- It's five in the morning. Woo!
(light piano music)
Today we are going to the River Ganges
to perform the last rites ceremony
for my grandfather, and deposit his ashes into the river.
It's such a difference from New Delhi yesterday,
because that was like totally yang
and this it totally yin.
One thing that I struggle with a lot
is like worrying, over-planning.
Today I saw something so special
in the unique fusion of messiness and beauty.
All the crazy wild animals, and then this happened.
There's a cow, right there.
Seeing all the crowds of people.
And this bridge.
This looks like a storybook!
Can you guys feel the bridge moving?
- I was here when I was three years old.
And I remember vaguely that I had a really hard time
getting on the bridge because I was so scared.
And my father just grabbed me and I was screaming,
and he took me across (laughs).
- I was expecting the last rites ceremony
to be very sad, but I was surprised
with how much peace and closure it gave me.
The tragic event of my grandfather's sudden death
incited my first trip to India,
and in coming here I have seen a glimpse
into the hard work and sacrifices
my grandfather made to create the best life for our family.
I feel a responsibility now to work even harder
for my dreams, and to fulfill the path
that my grandfather paved for me.
We just finished the ceremony for my grandfather.
Really glad I came to do it.
I feel some closure,
but I'm still processing.
I love how colorful this country is,
both literally and metaphorically.
How in this culture, something as sad,
terrifying, and mournful as someone's death
is remembered in a beautiful celebration of their life.
You never really know how special something
or someone is until they're gone.
Sometimes you have to travel halfway
around the world to discover that.
I challenge you today to tell a friend
or a family member how much you love and appreciate them.
Because you might not even be aware
of the sacrifices they have made
for you until they're gone.