Last July, my mother breathed her last. My mother, who we had started addressing as ‘Nani’ since the time of my first born.
In 48yrs I saw her, cuddled her, became her, unbecame her, fought her, ignored her and lied to her too.
In 48 yrs. She only loved me.
Being a passionate teacher and an ardent learner, her actions spoke louder than mere teachings. She celebrated the birthdays of Jesus, Mohammad, Krishan, Ram, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Guru nanak dev and many others she bowed down to their teachings. A regular in lighting a diya in her alter which adorned the photos and idols of all she related to even Tagore and Vivekanand.
She belonged to the generation who rose to change, took the stand and aged gracefully. I learnt to be complete being where action and nurturing became part of me. I learnt to be all inclusive and contained gracefully. I learnt the courage to hold the moment of trust, to embrace the leap of faith. To say No as much as to receive the Yes. I learnt to laugh, cry, be angry or frustrated equally, respectfully. She held me tight whenever I was about to fall apart. She brought me down when I grew bigger than my shoes. She knew the exit points at right time and space.
I learnt to live simply and mostly simply live. The three learnings I hold close to my chest what my mother taught me through her living.
- TAKE A STAND for an issue larger than your life, refrain from ego game.
- Stand when you can and sit down when you need to.
- Live your moments fully, live fully so that you die completely.
We celebrated her death as much as living with her. My mummy, Swaran Gurtu (1931-2016)
