Grandmum or Ma as we called her, is no more. She was 90. She was a tiny woman only in stature, in everything else, she was larger than life.
In her last week, Ma managed to recreate the atmosphere of a large joint family in her house again. Family from all over made their way to Ooty to meet her one last time. And when I say family, it means six sons, two daughters, their spouses, their children, the children's children, the children's in laws, grandmum's co sisters and her family, grandmum's brothers and their families... and their in laws... and then friends and their families... you get the gist.
Yeah, there were on an average at least 50 people being fed in her house in her last week. Why I write this is to showcase how rich her life and heritage is, and how she linked so many people.
Now while she underwent 'Santara', a kind of death that is believed to elevate her soul to sainthood... I kept thinking about how full of life and self love she was.
She grew up in a family of agriculturists, got married young, moved across the country and bore eight children, and hosted many prolific guests, ran a house with military precision, cooked like a five star chef and looked perfectly presentable always. And best of all, was an extravagant woman.
She wasn't a very religious woman... and yet in her death was elevated to sainthood... why? Because she was the embodiment of a certain truth that many younger women have forgotten. While you fulfil the demands of the many roles that society demands of you, love yourself first. Follow that passion, and pursue what you want stubbornly. If someone helps you along, great, if they don't, find a way to do it yourself.
She lived a long life and left her unforgettable truth unto us.
I had the honour of lifting Ma's palki in her final journey. She often introduced me to guests as a son of the house... which was an extremely motivating thought for me, and why it meant a lot to me to carry her on her final journey.
If I could carry half your strength, discipline, and self love with me, dear Ma, I will be much better for it. We will miss you Ma but I carry your life lessons close.
In her last week, Ma managed to recreate the atmosphere of a large joint family in her house again. Family from all over made their way to Ooty to meet her one last time. And when I say family, it means six sons, two daughters, their spouses, their children, the children's children, the children's in laws, grandmum's co sisters and her family, grandmum's brothers and their families... and their in laws... and then friends and their families... you get the gist.
Yeah, there were on an average at least 50 people being fed in her house in her last week. Why I write this is to showcase how rich her life and heritage is, and how she linked so many people.
Now while she underwent 'Santara', a kind of death that is believed to elevate her soul to sainthood... I kept thinking about how full of life and self love she was.
She grew up in a family of agriculturists, got married young, moved across the country and bore eight children, and hosted many prolific guests, ran a house with military precision, cooked like a five star chef and looked perfectly presentable always. And best of all, was an extravagant woman.
She wasn't a very religious woman... and yet in her death was elevated to sainthood... why? Because she was the embodiment of a certain truth that many younger women have forgotten. While you fulfil the demands of the many roles that society demands of you, love yourself first. Follow that passion, and pursue what you want stubbornly. If someone helps you along, great, if they don't, find a way to do it yourself.
She lived a long life and left her unforgettable truth unto us.
I had the honour of lifting Ma's palki in her final journey. She often introduced me to guests as a son of the house... which was an extremely motivating thought for me, and why it meant a lot to me to carry her on her final journey.
If I could carry half your strength, discipline, and self love with me, dear Ma, I will be much better for it. We will miss you Ma but I carry your life lessons close.
Very true lil sis. Baiji as we called her was a lady full of love and affection. Her each visit to her home in dahanu was full of her love . May arihant prabhu grant eternal peace to her soul . We the baphna family which is her maayka bow down to God and wish her further journey be the best. We are with you all always .
ReplyDeleteLOVE YOU BAIJI
May her legacy stay alive... thanks bhaiya
DeleteVery well written and expressed thoughts in a succinct manner. Brings out all the qualities and her life journey in a beautiful way. May she rest in peace and reach her ultimate abode.
ReplyDeleteThank you uncle.
DeleteA great tribute from her granddaughter to a resourceful Dadisa
ReplyDelete.I always found her smiling & never complaining.An era has ended.May her soul rest in peace.
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DeleteThank you uncle... means a lot coming from you.
Deleteugamchandj@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteA touching, eloquent and elegant threnody to the departed soul. I am classmate to Hemant, and, I've had the honour to pray at her feet during her last hours.
ReplyDeleteThanks buddy for always being by my side at the time of the highest loss in our lives. Miss Ma immensely, but then life is all about meetings and partings. Jo, believe it or not, I have read your truthfully expressed blog about 10 times, with tears in my eyes. Pray Parmatma for the safe and happy transition of Ma's soul on her eternal journey. - - - Hemanth
DeleteKaka... hugs
DeleteThank you Pradeep uncle.
Delete