You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Journey</strong> <strong>from…</strong>.<br />
<strong>Hiriadka</strong> <strong><strong>to</strong>……</strong>...<br />
<strong>………</strong>..<strong>to</strong> <strong>Mugeri</strong>
PRAKASH HEGDE<br />
SHAMBHAVI HEGDE<br />
PRAJWAL HEGDE<br />
DR. SANJAY HEGDE<br />
DR.P.V. HEGDE<br />
INDIRA HEGDE<br />
ANJANA SHETTY<br />
LATE MR. SURENDRA<br />
SHETTY<br />
ARUN SHETTY<br />
ARCHANA SHETTY<br />
PROLOGUE<br />
N.VADIRAJ HEGDE<br />
I.SAROJINI HEGDE<br />
DINESH RAI<br />
ASHRUTHA RAI<br />
BINATHA BALAKRISHNA<br />
R. BALAKRISHNA<br />
BHUSHAN<br />
AMMA& PAPA FOR SOME….<br />
AJJA & GRANNY FOR SOME……..<br />
our big and small memories…<br />
1
They say “His<strong>to</strong>ry repeats itself”<br />
If we think deeply through these words, it’s kind of true, in<br />
every aspect. For example…..<br />
We all have a His<strong>to</strong>ry behind us….obviously we have, as we<br />
surely have not landed up from no where! We have our<br />
parents, grandparents, great-grand parents<strong>………</strong>boiling<br />
down <strong>to</strong> our roots……..a BIG FAMILY TREE.<br />
When some body comes across <strong>to</strong> us and says ‘Oh that’s<br />
Just like your Father’ or ‘You look so much like your<br />
Grandmother’……we are either caught smiling, amused or<br />
completely taken aback , depending on how much More we<br />
know about OUR OWN his<strong>to</strong>ry than that person. But yes, we<br />
do feel a sense of existence, <strong>to</strong> be linked <strong>to</strong> a Lineage.<br />
Though, in some occasions, the aspects of our Roots do<br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> our being, we don’t really co-relate that so<br />
much, because nowhere we are <strong>to</strong>ld “You are like your<br />
Great-Great Grandfather/Great-Great Grandmother”. For us<br />
the MOST IMPORTANT aspect becomes only our closer<br />
ones……parents, Uncles ,Aunts, Grand-Parents and if, we are<br />
lucky, one step up, Our Great grand parents<strong>………</strong>.beyond<br />
which, it’s just a hear-say hazy s<strong>to</strong>ry or a fairy tale!<br />
With our busy life <strong>to</strong>day, we are unable <strong>to</strong> EVEN recollect<br />
what role Our these close-ones played in our lives. It’s there,<br />
somewhere hidden in the conscience,… Our Love, Our pride,<br />
our Gratitude <strong>to</strong>wards them, but never get expressed and<br />
hence just gets lost. Then FINALLY we may not find anyone<br />
saying ‘You are so much like…..’ because we ourselves have<br />
killed our own his<strong>to</strong>ry!<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> think of it….In this Age of nuclear families, we here<br />
<strong>to</strong>day, are 34 members…….. ,<br />
VISHWA PRASAD HEGDE<br />
SHOBHA HEGDE<br />
SAROSH SHETTY<br />
VINAY SHETTY<br />
VAYUN SHETTY<br />
ATHARV SHETTY<br />
VIVIN HEGDE<br />
KANISHKA KAUSHAL−<br />
HEGDE<br />
NEERAJAMALA SHETTY<br />
DR. H.V.K. SHETTY<br />
NAMRATHA RAI<br />
HANSRAJ RAI<br />
PRAAKHYA RAI<br />
NIKILESH SHETTY<br />
NIVEDITHA SHETTY<br />
UDAY KUMAR HEGDE<br />
USHA HEGDE<br />
UJWAL HEGDE −<br />
KULKARNI<br />
PRATIK KULKARNI<br />
UDITH HEGDE
proud <strong>to</strong> portray as a Big family ,thanks <strong>to</strong> 2 important people UP there- Amma-Pappa<br />
/Ajja Granny.<br />
Its 23 odd years since they left us and somewhere their memories <strong>to</strong>o seem <strong>to</strong> be fading<br />
out. Among us, we have Big, Small, Very Small or absolutely Nil memories of them. That’s<br />
kind of Sad…..considering they are just 1or 2 branches DOWN the ‘TREE’! For the various<br />
impacts they have had on our lives , they surely deserve a better remembrance than our<br />
Yearly Rituals!<br />
This small exercise was <strong>to</strong>, Just take a Step Back , try teasing our Conscience, Pull out<br />
those Memories, Put them on paper AND Let those Emotions get Expressed. I’m sure,<br />
you all loved this experience as much as I loved going through EACH of those write-ups.<br />
It was refreshing!! And the younger crowd here, will surely be filled with Pride, READING<br />
THROUGH!<br />
There will be some repeats in the Write-ups.…But then It’s Each one’s personal<br />
experience from their perspective, in their Own Words. AND Lets not end this exercise<br />
with this Compilation…I’m sure there are much more incidents and S<strong>to</strong>ries <strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong>ld…….<br />
We can always have Annexures!!..☺<br />
Namratha Rai
The world they lived for……
Prakash<br />
Papa had the gift of genius, he excelled in everything he did – sports and studies.<br />
Luck, though, was another thing, it simply didn’t smile on him.<br />
Papa’s dream of being a doc<strong>to</strong>r slipped through his fingers, even though he was<br />
ready and in position as the cricketer in him might have put it.<br />
He left <strong>to</strong> Bombay from Vontibettu after he secured a medical seat on merit, he<br />
even joined the hostel. As his father’s money order failed <strong>to</strong> reach him, he was<br />
unable <strong>to</strong> pay his fees and was forced <strong>to</strong> give up his seat and vacate the hostel.<br />
As luck would have it the postmaster delivered papa’s money order <strong>to</strong> another<br />
room. It was his first time in Bombay, he didn’t know where <strong>to</strong> go or who <strong>to</strong> turn<br />
<strong>to</strong> and simply had <strong>to</strong> return home.<br />
On returning from Bombay, he studied banking accounts and joined Vijaya Bank<br />
as manager of the Perdur branch. After doing well for a couple of years, he<br />
moved <strong>to</strong> Madras, where he managed the fac<strong>to</strong>ry of a relative, the Industrial<br />
Commercial Syndicate which manufactured locks and lamps.It was while he was<br />
in Madras, in the early 40s, that he played cricket for the MCC, excelling with bat<br />
and ball. His performances earned him a call for the Indian camp. But as luck<br />
would have it, his father <strong>to</strong>ok ill and once again he was forced <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong><br />
Vontibettu.<br />
Papa was lucky in love, however, he married a caring and accomplished woman<br />
in amma. She had done her Visharad in Hindi and was teaching children in<br />
Hiriyadka<br />
She was one of the major forces behind establishing the high school in Hiriyadka,<br />
going on donation drives that were instrumental in getting the school up and<br />
running.<br />
Shambhavi<br />
I always said that I had the best mother-in-law in the world. She was a kind,<br />
giving soul, generous <strong>to</strong> a fault. She <strong>to</strong>ok pains with everyone from her husband<br />
and children <strong>to</strong> the house helps, she knew each ones likes and dislikes and most<br />
all what people needed. I saw her give away her gold chain which she had<br />
around her neck <strong>to</strong> a help, who was getting married.<br />
One of my favourite memories of mama was during our drives <strong>to</strong> Hiryadka. As<br />
we closed in on Perudar, he would talk <strong>to</strong> friends, who he would s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>to</strong> meet<br />
along the way, using cricket terms. ‘Is he out?’ ‘He’s on the boundary line’, ‘Is he<br />
going <strong>to</strong> hit a century?’. To be sure, mama loved his cricket…….Almost as much<br />
as his wife loved and cared for him.
