Thank you so much for introducing us to your nani who is so inspiring. Her resilience against all the tragedies she faced and yet her kindness is a paath we all need to learn in these troubled times. It is simple to remember but challenging to practice, especially for those with whom we disagree. We can spend the rest of our lives based on those two values- courage and kindness because that is all that matters while we live and after we are gone. I love these regular reminders as it is easy to get lost in the mayhem.
I love the fact that paath means lesson. It gives new sense to the fact that it's all about the journey (eg path) rather than the destination... When you die, you can't take your material winnings with you... The one thing you do leave behind is your reputation. And the more it's about helping others, the more likely people will remember you. It strikes me that your grandmother stood OUT because she stood FOR those exceptional values of courage and kindness.
lovely recollection of Nani, Rinaji...a sweet, nuanced realization of how valuable her guiding light has been in your life...I find myself also subtly, and quite organically, seeking such guiding "lights" when they are living and near. I found that bright light in my yoga teacher six months ago so needless to say I am her official groupie now...but your recollection touched my heart as I'm sure it keeps touching yours. much love...Raj
Lovely piece, Reena. The humble beginnings our grandparents' generation begat our middle-class parents' generation, who continued the legacy, even though they needed to send us to buy stuff at the corner grocery store in the 4th week of the month and instead of paying in cash, get the amount noted in the shopkeeper's register, to be paid off when the next paycheck arrived at home, but always finding ways to instill the desire in us to go forth and do better, which we have done in some ways, and in others, regressed, but try like hell to catch up, do even better, and keep a bit of that legacy going, leave alone create our own new legacy - something your article makes us think about afresh.
Your Nani and indeed all our grandparents were made of different mitti! She is inspiring and I cannot even the courage it took.
Thank you so much for introducing us to your nani who is so inspiring. Her resilience against all the tragedies she faced and yet her kindness is a paath we all need to learn in these troubled times. It is simple to remember but challenging to practice, especially for those with whom we disagree. We can spend the rest of our lives based on those two values- courage and kindness because that is all that matters while we live and after we are gone. I love these regular reminders as it is easy to get lost in the mayhem.
I love the fact that paath means lesson. It gives new sense to the fact that it's all about the journey (eg path) rather than the destination... When you die, you can't take your material winnings with you... The one thing you do leave behind is your reputation. And the more it's about helping others, the more likely people will remember you. It strikes me that your grandmother stood OUT because she stood FOR those exceptional values of courage and kindness.
Marvelous piece of your writing, truly inspiring.
So well written Reena!
A true depiction of those times as well as the society we live in now. And how, you so easily get the reader completely engrossed in the story.
Made me remember my nani who had a very similar hugely independent life.
Keep sharing! 💕
lovely recollection of Nani, Rinaji...a sweet, nuanced realization of how valuable her guiding light has been in your life...I find myself also subtly, and quite organically, seeking such guiding "lights" when they are living and near. I found that bright light in my yoga teacher six months ago so needless to say I am her official groupie now...but your recollection touched my heart as I'm sure it keeps touching yours. much love...Raj
Lovely piece, Reena. The humble beginnings our grandparents' generation begat our middle-class parents' generation, who continued the legacy, even though they needed to send us to buy stuff at the corner grocery store in the 4th week of the month and instead of paying in cash, get the amount noted in the shopkeeper's register, to be paid off when the next paycheck arrived at home, but always finding ways to instill the desire in us to go forth and do better, which we have done in some ways, and in others, regressed, but try like hell to catch up, do even better, and keep a bit of that legacy going, leave alone create our own new legacy - something your article makes us think about afresh.
What a glorious tribute. I love this piece. Thank you for sharing and congrats on the publication in Bluebird. Literary magazines do matter, if I may share this with your readers: https://marytabor.substack.com/p/literary-magazines-why-bother-lagniappe xo Mary