Journey from…. Hiriadka to……... ………..to Mugeri

Journey from….
Hiriadka to……...
………..to Mugeri

PRAKASH HEGDE
SHAMBHAVI HEGDE
PRAJWAL HEGDE
DR. SANJAY HEGDE
DR.P.V. HEGDE
INDIRA HEGDE
ANJANA SHETTY
LATE MR. SURENDRA
SHETTY
ARUN SHETTY
ARCHANA SHETTY
PROLOGUE
N.VADIRAJ HEGDE
I.SAROJINI HEGDE
DINESH RAI
ASHRUTHA RAI
BINATHA BALAKRISHNA
R. BALAKRISHNA
BHUSHAN
AMMA& PAPA FOR SOME….
AJJA & GRANNY FOR SOME……..
our big and small memories…
1

They say “History repeats itself”
If we think deeply through these words, it’s kind of true, in
every aspect. For example…..
We all have a History behind us….obviously we have, as we
surely have not landed up from no where! We have our
parents, grandparents, great-grand parents………boiling
down to our roots……..a BIG FAMILY TREE.
When some body comes across to us and says ‘Oh that’s
Just like your Father’ or ‘You look so much like your
Grandmother’……we are either caught smiling, amused or
completely taken aback , depending on how much More we
know about OUR OWN history than that person. But yes, we
do feel a sense of existence, to be linked to a Lineage.
Though, in some occasions, the aspects of our Roots do
contribute to our being, we don’t really co-relate that so
much, because nowhere we are told “You are like your
Great-Great Grandfather/Great-Great Grandmother”. For us
the MOST IMPORTANT aspect becomes only our closer
ones……parents, Uncles ,Aunts, Grand-Parents and if, we are
lucky, one step up, Our Great grand parents……….beyond
which, it’s just a hear-say hazy story or a fairy tale!
With our busy life today, we are unable to EVEN recollect
what role Our these close-ones played in our lives. It’s there,
somewhere hidden in the conscience,… Our Love, Our pride,
our Gratitude towards them, but never get expressed and
hence just gets lost. Then FINALLY we may not find anyone
saying ‘You are so much like…..’ because we ourselves have
killed our own history!
Come to think of it….In this Age of nuclear families, we here
today, are 34 members…….. ,
VISHWA PRASAD HEGDE
SHOBHA HEGDE
SAROSH SHETTY
VINAY SHETTY
VAYUN SHETTY
ATHARV SHETTY
VIVIN HEGDE
KANISHKA KAUSHAL−
HEGDE
NEERAJAMALA SHETTY
DR. H.V.K. SHETTY
NAMRATHA RAI
HANSRAJ RAI
PRAAKHYA RAI
NIKILESH SHETTY
NIVEDITHA SHETTY
UDAY KUMAR HEGDE
USHA HEGDE
UJWAL HEGDE −
KULKARNI
PRATIK KULKARNI
UDITH HEGDE

proud to portray as a Big family ,thanks to 2 important people UP there- Amma-Pappa
/Ajja Granny.
Its 23 odd years since they left us and somewhere their memories too seem to be fading
out. Among us, we have Big, Small, Very Small or absolutely Nil memories of them. That’s
kind of Sad…..considering they are just 1or 2 branches DOWN the ‘TREE’! For the various
impacts they have had on our lives , they surely deserve a better remembrance than our
Yearly Rituals!
This small exercise was to, Just take a Step Back , try teasing our Conscience, Pull out
those Memories, Put them on paper AND Let those Emotions get Expressed. I’m sure,
you all loved this experience as much as I loved going through EACH of those write-ups.
It was refreshing!! And the younger crowd here, will surely be filled with Pride, READING
THROUGH!
There will be some repeats in the Write-ups.…But then It’s Each one’s personal
experience from their perspective, in their Own Words. AND Lets not end this exercise
with this Compilation…I’m sure there are much more incidents and Stories to be told…….
We can always have Annexures!!..☺
Namratha Rai