Dear Children,<br />
Before I tell you about your Granny and Grandpa,I would like <strong>to</strong> tell<br />
you about their parents.<br />
Both Granny and Grandpa belonged <strong>to</strong> the Anjaar Family but<br />
different divisions. Granny belonged <strong>to</strong> the Mombettu Branch and<br />
Grandpa came from VontibettuBeedu,both of which were hardly a<br />
couple of miles away from <strong>Hiriadka</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn.Vontibettu was the<br />
‘Pattada House’ or the Royal seat and this title shifted among the<br />
three branches-Anjaar,Vontibettu and Mombettu.<br />
VadirajAjjawas born and brought up in Vontibettu and was the 3 rd<br />
son of NitteGutthu Narayan Adyanthaya and<br />
VontibettuRudrammaHegadthi.He was a multi talented son from<br />
childhood.He passed SSLC from Christian High School,Udupi. In<br />
school days itself he was an acclaimed Cricketer.Then he went <strong>to</strong><br />
Bombay <strong>to</strong> join Govt College Jogeshwari but unfortunately due <strong>to</strong><br />
delayed money-order,he couldn’t get admission and had <strong>to</strong><br />
return.Then he went <strong>to</strong> Madras <strong>to</strong> join his maternal Uncle’s ICS<br />
fac<strong>to</strong>ry as Accounts Manager.Grandma <strong>to</strong>o was with him and from<br />
there they moved on <strong>to</strong> Tanjore for sometime.<br />
YourGrandma,SarojiniHegde,again a multi talentedlady,was the only<br />
daughter of great MombettuBeeduManjappaHegde.Here I would<br />
want <strong>to</strong> tell you about my grandpa…He was a 6 foot<br />
handsome,gigantic personality, daredevil. He was the Sarpanch or<br />
the PanchayathiKidhaar for all the villages around. He never<br />
betrayed the truth or <strong>to</strong>ok any biased opinion and his Word was<br />
the justice <strong>to</strong> all villagers, so much respect he carried from all !It<br />
was his turn <strong>to</strong> become KurlaHegde or the Temple Mukteshwar but<br />
he delclined and passed it on <strong>to</strong> his younger brother<br />
NagannaHegde. He was the ‘Dharmatma’ or the Godfather for the
poor. And his wife,IrmadyKamalakshiHeggadthi, was most God<br />
fearing personality.<br />
Your Grandma did her SSLC from Karkala High School, staying with<br />
her maternal uncle,The Ex-speaker of India,Justice K.S. Hegde.She<br />
had also done her Hindi Vishardha which was an achievement in a<br />
South Indian region.<br />
Both Granny and Grandpa were born with a Golden spoon in their<br />
mouth but the Tenancy Act by PM Indira Gandhi s<strong>to</strong>le all their land<br />
and comforts.<br />
Granny was a great social worker and had their own NGOs <strong>to</strong> help<br />
the poor,uneducated women and children.<br />
And as you know, Grandpa was a great Sportsperson, particularly<br />
in Cricket, Badmin<strong>to</strong>n and Football. I still remember my first visit <strong>to</strong><br />
Udupi.He was playing a football match at AjarkadGround.He was<br />
playing centre forward for the <strong>Hiriadka</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn team against the<br />
Udupi <strong>to</strong>wn Team.He jumped over and fell on the Ball due <strong>to</strong> which<br />
his knee got dislocated and he was virtually taken out on a<br />
stretcher. And that became the last Foot ball match of his life!<br />
I remember another incident about his shooting ability.He had shot<br />
a wild FLYING fowl in a single bullet in ‘Tiger Hunting Tournament’<br />
and which I could repeat in my hunting days.<br />
PRITHIVIRAJ HEGDE
Where TALENT meets GRACE & DIGNITY<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
My mother was born in<strong>to</strong> an illustrious Bunt family--Irmady-- and also married<br />
in<strong>to</strong> an equally well-known family, the VonthibettuBeedu. Although she was an<br />
only child she had the quality of adjusting <strong>to</strong> each and everybody; that is why<br />
she was a very good, loved and famous daughter-in-law in her husband's<br />
family. Though she came from a rich landowner's family, she had <strong>to</strong> later deal<br />
with several financial challenges, which she managed with great grace and<br />
dignity.<br />
Our father, was a well-known sportsman, a cricketer famous for his sixes, a<br />
keen ball-badmin<strong>to</strong>n player, chess wizard and what's more a fine performer of<br />
Yakshagana or bayalaata.<br />
As they were such a talented and hospitable couple, Amma and Pappa were<br />
very popular in our home<strong>to</strong>wn of Hiriadaka. Amma was a fine singer <strong>to</strong>o and<br />
had learnt <strong>to</strong> play the harmonium as a young girl. She had penned down<br />
several bhaktigeethes, which she would sing during evening bhajans, which was<br />
a daily practice in our home.<br />
Apart from all her talents, Amma was a fine human being. She was always<br />
there <strong>to</strong> help anyone in need of help. Maybe, in kind or by serving them during<br />
big occasions like weddings, when she would often be called <strong>to</strong> dress the bride.<br />
In summer, she would get busy with her preparations of pickle, happala,<br />
sandige. Not only for her house but also <strong>to</strong> send <strong>to</strong> all her children, her in-laws<br />
and many other relatives.<br />
She raised four boys and three girls, with limited financial means but with<br />
great love and affection. She sacrificed her needs <strong>to</strong> educate her children and<br />
make sure they were married and settled comfortably.<br />
Even while running a busy household, she was a very active person in the<br />
community. She was a member of the <strong>Hiriadka</strong>panchayat and also the secretary<br />
of the MahilaSangha.<br />
At home, she <strong>to</strong>ok time <strong>to</strong> sketch portraits of family members, being a skilled<br />
artist. Reading was another of her interests and you could often see her<br />
immersed in reading a Kannada novel.<br />
Later on, she was an excellent mother-in-law who loved her daughters-in-law<br />
and sons-in-law like her own children. To her grandchildren, she was a kind<br />
grand ma.<br />
It was only in her last days that she suffered a lot due <strong>to</strong> illness and<br />
uncertainty.<br />
ANJANA SHETTY
NINEPUDA GONCHELU- AMMA & PAPPA<br />
When I received the message from Nunny; I thought, “Oh God! What a <strong>to</strong>ugh job it is; because<br />
memories are more than that of Harry Potter volume. It is very difficult <strong>to</strong> put this in black and<br />
white as my English is very poor. I don’t know how <strong>to</strong> start and where <strong>to</strong> start and where <strong>to</strong><br />
end. Thoughts are lingering always; feelings, ever -lasting. My memory power is very weak. But<br />
I love <strong>to</strong> recall whatever I can remember. Pappa and Amma both are equally lovable and<br />
adorable.<br />
PAPPAwas a very good sportsman. He used <strong>to</strong> play chess, carom, volleyball, badmin<strong>to</strong>n and<br />
cricket. He received a medal from the then Maharaja of Mysore- for his achievements in cricket.<br />
He was known as ‘SIXER VADI’ by his fellow cricketers. One of my friends asked me once when I<br />
joined the bank,” Why didn’t you tell me that your father is a good cricketer? My father was<br />
telling me about him playing- they used wait <strong>to</strong> pick up the ball he hit.” I felt so proud then.<br />
There were also many trophies and medals <strong>to</strong> his credit. He also loved Yakshagana very much.<br />
He himself <strong>to</strong>ok part in it. I remember his Hanuman role in one of the ‘Prasanga’, which was<br />
appreciated by one and all. During that period, he was suffering from leg-pain, still his love<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards Yakshagana made him play his role. At <strong>Hiriadka</strong> Panchayat Office, he used <strong>to</strong> play<br />
chess with some of his friends. Even at home, Amma and Pappa used <strong>to</strong> play chess; and Pappa<br />
purposely irritated Amma by cheating in the game. Then they quarreled and then they s<strong>to</strong>pped<br />
playing. Same way he used <strong>to</strong> play card-games with us-Kot, Kaththe, Rummy. There also he<br />
used <strong>to</strong> fool us and then laugh.<br />
Pappa was good in English. He used <strong>to</strong> tell us <strong>to</strong> read English paper <strong>to</strong> improve our knowledge<br />
and language. He used <strong>to</strong> tell us <strong>to</strong> refer dictionary when we came across some new words and<br />
then use that in a proper way at the right time that we can use it. During our exams, when we<br />
came home after writing our English paper, he used <strong>to</strong> take the question paper and asked the<br />
same questions <strong>to</strong> check what we had written. I used <strong>to</strong> get very scared after the English examnot<br />
for not doing it well but <strong>to</strong> face Pappa’s queries.<br />
Pappa used <strong>to</strong> make us read the newspaper aloud for him. He corrected our pronunciationcomas,<br />
full-s<strong>to</strong>ps etc. He was also a very good hunter. He hada ‘provision s<strong>to</strong>re’ also. There he<br />
used keep the gun powder ,bullets and other items along with the provision items. He cleaned<br />
and oiled the gun <strong>to</strong> make it fit for hunting. I used <strong>to</strong> watch that process keenly. Pappa had one<br />
more good habit of writing a diary. He used<strong>to</strong> keep an account of the expenses day-<strong>to</strong>-day. He<br />
insisted that Amma do that <strong>to</strong>o, but Amma had no interest in it. So he used <strong>to</strong> scold her for that.<br />
That habit has come <strong>to</strong> me.<br />
Pappa used <strong>to</strong> keep all invitations in an iron hook <strong>to</strong> follow the date. In the morning he used <strong>to</strong><br />
look at it. So he used <strong>to</strong> ask us for that hook- he would ask any of us and say, “UNDU KORU”. We<br />
knew he meant by ‘UNDU’, the invitation hook. We used <strong>to</strong> laugh at it. His knowledge about<br />
relations is very poor. Whereas Amma was very good in that.
