carry our name forward, carry it with honor—but always let your heart lead the way.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts” .
We love you. We believe in you. And we’ll always be cheering you on.
Congratulations, my son.
