On March 30, 2015 one of Gujarati literature’s icons, Shri.Tarak Mehta, was awarded the Padma Shri. He was selected by the Government of India for the country's fourth highest civilian award for his distinguished contributions in writing and journalism. It was certainly a commendable honor, a huge testament to the long nights he dedicated to his literary pursuits, and a great way to cap off an enduring legacy. But who is the man behind the medal?

For over 44 years, Padmashri.Tarak Mehta has worked as a humorist, satirist, and journalist in India. Though an unconventional career path, he paved his way as one of the most influential writers in the Gujarati language bringing humor and social commentary to everyday situations through his columns. One of his seminal columns, “Duniya Na Undha Chasma” published weekly in the magazine Chitralekha, brought people from all races, religions, and backgrounds into one neighborhood and explored relationships through satire. It was a beautiful reminder that we may come from all parts of the world, we may have our own problems, but we can celebrate our differences through humor and acceptance.

In 2008, his column got adapted to a sitcom that gained immediate popularity. Suddenly, his name was everywhere and his humor had captured hearts from the state of Gujarat to households across India, and all over the world.

In addition to being one of India’s treasures, he has also taken on another cherished role: A loving grandfather. For me, this impact is by far the most significant. When I was three months old, I moved to India to live with my grandparents for the first time and since then have had the fortune of going back almost every year. While it has hard to comprehend the value of these trips as a child, I can see in retrospect how much my grandpa influenced many parts of me.

It was his encouragement that drove me to blog, write, and learn the Gujarati language. It was reading his Dave Barry and Calvin and Hobbes books that made me appreciate the finer parts of comedy and puns. It was his perspective of the world that made me understand the idiosyncrasies of people. Beyond all that, it was his love and drive to see everyone happy that spoiled me and everyone who has the pleasure of knowing him.

As he went across stage to gather his award, it was inspiring to see him, at 85, smiling and laughing as he has made India do for so long. I am so overjoyed and proud of his legacy. I will always love what he did for India but more than that, I will love him for his dedication to family and life. Cheers to joining India's elite!

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