Pappa used <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> Baje which is 1or2 miles away from home <strong>to</strong> supervise the work in his<br />
fields there.He returned from there tired and if we happened <strong>to</strong> be doing any sort of mischief,<br />
he used get very angry and irritated. He showed his irritation by making some sort of sound<br />
from his throat. Instantly we used <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p our nonsense.<br />
Pappa used <strong>to</strong> treat us with ice-cream whenever he <strong>to</strong>ok us <strong>to</strong> Udupi. ‘Dayana’ was his favorite<br />
shop. Whenever any Mela used <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> <strong>Hiriadka</strong>, he used <strong>to</strong> take us <strong>to</strong> the ‘Aata’ which was<br />
usually played near our home. At home, we children used <strong>to</strong> enact the ‘Aata’. I used <strong>to</strong> read<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry books. While reading, I used <strong>to</strong> get fully engrossed in it. So when somebody used <strong>to</strong> call or<br />
tell anything <strong>to</strong> me, I never used <strong>to</strong> notice. So Pappa used <strong>to</strong> tell me ‘KATHE PUSTHAKA<br />
PATHIYADA BOMB PADEENDALA NIK GOTHAPUJI’.<br />
Pappa was very scared of illnesses. If he fell sick, he used <strong>to</strong> make so much noise by calling,<br />
“Amma, Amma”. Even when we were not well, he used <strong>to</strong> get very scared. Once, I had had some<br />
pain in the chest, in the middle of the night. We children were sleeping in the ‘Upparige’. I<br />
started crying. Amma and Pappa came quickly. Pappa got very scared and <strong>to</strong>ld Amma <strong>to</strong> call<br />
the doc<strong>to</strong>r. But she <strong>to</strong>ld him <strong>to</strong> be calm and said, ’it is the middle of the night and let’s not<br />
disturb the doc<strong>to</strong>r- she will be OK’. Just as Amma said, I was fine in the morning. Pappa said,<br />
“Yesterday you scared us by crying”.<br />
AMMA- was the only child <strong>to</strong> her parents, whereas Pappa had 1 sister and 6 brothers. Pappa<br />
never had any difference in opinion with them. During vacations, his brothers’ families used <strong>to</strong><br />
come <strong>to</strong> <strong>Hiriadka</strong> were Pappa’s and one of his brother’s house was. All the children used <strong>to</strong><br />
gather in one house and the adults in another. It was nice fun.<br />
Amma <strong>to</strong>ok care of the three elderly ladies; her mother, her mother-in-law and her mother’s<br />
sister. That Aunty’s son (Amma’s only cousin brother) <strong>to</strong>o used <strong>to</strong> stay with us for many years.<br />
Amma used <strong>to</strong> look after all of them well, without any differences.<br />
Amma was an expert in all works. She was a good cook and even in agricultural works like<br />
NattiNadpuni, Koypuni, Meppuni, Beesuni, milking the cow etc.When she was in<br />
RadhakrishnaEstate,along with handling the Estate affairs,she used <strong>to</strong> prepare Vinegar out of<br />
a fruit available there which was used for Pork curry,Fish curry etc. And it could be preserved<br />
for many years.Infact I had some of it for many years after her death. She also used<br />
<strong>to</strong>prepareHorsegram Thick extract for us <strong>to</strong> be kept in fridge and used <strong>to</strong> prepare<br />
curries.HerManolifry,Badanefry,Fishcurry,NeerdPadinaPejakai and<br />
Kukku,Tatefry,OggarnedaNuppu,all types of<br />
manni,arithaPodi,Pickles,Happala,sandige<strong>………</strong>Which <strong>to</strong> mention and which <strong>to</strong><br />
leave!!Everything brings her memory.<br />
If anyone is going <strong>to</strong> visit us, she will start preparing all the person likes and when they leave,<br />
load them with well packed Pickle,happala and sandige.Her hospitality was loved by both her<br />
relatives and in-laws.One of Papa’s cousin used <strong>to</strong> tell ‘Sarojininaillagponda Coffee da Teaboda<br />
Tea da coffee bodakenval,bethekadetNeer la kenujer” and that <strong>to</strong>ld her eagerness <strong>to</strong> treat her<br />
guests.She had good relations with all her neighbours <strong>to</strong>o. Bhavanimami,Ammani
mami,Jayamami used <strong>to</strong> come home and help Amma prepare happala andAmma used <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong><br />
do the same and Our S<strong>to</strong>rewould be filled with all these savouries.<br />
She would always put others preference first than hers and very adjusting with all age<br />
groups.She taught us <strong>to</strong> respect Elders and love the youngsters.As per tradition,she never<br />
called her elder-inlaws by name and so called her younger Brother-in law as Mohan anna as<br />
His name Rathnakar was similar her Elder Sister-inlaw-Rathnavathi!The equality in showering<br />
love <strong>to</strong> Inlaws continued <strong>to</strong>wards her daughters-in law and Sons-in-law <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
She lovedGroundnuts,Sapota,Guava,Drumstick.She used <strong>to</strong> eat only chicken and only two types<br />
of fish but no Mut<strong>to</strong>n. But she would prepare all kinds of meat, be it Birds,wildBoar,rabbitetc<br />
which Papa would hunt and bring.<br />
She was a good reader, read lots of s<strong>to</strong>ry books and books of her interest.She wrote devotional<br />
songs and composed tunes for them.She cultivated habit of Evening Bhajan before dinner and<br />
she used <strong>to</strong> play Harmonium. She was well versed with Tamil,Hindi,Kannada and English even<br />
though she was not a graduate.She finished her Visharad in Hindi,equivalent <strong>to</strong> BA. She also<br />
learnt Painting and Pencil sketching, all these after she had given birth <strong>to</strong> 7 of us! Her interest<br />
in learning new new handicrafts saw her doing Crochet,Knitting,Embroidery,Tailoring.She<br />
would stich dresses with embroidery and Bags,Purses out of beads and wires. I remember the<br />
lunch bag she made for me when I joined the Bank. She would pick thorns and branches during<br />
her walks in the Gudde and make use them <strong>to</strong> stick clay flowers and fruits,creating wonderful<br />
bouquets.<br />
She was the Secretary of BalwadinadMahilaSamaj of Hiriadkha.She would be one of the<br />
members who would greet the VIPS who visited <strong>Hiriadka</strong>.<br />
Amma encouraged us <strong>to</strong> participate in all school activi<strong>to</strong>ies,be it<br />
Sports,Games,Dramas,fancydress,Music,Speeches,essay writing etc. She was of the belief that<br />
participation is Important,winning in it comes next.<br />
She loved flowers and had a small garden where she preferred the flowers <strong>to</strong> be in the bushes<br />
rather than being plucked. She felt the flowers plucked for God or as ornament last only for few<br />
hours, but on aBush,it lasts long for people <strong>to</strong> see. However Papa liked it when she wore a<br />
flower while attending functions and attending Functions was her interest. Papa used <strong>to</strong> tease<br />
her for this’KelavaregByyaandaVadyaKeninadegpoovodu’ and Amma would get angry and<br />
re<strong>to</strong>rt‘Andu,IreegYerlaborchi,yerenaparichayalaijji, Borondundh la<br />
Ijji,AndaenkumatherlaBodu ,Dada Malpuni?<br />
If we play late in the evening,she would say’<br />
PakkilumaathaGooduguserdhandalaNigalegnannalaillabaregporthathji”<br />
She taught me <strong>to</strong> Identify Rahukala of each day without referring the calendar or Panchang.<br />
‘Mother(Monday-7.30-9)-Saw ( Saturday-9-10.30)-Father( Friday-10.30-12)-Wearing (Wed-<br />
12-1.30)-the (Thursday-1.30-3)-Turban ( Tuesday-3-4.30)on Sunday (4.30-6) which I havemnt<br />
forgotten even <strong>to</strong>day.
She also taught me how <strong>to</strong> check the no. of days in each Month<br />
30 days in September,<br />
April,JuneandNovember,<br />
All the rest have 31,<br />
Except February Alone,<br />
That means February 28.<br />
Leap year comes once in 4,<br />
That one February 29.<br />
She dressed me like a soldier for a fancy dress and made me say<br />
“I’m old and weary,<br />
NCGC is my name,<br />
The gun will shoot and I’ll die<br />
I’m old and weary.<br />
Our Rudradodda( Papa’s Amma) used <strong>to</strong> scold us by saying “<br />
SarojininaonjikaalbaagdaathChurkunigalegbathithindaYaadu” and that summarized her<br />
active nature which remained till she fell ill.<br />
You will know many more things about Papa and Amma from other family members.However I<br />
would like <strong>to</strong> end this by mentioning4-point Agenda for lasting and healthy relationship which<br />
Both my Parents followed<br />
1. Think more about your duties rather than your rights<br />
2. Be consistently in the giving mode,rather than in the grabbing mode though this does<br />
not mean you give away all your wealth,time and opportunities.Graciousness in<br />
behavior creates Happiness and confidence.<br />
3. Assess the person you are related <strong>to</strong> and accept, as much as possible, that he/she is built<br />
that way and try find the good points in them rather than the bad ones.<br />
4. Be unconditional in giving love,Love but without possessiveness…let go and leave<br />
people alone <strong>to</strong> find their values and happiness.Do not force your way of life or your<br />
views on others.<br />
BinathaBalakrishna
Herebelow, I furnishMY PAST MEMORIES OF DADDY AND MUMMY on a<br />
selected basis.<br />
About Daddy and mummy in general:<br />
Mummy and Daddy were an ideal couple and they had love and affection and<br />
<strong>to</strong>lerance <strong>to</strong>wards each other.Besides both of them were respected and loved<br />
in their neighbor hood and also by the people in the society. They were very<br />
fond of their children but never <strong>to</strong>lerated the kids' misbehavior with elders at<br />
home or otherwise and also bad manners in any sphere of life. Here are a few<br />
instances which I distinctly remember.<br />
DADDY(PAPPA):<br />
We all know about Daddy's love for sports with particular reference <strong>to</strong> Cricket,<br />
Ball-Badmin<strong>to</strong>n and football. In my school days I was heading our school cricket<br />
team.One day we were practicing in our Gandhi Maidan in<br />
<strong>Hiriadka</strong>.Unexpectedly, I saw Daddy glancing at our practice session with a<br />
grim face while I was batting. Immediately he called and said "<br />
Eyernamariyadideppare cricket gobbunu? Ninnakaarlenuguntagukatpadudera?<br />
There is no feet movement at all and your feet are motionless." Immediately he<br />
left the scene without turning back.<br />
Daddy's another facet was his love for the English language. In 1965 I was<br />
studying in a college at Dharwar and Daddy used <strong>to</strong> send me money every<br />
month and I was advised <strong>to</strong> correspond with him only in English. In the<br />
beginning each time I wrote <strong>to</strong> him, he used <strong>to</strong> send back my letters clearly<br />
underlining the sentences or words which were either incorrect in spelling or<br />
grammar or which made a mockery of English. Fed up with my consistant<br />
erroneous language, he sent me additional money <strong>to</strong> buy a dictionary with clear<br />
instructions <strong>to</strong> improve my language.<br />
MUMMY(AMMA):<br />
About Mummy's hospitality and her eagerness <strong>to</strong> be hospitable <strong>to</strong> her visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
is a known fact <strong>to</strong> all of us.<br />
Once I heard one of daddy's cousins from Thenkabail chatting <strong>to</strong> one of his<br />
friends in a bus. He was narrating the difference in attitude between two of his<br />
sisters in law in <strong>Hiriadka</strong>. According <strong>to</strong> him when he went <strong>to</strong> one of his sisters<br />
in law, even on summer day he had <strong>to</strong> beg for a glass of water after waiting for<br />
a considerable period of time. He further adds when he goes <strong>to</strong> Sarojini's
house, she is so eager <strong>to</strong> be hospitable that she would ask in a hurry<br />
"Ireguchathapoditha coffee avaathkapidapoditha cha ava? But then serves nice<br />
coffee or tea as per our choice with sumptuous food or snacks."<br />
SHOBHA'S MEMORY OF HER MOTHER IN LAW<br />
As I unders<strong>to</strong>od my mother in law, she was the most considerate and<br />
affectionate person. She never discriminated between a daughter and a<br />
daughter in law. Telling about her would consume volumes but I shall narrate<br />
only a couple of instances which are still fresh in my mind.<br />
One day my brother Rajeeva Alva and my hubby went <strong>to</strong> Radhakrishna estate on<br />
their way <strong>to</strong> some other destination and informed Maami that they would like <strong>to</strong><br />
visit her only for a few minutes. The information was given <strong>to</strong> Maamy only 15<br />
minutes before actually reached R K Estate. But <strong>to</strong> the dismay of my brother,<br />
the cooking was ready with chicken and other couple of dishes prepared after<br />
the intimation of arrival was given <strong>to</strong> her. This is quite often narrated by my<br />
brother with emphasis of her efficiency and speed in cooking,whenever we<br />
remember her.<br />
Besides the above, her regular supply, of various items such as pickles.<br />
happala ,sandige, masala powder, cardamom, pepper etc. neatly packed, <strong>to</strong><br />
each and every one of us speaks volumes of her hard work and patience<br />
coupled with her concernfor her near and dear ones.<br />
VISHWAPRASAD HEGDE
My Cherished Memories of Ma and Papa.<br />
The Most <strong>to</strong>uching and encouraging Quality I learnt from my Parents was <strong>to</strong> treat ill, poor<br />
and elders with love and respect.<br />
With 3 old Doddas &One ill-mama at home (some times all of them used <strong>to</strong> be there at the<br />
same time ) Mummy managed looking after them so well along with her other duties and that<br />
<strong>to</strong>o with all smile n enthu.! Papa rarely opposed and tried <strong>to</strong> adjust . Papa used buy bundles<br />
of betal leaves for Radhadodda and Ma used <strong>to</strong> chop it and crush it for her.<br />
They believed if we can't do good <strong>to</strong> others, don't do bad either.Neither they wished bad for<br />
others. What a patience they hadand unrestricted love! I learnt from them <strong>to</strong> take only good<br />
thoughts and throw out bad ones. They always tried <strong>to</strong> keep peace around them. They were of<br />
the belief that any disagreement in the family has <strong>to</strong> be sorted without quarrels and<br />
arguments and without involving outsiders.<br />
Mummy kept herself busywith not only work visits but also she had tremendous interest in<br />
art,craft, painting,music and stitching .She used <strong>to</strong> stitch pretty dresses for us, do all variety<br />
of art n craft that comes her way. Once she saw some new design of crosha in some movie<br />
apparently,and came back n tried <strong>to</strong> replicate it successfully. Ma was very pretty but never<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok any beauty-care measures for herself. I don't remember her having an oil-bath even on<br />
Narakachaturdashi!<br />
She was a voracious reader.She used<strong>to</strong> be so engrosed in it that Papa would say"iththealeg<br />
bomb padundalagothapuji" Mostly after Dinner or while travelling she used <strong>to</strong> read. I never<br />
saw her idling away her time. Ma gave her Hindi Visharada when she was carrying. Her love<br />
<strong>to</strong> learn was amazing!<br />
Ma liked <strong>to</strong> be Social and liked <strong>to</strong> meet people and she used <strong>to</strong> be very happy <strong>to</strong> welcome any<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs. When Ma wanted <strong>to</strong> attend marriage or any function Pa would grumble " molegu<br />
band keninadepoorapovodu"!<br />
We used <strong>to</strong> have visi<strong>to</strong>rs very often and the moment they enter the house, her mind already<br />
plans the menu,for which even <strong>to</strong>day,I would take one full day. . Ma was like Annapoorne as<br />
she used <strong>to</strong> feed any uncalled visi<strong>to</strong>rs at any time of the day. She used <strong>to</strong> supply<br />
Happala,sandige,kudutasar <strong>to</strong>all her relatives on their visit. One thing <strong>to</strong> add about Ma's<br />
hospitality was one gentleman( i forgot his name) used make fun of is"<br />
Sarojininadepondachaatapoditakapiavakapipodita cha ava"pandukenuvolu<br />
,bethevolaneerlakenujeru”<br />
At <strong>Hiriadka</strong> we got respect only because of them. I remember one of my teacher who came <strong>to</strong><br />
know about Ma's 13th day,after her death, through someone.He landed up for the function<br />
saying when she was alive so many have had food at her place , don’t need invitation <strong>to</strong> pay<br />
her the last respect! Such was Her hospitality and The Love and Respect she had earned<br />
Papa and Ma wanted us <strong>to</strong> lead a disciplined life.Mornings ,we are supposed <strong>to</strong> get up by7 am<br />
and if we didn't, Papa would throw his <strong>to</strong>wel at us sometimes, we are <strong>to</strong> be inside home by<br />
7pm . Once Vishanna came very late so Papa didn't open the door for quite some time.<br />
They used keep an eagle's eye on our activities but without making it obvious..Though they<br />
never forced it on us , we <strong>to</strong>o followed it naturally by looking at their life. They Practiced what<br />
they preached.But if we ever back answer <strong>to</strong> any elders we were made <strong>to</strong> ask pardon! Both<br />
believed in Disciplined life and good values and lived accordingly and that’s why could live<br />
happily with minimum comforts. .
Ma was like a Backbone <strong>to</strong> Papa's honesty n mild nature . Though he may not have had<br />
enough success professionly,He had earned good name ,Love and Respect from people. One<br />
Madras saree seller used <strong>to</strong> visit <strong>Hiriadka</strong> every year. After their day's sale they used spend<br />
night at Temple's veranda , so they used <strong>to</strong> safe-keep their earnings with Ma, as they had<br />
more faith in her than other families around.<br />
Papa and Ma encouraged us in every field,irrepective of being a boy or agirl, though little<br />
strict for girls, which anyway was obvious. Mummy used <strong>to</strong> prepare us for fancy-dress, drama<br />
etc. Papa also taught me how <strong>to</strong> play badmin<strong>to</strong>n, guided in chess. The most interesting part of<br />
our daily life was Bhajan . Once Papa comes home in the evening and after a bath, we used<br />
get <strong>to</strong>gether for bhajans. Papa also sang and we enjoyed a lot. There used <strong>to</strong> be "kattepooje"<br />
at the <strong>Hiriadka</strong>Temple.Bhajanmandali from Temple used <strong>to</strong> take the Idol around the <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
and every house used <strong>to</strong> give arathi. One such time Papa taught me how <strong>to</strong> make a diya!<br />
Papa was great sports person and great cricketer, popularly known as ‘SixerVadi’ among his<br />
circles. He used <strong>to</strong> play as old student for long time and used <strong>to</strong> take part in School-day<br />
sports and won prizes!He used <strong>to</strong> participate in Dramas and once while doing Hanuman’s<br />
role,he jumped from table he got hurt which slowed down his activities<br />
And most of us know his sessions of Chess and cards with Ma. They played like children. Ma<br />
was always honest n Papa used <strong>to</strong> cheat sometimes and then try <strong>to</strong> evade with his humourous<br />
statements!<br />
We had a good childhood. By the time we last three were growing up,their Anger n Strictness<br />
had reduced,I guess ,becauseapparently,Akkas andAnnas got more punishment than we did.<br />
How can I forget Aata! As winter approached, many YakshaganaTroupes used <strong>to</strong> come and<br />
melas used <strong>to</strong> be organised .As Papa was also interested we used <strong>to</strong> get chance <strong>to</strong> see and we<br />
used <strong>to</strong> get some money <strong>to</strong> buy kadle or Kurluetc. Then during <strong>Hiriadka</strong>Jatre we used <strong>to</strong>play<br />
in the Giantwheel, watch magic show or buyeatables or ribbons, artificial jewellery, balloons<br />
!But,even if we watch Yakshagana till early morning hours, we had no excuse <strong>to</strong> skip school ,<br />
no way!<br />
All these things,small and big, gave us siblings an amazing Bonding,self confidence, love n<br />
happiness.And without any exposure <strong>to</strong> Films or T.V.like <strong>to</strong>day’s generations, we never got<br />
bored.! I might have missed so many things <strong>to</strong> mention…. But yes,I do miss them!<br />
Mala V.Shetty
NANNA ANISIKEGALU<br />
They Say“CHANGE IS A PHENOMENON” and as time passes nothing is Static..<br />
Things Change, Life style changes, priority changes. But do Relationship Change<br />
??? According <strong>to</strong> me it is Big NO. Mother Remains Mother Always, Father<br />
remains Father always..Like wise relationship of Brothers and Sisters remains.<br />
BUT SEE THE IRONY… ! In <strong>to</strong>day’s mechanical world life has become so<br />
mono<strong>to</strong>nous, we hardly find time <strong>to</strong> relive and enjoy our close relationship also.<br />
It has become very difficult for us <strong>to</strong> find a days time in a year <strong>to</strong> spend <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
in memory of our Parents…!!! I for one definitely hold it squarely on myself for the<br />
situation I am in.<br />
This being the situation,when Nannu Called up and said Uddu Mama- I intend <strong>to</strong><br />
bring out a Memorabilia of Ajja And Granny so that we can relive the Old<br />
Memories and also for posterity and Can you contribute with your thoughts in <strong>to</strong><br />
it in the form of a Note ??? I was really thrilled and honestly the very thought<br />
overwhelmed me and grabbed the opportunity.<br />
I gave the above Pre-lude just <strong>to</strong> emphasise the Importance of Dear NANNU’s<br />
Thought.<br />
I Firmly believe LIFE is an experience. Every Day is New and Fresh. You will reap<br />
what you sow.A Child’s development is hugely influenced by his up-bringing.<br />
The Impact of his Parents living, surroundings, friends and associates.<br />
I being the last sibling of our beloved parents , I had honestly experienced<br />
mostly love and affection from my parents, Brothers and Sisters. Except for few<br />
here and there incidences of harsh punishments from parents for all of us with<br />
the intention of disciplining us, I have experienced mostly love. Our upbringing<br />
according <strong>to</strong> me was very good and I am always indebted <strong>to</strong> my Parents,<br />
Brothers and Sisters.<br />
I recollect some instances of my childhood, which are still Vivid in my memory<br />
and I think should stand as a testimony for their abundant love and concern <strong>to</strong><br />
mould their children in <strong>to</strong> Good human beings.
LOVE, AFFECTION And COMPASSION.<br />
I think I must have been 6 or 7 years old , during one of the summer holidays<br />
DADDY <strong>to</strong>ok me in his hands and <strong>to</strong>ld “ BALA , NAMA MUGGERI PODHU BARKA.<br />
I don’t remember how we went up <strong>to</strong> Parkala and I can remember fromParkala<br />
we <strong>to</strong>ok a muddy road and had <strong>to</strong> walk few Kilometers <strong>to</strong> reach the river and<br />
had <strong>to</strong> catch a small Boat <strong>to</strong> cross over the river <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> Muggeri. On the way<br />
while we are walking down the road it started raining heavily <strong>to</strong>gether with<br />
heavy wind. We must have crossed few furlongs then it became practically<br />
impossible <strong>to</strong> walk also. Daddy who had covered me fully with his waisty and<br />
umbrella and got himself fully drenched and wet, <strong>to</strong>ld me that as it has become<br />
impossible <strong>to</strong> proceed further will take shelter in a nearby small hut. I don’t know<br />
whose house was it but the house lady welcomed us with full respect and<br />
concern. She brought a <strong>to</strong>wel and completely wiped and dried my head, hair<br />
and body and gave me tumbler of hot milk and tea <strong>to</strong> Daddy. I distinctly<br />
remember the respect and love shown by that lady which was exemplary.<br />
Latter I came <strong>to</strong> know that she was a distant relative of one of our tenants. You<br />
can just imagine the respect and goodwill commanded by our parents<br />
DICIPLINE<br />
I distinctly remember a incident when Vishanna had gone <strong>to</strong> Aluggel or<br />
somewhere for Sugar cane “AALI” Ie .place where Sugarcane is cut and<br />
crushed and Jaggery is produced. He had gone there in the morning by about<br />
11.30 I think and did not return by 2 PM for lunch. Mummy was really angry and<br />
was waiting for his return. When Vishanna returned at around 3.30 she was<br />
furious and grabbed the sugar cane sticks he had in his hands and started<br />
beating him Black n Blue till the sticks broke in <strong>to</strong> pieces!!!!!<br />
Binnakka, Malakka and myself tried <strong>to</strong> intervene and s<strong>to</strong>p Mummy from hitting<br />
him crying “BODCHAMMA PLEASE BODCHI” and in the process we also got<br />
some of it and we all ran and hid behind the sewing Machine <strong>to</strong> avoid further<br />
spankings…Ha Ha Ha..which scene is still VIVID in my memory.<br />
Probably I think out of the 7 I am the one who had the least punishment from my<br />
Parents not because I did not do any mistakes or wrongs. I did of course, but my<br />
brothers and sisters were always there <strong>to</strong> defend me, but the Irony is that at that<br />
time we were thinking that our Parents were bad and harsh, and it is only when<br />
we became little older we had the wisdom of learning that the punishment was<br />
for our own good and it was a disciplining lesson . This was possible for the simple<br />
reason that our upbringing was very good and the entire credit should go <strong>to</strong> our<br />
Parents.<br />
EQUALITY
I learnt the meaning of equality from my mother. She was a Epi<strong>to</strong>me of Love<br />
and affection and for her everybody was Equal. As far as I know and as I have<br />
seen she was very fair and equal <strong>to</strong> all her children’s and she did care for the<br />
needy. Her justice in sharing whatever she had with her near and dear<br />
ones(Sons, daughters, Son in laws, daughter in laws) was always Fair and Equal.<br />
She was always impartial even in sharing the smallest things like Fruits and<br />
Vegetables etc ,she used <strong>to</strong> bring from the estate and those scenes are still<br />
fresh in my Memory.<br />
THEY MADE ME WHAT I AM TODAY.<br />
I will narrate you a incident, which has changed my attitude and it will be not<br />
wrong if I say that it gave a direction <strong>to</strong> my Life.<br />
I was an ordinary student with average marks till PUC. I <strong>to</strong>ok science in PUC and<br />
could pass with only 49.5% marks and getting seats for Engineering and Medical<br />
was out of question. In the mean timeSurendraBava suggested and Guided that<br />
I should pursue Commerce and latter do CA. At that time it was very difficult for<br />
a Science student <strong>to</strong> get in <strong>to</strong> commerce. Some how Dad talked <strong>to</strong><br />
SheenappaAjjer and managed me <strong>to</strong> get a seat for B Com in MGM College. As<br />
you know I was a average student and more over shifted from Science <strong>to</strong><br />
Commerce, I could manage only 11 marks out of 100 in the first BCom<br />
firstquarter class Test .I was really Crest fallen.. Somebody suggested I take tution<br />
for one or two subjects. Accordingly I enquired with my HOD for tution in<br />
Accounts and Statistics. He said it will be Rs.200 per subject( This is in 1969). I<br />
came and <strong>to</strong>ld Daddy that I intend <strong>to</strong> take tutionfor one or two subject and the<br />
fees is Rs.200 per subject. Believe me on hearing that Daddy was furious, he said<br />
“Useless fellow, the very fact that I sent you <strong>to</strong> the College itself is a great thing<br />
and now you want <strong>to</strong> spend for tution.?? He removed Belt and gave me a<br />
good treat and said do you know the value of the money..?? if you want <strong>to</strong> go<br />
<strong>to</strong> the college go and study by yourself or else you can go <strong>to</strong> Muggeri and work<br />
in the field…. Honestly that was real Shocker <strong>to</strong> me and also a EYE Opener. I sat<br />
in the corner of our KappudaKone and wept and wept and some thing inside<br />
me stirred up and said…. Yes Dad is Right…He really ignited the right thing inside<br />
me and that day itself I honestly <strong>to</strong>ok a oath that I shall try my level best and put<br />
all my efforts and rest is his<strong>to</strong>ry…!!!<br />
So undoubtedly,Our Parents have really imparted all that is Good in Life and<br />
made us responsible and We are Ever Grateful <strong>to</strong> Them!!<br />
UdayHegde
2010<br />
2014<br />
2011<br />
Our Ajja & Granny
AJJA & GRANNY<br />
During the Yakshagana season, Ajja would take me, then a five or six-year old lad,<br />
along with him <strong>to</strong> watch the all-night performances-- the "aatas"-- in the <strong>to</strong>wn<br />
maidan.<br />
We would leave home with a stern warning from Granny that her grandson had <strong>to</strong> be<br />
back home by 10pm. But it was a whole different matter as <strong>to</strong> what time Ajja and I<br />
would quietly snuck back home. Being his grandson, ensured that I got the best seat in<br />
the house with a steady supply of churmuri and stuff. Hard <strong>to</strong> forget.<br />
His quirks were many. But one one that I remember is the one which played out<br />
almost unfailingly at about 8.30 p.m every evening. He would say "Unasbalasulaya"<br />
or something <strong>to</strong> that effect. Before you could turn your back he would be on his cycle<br />
headed for <strong>to</strong>wn. The smile on Granny's face when she came <strong>to</strong> call us for dinner and<br />
found Ajja missing was priceless.<br />
His leather belt-- which was originally meant <strong>to</strong> keep his mundu or veshti in place--<br />
was liberally used <strong>to</strong> keep his family and servants honest. The one guy I saw who wet<br />
his pants regularly was Gopala, not that it did any good but the show was truly hair<br />
raising.<br />
He was a man of few words but I don't know what his opinion was about the three old<br />
ladies who were resident in his home. One of whom was his illustrious mother, a lady<br />
never short of words or opinions, who stayed with Granny and him in <strong>Hiriadka</strong>.<br />
The times I saw him having a good time was when his older brother Seetharamaajja<br />
and he got <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> have a drink. I didn't know what they were talking about but I<br />
could see both of them were having a good time as it should be.<br />
ARUN SHETTY
My Grandmother, the Accidental Feminist<br />
--------------------------------------------------------<br />
Granny, I can wager, never met a suffragette. Not even, within the pages of the numerous<br />
Kannada novels that she so loved <strong>to</strong> immerse herself in. But then, she didn't need <strong>to</strong>.<br />
Why would a lady, who could out maneuver her husband every time they faced each other<br />
across a chessboard, sketch a breath- taking likeness of her father, sing like a nightingale,<br />
cook up a s<strong>to</strong>rm, and manage a recalcitrant workforce of farm labour over some four<br />
decades, need the <strong>to</strong>ols of rebellion and protest ?<br />
If this makes my barely five -foot tall grandmother, sound like an improbable superwoman,<br />
then let it be said right now, she was not.<br />
She was far <strong>to</strong>o busy coping with everyday life, <strong>to</strong> have time for dramatic excess. She had <strong>to</strong><br />
keep the home fires burning, feed a family of seven children, care for a mother-in-law, a<br />
mother, two aged aunts and play host <strong>to</strong> sundry relatives who trooped in and out of her<br />
rambling home in <strong>Hiriadka</strong>.<br />
Why then, does she always seem <strong>to</strong> me like the first feminist, I ever met ?<br />
As I trawl through sepia- tinted images the one that stands out, is a picture of Granny on<br />
her front verandah, conducting an intricate negotiation with stubborn farm-hands- coaxing,<br />
directing, instructing. She was the first lady, I knew, with a career of her own. As the<br />
tumult of the land reform act reduced the family's holdings, Granny managed the<br />
upheaval, leading from the front, using meager resources <strong>to</strong> fashion a livelihood.<br />
She was an equal partner, nay even the dominant partner, in an enterprise where she ran<br />
"operations" and Ajja handled "transactions".<br />
It was a <strong>to</strong>ugh hand she had been dealt - fractured holdings, faulty ownership records and<br />
inefficient cropping practices. Despite the odds, she soldiered on. Then, in her mid-fifties,<br />
she made what, <strong>to</strong>day, would be termed a career switch--managing the family's coffee<br />
estate--in a setting alien <strong>to</strong> all she had known until then.<br />
All this, while also being the grandmother who packed pickles and made "<br />
koyyoluaajidhana" with equal felicity.<br />
To me, she is the epi<strong>to</strong>me of feminism, as I understand it. A pragmatic individual who paid<br />
her own bills and pursued her own interests but at the same time could forge consensus<br />
and <strong>to</strong>getherness. There was no retirement for her, she worked right up until the day illness<br />
drew her in<strong>to</strong> a hospital.
What lit her fire, I wonder ? What inspired her ? Sure, she came from a long line of Bunt<br />
women known <strong>to</strong> be forthright in manner and deportment. But their personalities were<br />
forged in the midst of plenty. Granny, in contrast, had <strong>to</strong> find her space in the midst of<br />
constant adversity.<br />
She will always, <strong>to</strong> me, be the lady immersed in a book in the steaming heat of a Mangalore<br />
summer. Around her the members of her extended family, sated with delicacies served up<br />
at her table, would have subsided in<strong>to</strong> somnolence.<br />
The servants would be clattering in the kitchen awaiting the next round of cooking,cleaning<br />
and serving, farm labour would line up for money in an hour's time.<br />
But Granny had snatched her hour of escape, allowing the bird caged within her heart <strong>to</strong><br />
perchance sing.<br />
My Grandmother, my Hero!!<br />
ARCHANA RAI
My Paternal Grandparents…..<br />
Ajja was the champion athlete, the <strong>to</strong>uch and timing artist. Granny was the warrior<br />
queen. She fought all her life and didn’t leave before putting the fight in each of her<br />
kids.<br />
Ajja with a cricket bat or a ball badmin<strong>to</strong>n or tennis racket in hand was as the legend<br />
goes, pure genius. It didn’t matter that he hailed from a village, where he had little<br />
opportunity or guidance, he competed and even scored against the likes of T K<br />
Ramanathan in an elite sport like tennis at a national <strong>to</strong>urnament in Calicut. TK is the<br />
father of Ramanathan Krishnan, who put Indian tennis on the world map, coaching<br />
not just his son who rose <strong>to</strong> world no.3, but also his grandson Ramesh. Ajja beat TK,<br />
and handsomely at that.<br />
I’m not sure how accomplished Granny was in any one thing, but she managed <strong>to</strong> do<br />
great many things. I cannot vouch for her craft, but boy did she have courage. I<br />
didn’t really know her, but growing up, I looked up <strong>to</strong> her much like a kid of the 80s<br />
looked up at multis<strong>to</strong>ried structures, with awe.<br />
I loved my maternal grandmother dodda <strong>to</strong> bits and the feeling was mutual. She read<br />
<strong>to</strong> me and <strong>to</strong>ld me s<strong>to</strong>ries and put a dream in my heart. Granny was more the goal,<br />
she was someone you wanted <strong>to</strong> emulate. Hers was a s<strong>to</strong>ry of grace and guts and<br />
tireless endeavor.<br />
She was always busy, generous build and quick of step. I cannot ever remember her<br />
relaxing, simply sitting and chatting, she was always doing something. If at all she sat<br />
down after a meal, she was knitting or cutting vegetables, getting ready for the next<br />
meal or the next day. She’s the original woman on the move.<br />
When I look around me and see my cousins, young and high-achieving, the next<br />
generation <strong>to</strong>o, already so accomplished and barely started on their journeys, I can't<br />
help but think of Granny. I thought of her essentially as a survivor, but now when I<br />
look back I’m tempted <strong>to</strong> add, there were few who might have enjoyed a vic<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
more than her.<br />
So the next time, you have your back <strong>to</strong> the wall, struggling for breath with a mile <strong>to</strong><br />
go... And somehow you haul yourself across the finish line, know that it's her spirit
that is within you that carried you across. We all carry her within us, she wouldn’t<br />
have it any other way.<br />
I didn't really know my paternal grandmother as a person, as a friend or simply as<br />
someone who held my hand and read me a s<strong>to</strong>ry as a child, but I watched her plenty.<br />
She was a lesson in adjustment and compromise and sometimes I thought of her as<br />
water in a jug, who <strong>to</strong>ok the shape of whatever container she was poured in<strong>to</strong>.<br />
Granny always fit in and she did that with a smile. I might not have known Granny,<br />
girl <strong>to</strong> girl, her likes, dislikes or her journey, but I know her by instinct.<br />
PrajwalHegde
DOWN THE MEMORY LANE…….<br />
As a kid, for me, Ajja-Granny were synonyms <strong>to</strong> <strong>Mugeri</strong> and Summer Vacations.<br />
Staying in a City like Bombay/Baroda,away from close relatives, I always looked<br />
forward for these visits…..starting my packing, weeks before the travel date!!<br />
Because,it all co-related <strong>to</strong> absolute serenity,carefree vast-spaces ,’DO ANYTHING’<br />
times, so much love and attention from Grandparents,Uncles,Aunts…….<br />
Age wise, I, kind of, fell in a nowhere zone. My older cousins were little older <strong>to</strong> play<br />
with me and my younger cousins were just <strong>to</strong>ddlers. And our restricted<br />
travelluggage prevented me from carrying any games or books from home, <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
me occupied during my stay. Yet I looked forward, because Granny had given me so<br />
many options…….<br />
I would go with a little Boy(Shiva-I think).<strong>to</strong> graze the cows and collect ‘ karnde’,<br />
mangoes and wild flowers.<br />
I would help Ladies <strong>to</strong> pull water from the well and try carry the ‘Kodapana’ on my<br />
waist.(though Ajja never liked this part) or go with them <strong>to</strong> the ‘Kedhu’ <strong>to</strong> see them<br />
wash clothes, chat with them.<br />
I would have long chats with the Cows and calves in the cowshed, watch Pushpakka<br />
feeding them,play with the Dog,try catching the Hens and Chickens.<br />
I would make small huts with twigs,flowers and leaves, and paper boats during<br />
rains<br />
Ajja would take me for a walk through the forest, helping me identify the names of<br />
all the trees and flowers,or I would tag along with Granny during her rounds<br />
through the fields.<br />
Once I was bound at home due <strong>to</strong> rains, getting bored, and Granny opened one Big<br />
wooden Chest(One which Rudra Dodda used <strong>to</strong> sit on)full of empty medicine bottles<br />
and boxes, and asked <strong>to</strong> prepare my own kitchen set!Gave me ideas of using<br />
‘Bimbooli’ and ‘leaves’ etc. as my cooking ingredients!<br />
And how can I forget that Wooden chest next <strong>to</strong> the ‘DevereneKone’ which was<br />
loaded with Ravaladdoos ,pelakkai the gatti,chakkuli<strong>………</strong>Or those yummy meals of<br />
Dosa Chutney or Mango/Uppad-pachheer curries in the Ceramic Plates….Even<br />
<strong>to</strong>day ,every visit <strong>to</strong> <strong>Mugeri</strong>,the kid in me searches for those two wooden chests as if<br />
they could take me back <strong>to</strong> my Childhood!
When I Think or Remember GRANNY….I visualize a picture of a plump loving<br />
Grandmother,clad in a Cot<strong>to</strong>n saree… usually browns, greens ,blacks…sporting a<br />
Bun with a red hibiscus on her nape.<br />
Come morning,she would be bustling around, organizing<br />
breakfast,tea,lunch,snack,dinner for her children and grandchildren who have<br />
landed up for the holidays and parallelly giving out instructions <strong>to</strong><br />
Pushpakka,..Bachhu…Jalaja…Kamalu or the Man Friday…Tukra, <strong>to</strong> run the show in<br />
the fields out there.<br />
Then there will be rounds <strong>to</strong> the Fields and Bajje Thota checking out if her<br />
instructions have been followed. When I think about it now, I can see two images of<br />
her…A landlady giving outInstructions ,as well as,An elder sister Chatting and<br />
advising those workers in the fields….being portrayed simultaneously with so much<br />
balance, that the Regard, Respect and Fear all stayed in their place!<br />
Come afternoon, when all are happily taking an Afternoon nap, there she will be<br />
sitting on the red-oxide floor of the Living room, stretched cross legs, enjoying her<br />
half read Novel, crying and laughing along!<br />
Then,there would be those occasional trips, squeezed between all these chaos, <strong>to</strong><br />
Udupi-Mangalore, <strong>to</strong> attend those weddings, Bayakes and other Social<br />
commitments. And, Multitasking that she was, she would add Grocery Purchases<br />
and Exchange of that Library Book in her itenary , unperturbed about travelling by<br />
the Local City buses or about wearing a ‘ dressy saree’,!! Its just amazing, <strong>to</strong> think,<br />
how she managed single-handedly so much in the same 24 hours that we have, and<br />
that <strong>to</strong>o, without any facility like Chauffer-driven Car or A Note-pad/Smart Phone<br />
<strong>to</strong> equip her in the multiple tasks. And still she had her Family, Social, Career and I-<br />
Time, all, in perfect place.<br />
Today, when I have <strong>to</strong> handle those same situations as an Adult , I can perceive, that<br />
my these experiences with her as a kid, has guided me subconsciously. And my Pride<br />
doubles, when I get <strong>to</strong> hear about My “Granny”, even after 23 years, from<br />
Raj’sDodda, Mother,Uncles and Aunt.<br />
AJJA…..I would say ,was a MIX of Love & Discipline ,Relaxed and Full of<br />
Humour…..and Absolute opposite of Granny!<br />
He was not very comfortable about me mingling with the workers ,running around<br />
the fields in the hot Sun,though would never s<strong>to</strong>p me from doing it. He would take<br />
me around the Gudde behind the house…a complete wilderness and talk about all<br />
the wild plants and flowers…..their nick-names!..Today when I see the
‘BangaardaGubbi” flower blooming anywhere while driving around Mangalore, I<br />
just remember those Walks in The Woods.<br />
When Nikki was born and Ajja received the news, Only we both were at home. He<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok me along in the Bus <strong>to</strong> Visit the Hospital. Nothing special about it…..But itsthat<br />
ONE Bus ride with my Grandfather ,I guess,becamethe memory.<br />
Ajja’s small smallagruments with Granny, Ajja’shumourous statements, card-games<br />
and the love for Cricket Matches, sitting in that easy chair in front of the Entrance<br />
Door watching the fields , sitting on that Head of the Dining Table having his meals<br />
with left arm resting up on his elbow<strong>………</strong>…… Today when I see all my Uncles eating<br />
their meals with their left arm resting on their Elbows,I can see him around!!<br />
One incident which I remember gives an insight about how easily he would believe<br />
people and he himself was oblivious about ‘Cunning Business’. Granny and others<br />
had gone for a wedding so it was only me and Ajja at home. The cow had delivered a<br />
Boy-Calf few days back. The news about these, I guess, spread faster in the Village,<br />
than <strong>to</strong>day’s emails! And we had an Old man with his Son coming <strong>to</strong> buy it. Well<br />
,with my attachment <strong>to</strong> the Cowshed part the house,I prayed the deal doesn’t go<br />
through and was glad <strong>to</strong> see that Ajja was not entertaining them. But they went on<br />
pestering him and gave him facts <strong>to</strong> believe that 100/-was perfect for that calf!. Not<br />
sure, if it was the pestering or the make belief facts ,that made Ajja change his mind<br />
and make that deal…..All I remember of that incident is that An evil looking Old-<br />
Man and his Son dragging my little ‘Friend’ and I sobbing till Granny came back so<br />
that I could pour my sorrows <strong>to</strong> her. And Her argument with Ajjaregarding that was<br />
what made me realize that the Calf and that <strong>to</strong>o Boy calf ( A Future Ox) cant be<br />
rated as ‘ Meenkori ’!<br />
Ajja’sachievements of His younger days, for me, were only in the form of various<br />
Cups ,Medals, Sheild displayed in the Showcase at <strong>Mugeri</strong>or The gun pellets in His<br />
wooden Table drawer and a big Rifle tucked behind a wardrobe, and incidents<br />
being mentioned in various conversations by various people.<br />
Same with Granny…..her Sketches, Paintings, Craft works, Culinary skills, Social<br />
etiquettes, Her Multi tasking ability….were there <strong>to</strong> see<br />
Never a word of self-praise ,all experienced and heard only from Others! And that’s<br />
the ‘Simplicity’ I can see in my Granny and Ajja!<br />
NAMRATHA RAI
RELIVING PARTOF MY CHILDHOOD<strong>………</strong>….<br />
1. I don’t remember how little I exactly was. All I know is I was in<br />
primary school, old enough <strong>to</strong> run around but not old enough <strong>to</strong> find my<br />
way. As always, we were in Muggeri for the summer vacations. One<br />
morning Ajja asked me if I would like <strong>to</strong> accompany him on a walk. I<br />
obliged and we went walking in<strong>to</strong> the forest behind the house. In my<br />
eagerness and not heeding <strong>to</strong> his warnings I kept running ahead of him<br />
only <strong>to</strong> realize that once in the woods I had absolutely no sense of direction.<br />
I had no clue how <strong>to</strong> get back or get out. It made me panic but Ajja <strong>to</strong>ld<br />
me stay at ease. From then on, I just stuck <strong>to</strong> him. He brought us out <strong>to</strong><br />
a path taken by the cows from behind the cowshed, a part which actually I<br />
had never been <strong>to</strong> earlier. The view from there showed the Muggeri house in<br />
a <strong>to</strong>tally different light. It seemed taller, had more moss on the walls and<br />
looked like a completely another house. The combination of emotions that<br />
morning – from eagerness, <strong>to</strong> panic, <strong>to</strong> relief <strong>to</strong> revelation – is one of my<br />
few memories from Muggeri linked with Ajja.<br />
2. Each time our onward journey <strong>to</strong> Muggeri involved Nanny Akka<br />
and me taking the bus along with Mom from Bombay <strong>to</strong> Muggeri. A few<br />
days before the return date, Dad would arrive and then we would all travel<br />
back <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> Bombay. That one summer, I had become quite good<br />
friends with Gopal – one of the helpers on the farm at Muggeri; I guess<br />
he was also Tukranna’s son. He would make boats for me from the dried<br />
bark or leaves of the coconut trees, and many other little things that were<br />
good fun. Daddy was <strong>to</strong> arrive that evening (after having s<strong>to</strong>pped over at<br />
his place in Halnad). At the request of Granny, Gopal caught one of the<br />
chickens, <strong>to</strong>ok it <strong>to</strong> the field next <strong>to</strong> the cowshed and wrangled its neck till
it died. And then he cut it <strong>to</strong> bleed it out. I was highly upset. It was not<br />
as if I wasn’t used <strong>to</strong> seeing a chicken being killed <strong>to</strong> land up mixed with<br />
spices on a dinner plate – I saw it each time we went <strong>to</strong> get chicken in<br />
Bombay – but until then it had always been done by someone I did not<br />
know. The one doing it until then was not my friend or playmate;<br />
Granny’s justification that it had <strong>to</strong> be done because the “son-in-law”<br />
was visiting only made me more furious. I <strong>to</strong>ld her there was no reason <strong>to</strong><br />
do it just because Dad was visiting, that I would never eat it, and I<br />
threw a tantrum saying I wanted bonda <strong>to</strong> be got right then and there from<br />
one of the trees and Gopal would need <strong>to</strong> do it. Their statement that it was<br />
<strong>to</strong>o late in the evening and the light was <strong>to</strong>o dim <strong>to</strong> do it only made me<br />
want it more. The oath <strong>to</strong> not eat the chicken however lasted only a couple<br />
of hours more – The aroma of kori-aajadhina as it was served at the<br />
dinner table killed any resistance I had built up as a kid. The gory image<br />
of the chicken struggling for life lasted for a few weeks until I was able <strong>to</strong><br />
go buy chicken again at the poultry shop in Borivli. I still remember the<br />
whole event though and don’t think I did anything childish or wrong – it<br />
just doesn’t hurt that way anymore.<br />
Luv NIKILESH SHETTY
My memories of Granny<strong>………</strong><br />
My memories of Granny are for some reason primarily connected with food - be it<br />
rolling happalas, the room where uppad da bharanis were kept or her mind blowing<br />
Marwaiaajadina or kudu thasaar.<br />
This incident that I remember was when I probably 4 or 5. I was being fussy about the<br />
kind of chicken piece I needed and mom was getting rather annoyed with my<br />
pickiness. Granny steps in and tells me, "you know what -the tastiest piece in the<br />
chicken is its neck. Here try it. It's my favourite" I look at it and think how can it be<br />
true- it's all bones. Years later I realise how right she was.<br />
Another time, I and a bunch of other kids go mushroom picking - kallalambu in the<br />
woods around mugeri. When we return with a basket full of mushrooms, she sits<br />
down <strong>to</strong> show us how <strong>to</strong> sort the good ones from the bad. The good ones would be<br />
white all over and the bad ones would have a dark centre when slit. I am surprised I<br />
still remember that. It's almost like I can smell the moist earth after the rains and see<br />
us scratching the soil <strong>to</strong> pick our little treasures.<br />
I remember that chest that granny had on which there was a coffee grinder. The<br />
aroma of the roasted coffee would fill the air every time she sat down <strong>to</strong> grind some<br />
beans.<br />
The happalasandige making I thought was the most fun. There were batches and<br />
batches of them. Occasionally she allowed me <strong>to</strong> roll one or two here and there.<br />
Needless <strong>to</strong> say they would look like one of the continents ( pretty much like my<br />
Chapatis <strong>to</strong>day ) Granny would then pass me a thatte and viola my perfectly circular<br />
happala would make it in<strong>to</strong> her batch.<br />
Granny left us when I was 11-12 years old, so never really got <strong>to</strong> observe her as an<br />
adult. To me she was worlds best cook with wondrous knowledge of all things big and<br />
small.<br />
SaroshShetty.
IT WAS SMALL …BUT A MEMORABLE<br />
IMPRESSION……..<br />
I was bit young <strong>to</strong> have many memories of Granny but I do<br />
have some of Ajja, let me put down a few of them.<br />
Granny……. <strong>to</strong> me was always the "proper" grandparent -<br />
always being correct and always smiling - it was always fun<br />
being around her. Granny was also the harbinger of good food<br />
:) - I always looked forward <strong>to</strong> her sending the jar of pickles<br />
home.<br />
Ajja<strong>………</strong> My favourite memories of Ajja revolve around him<br />
playing cricket. He was an awesome sport and I loved <strong>to</strong> bowl <strong>to</strong><br />
him. It was especially fun when he played cricket in the lungi<br />
and sometimes the bat got stuck in the lungi . He was always<br />
open <strong>to</strong> play, whether it was cricket or badmin<strong>to</strong>n. The most<br />
fun though was when he used <strong>to</strong> play cards - whether it was<br />
katte or cot - he always knew <strong>to</strong> do the right things (or the<br />
wrong things like dropping cards here and there sneakily ;))<br />
Love<br />
VivinHegde
My Super Cool Grandparents!!!<br />
My memory of them both is unfortunately very bleak. I remember<br />
being around Ajja more than Granny, but nevertheless the amount I<br />
have heard about Granny always made me wish I knew or<br />
interacted more with her. Dad always called her the “Epi<strong>to</strong>me of<br />
patience” – So in my mind’s eye that has been Granny for me, always.<br />
Some snippets that have very evidently stayed with me -<br />
• In the Vijaynagar house I remember eagerly waiting for<br />
granny and ajja <strong>to</strong> come home one evening. I used <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
peeking out of the gate and checking the watch wondering<br />
where they were, and I remember the unmatchable happiness it<br />
brought me <strong>to</strong> see them walking down the road <strong>to</strong>gether. I<br />
quote this 1 st because always when I close my eyes <strong>to</strong> remember<br />
them, somehow this is the 1 st image that always comes <strong>to</strong> my<br />
mind. A hazy figure of them both walking down from a<br />
distance ☺<br />
• Also very clearly and strangely I have this image of mum and<br />
me driving up in our old Fiat <strong>to</strong> pick up Ajja& Granny from the<br />
Railway station. I still remember the mad excitement it<br />
brought me – It brings a coy smile <strong>to</strong> my face and I get<br />
gooseflesh even <strong>to</strong>day. Tells me how eager I was <strong>to</strong> be around<br />
them and spend time with them.<br />
• Some candy type sweet granny had bought me a couple of times<br />
– I loved that, back then it used <strong>to</strong> be super cool <strong>to</strong> get these<br />
tiny “gifts “from your grandma!<br />
• Ma always also <strong>to</strong>ld me that Granny patiently and selflessly<br />
made food goodie packages (hapala, upadetc) of food for all<br />
<strong>to</strong> take back from ooru.<br />
• When we moved <strong>to</strong> the Malleshwaram home – the lights at our<br />
flat were like tiny hut structures – Ajja on seeing it for the 1 st
time thought it was a nest and asked why we had put them up<br />
inside our rooms ☺<br />
• At the same Malleshwaram house when Ajja used <strong>to</strong> come and<br />
stay with us, he used <strong>to</strong> get super upset if I ventured <strong>to</strong> play<br />
outside down in the building beyond 6. He would repeatedly<br />
ask me <strong>to</strong> come back up before it gets dark ☺<br />
• Once when Ajja was ill and resting at Estate Malapapa’s place<br />
and we had gone by there <strong>to</strong> visit him – I remember despite<br />
being so ill and tired he was making conversations with Udi<br />
about Sports and how important it is ☺ or something of the<br />
sort.<br />
• Post Granny’s death Ajja used <strong>to</strong> be so lost in thought. Many<br />
times back then I remember he would suddenly go missing;<br />
those were scary days since everybody would get worked up and<br />
get in<strong>to</strong> a mad frenzy of finding him. In a way it also just <strong>to</strong>ld<br />
me maybe how much he missed his spouse.<br />
All in all ,the s<strong>to</strong>ries I have heard about them both, be it Granny’s<br />
undying zeal <strong>to</strong> keep the family one, and up and about always or<br />
Ajja’s passion for Sports and how all his kids <strong>to</strong>ok pride in being<br />
their child – without a doubt I feel truly blessed <strong>to</strong> be a part of this<br />
circle – Thanks <strong>to</strong> them both, each one of us exist now ☺ and it is<br />
their blessings and lessons that make us.<br />
UJWAL HEGDE-KULKARNI
Those times……
Those times……
Those times……
Fun times……
Fun times……
Carrying forward….<br />
We, <strong>to</strong>day, see every aspect of Ajja and Granny in<br />
us and those aspects give us a proud position in<br />
<strong>to</strong>day’s competitive world.<br />
aRt..<br />
Craft..<br />
Music..<br />
Dance..<br />
draMa..<br />
rEading.<br />
Quiz….<br />
CricKet.<br />
Badmin<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Chess..<br />
Tennis…<br />
Love Care<br />
Hospitality