The world they lived for……

Prakash
Papa had the gift of genius, he excelled in everything he did – sports and studies.
Luck, though, was another thing, it simply didn’t smile on him.
Papa’s dream of being a doctor slipped through his fingers, even though he was
ready and in position as the cricketer in him might have put it.
He left to Bombay from Vontibettu after he secured a medical seat on merit, he
even joined the hostel. As his father’s money order failed to reach him, he was
unable to pay his fees and was forced to give up his seat and vacate the hostel.
As luck would have it the postmaster delivered papa’s money order to another
room. It was his first time in Bombay, he didn’t know where to go or who to turn
to and simply had to return home.
On returning from Bombay, he studied banking accounts and joined Vijaya Bank
as manager of the Perdur branch. After doing well for a couple of years, he
moved to Madras, where he managed the factory of a relative, the Industrial
Commercial Syndicate which manufactured locks and lamps.It was while he was
in Madras, in the early 40s, that he played cricket for the MCC, excelling with bat
and ball. His performances earned him a call for the Indian camp. But as luck
would have it, his father took ill and once again he was forced to return to
Vontibettu.
Papa was lucky in love, however, he married a caring and accomplished woman
in amma. She had done her Visharad in Hindi and was teaching children in
Hiriyadka
She was one of the major forces behind establishing the high school in Hiriyadka,
going on donation drives that were instrumental in getting the school up and
running.
Shambhavi
I always said that I had the best mother-in-law in the world. She was a kind,
giving soul, generous to a fault. She took pains with everyone from her husband
and children to the house helps, she knew each ones likes and dislikes and most
all what people needed. I saw her give away her gold chain which she had
around her neck to a help, who was getting married.
One of my favourite memories of mama was during our drives to Hiryadka. As
we closed in on Perudar, he would talk to friends, who he would stop to meet
along the way, using cricket terms. ‘Is he out?’ ‘He’s on the boundary line’, ‘Is he
going to hit a century?’. To be sure, mama loved his cricket…….Almost as much
as his wife loved and cared for him.

Dear Children,
Before I tell you about your Granny and Grandpa,I would like to tell
you about their parents.
Both Granny and Grandpa belonged to the Anjaar Family but
different divisions. Granny belonged to the Mombettu Branch and
Grandpa came from VontibettuBeedu,both of which were hardly a
couple of miles away from Hiriadka town.Vontibettu was the
‘Pattada House’ or the Royal seat and this title shifted among the
three branches-Anjaar,Vontibettu and Mombettu.
VadirajAjjawas born and brought up in Vontibettu and was the 3 rd
son of NitteGutthu Narayan Adyanthaya and
VontibettuRudrammaHegadthi.He was a multi talented son from
childhood.He passed SSLC from Christian High School,Udupi. In
school days itself he was an acclaimed Cricketer.Then he went to
Bombay to join Govt College Jogeshwari but unfortunately due to
delayed money-order,he couldn’t get admission and had to
return.Then he went to Madras to join his maternal Uncle’s ICS
factory as Accounts Manager.Grandma too was with him and from
there they moved on to Tanjore for sometime.
YourGrandma,SarojiniHegde,again a multi talentedlady,was the only
daughter of great MombettuBeeduManjappaHegde.Here I would
want to tell you about my grandpa…He was a 6 foot
handsome,gigantic personality, daredevil. He was the Sarpanch or
the PanchayathiKidhaar for all the villages around. He never
betrayed the truth or took any biased opinion and his Word was
the justice to all villagers, so much respect he carried from all !It
was his turn to become KurlaHegde or the Temple Mukteshwar but
he delclined and passed it on to his younger brother
NagannaHegde. He was the ‘Dharmatma’ or the Godfather for the

poor. And his wife,IrmadyKamalakshiHeggadthi, was most God
fearing personality.
Your Grandma did her SSLC from Karkala High School, staying with
her maternal uncle,The Ex-speaker of India,Justice K.S. Hegde.She
had also done her Hindi Vishardha which was an achievement in a
South Indian region.
Both Granny and Grandpa were born with a Golden spoon in their
mouth but the Tenancy Act by PM Indira Gandhi stole all their land
and comforts.
Granny was a great social worker and had their own NGOs to help
the poor,uneducated women and children.
And as you know, Grandpa was a great Sportsperson, particularly
in Cricket, Badminton and Football. I still remember my first visit to
Udupi.He was playing a football match at AjarkadGround.He was
playing centre forward for the Hiriadka town team against the
Udupi town Team.He jumped over and fell on the Ball due to which
his knee got dislocated and he was virtually taken out on a
stretcher. And that became the last Foot ball match of his life!
I remember another incident about his shooting ability.He had shot
a wild FLYING fowl in a single bullet in ‘Tiger Hunting Tournament’
and which I could repeat in my hunting days.
PRITHIVIRAJ HEGDE

Where TALENT meets GRACE & DIGNITY
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
My mother was born into an illustrious Bunt family--Irmady-- and also married
into an equally well-known family, the VonthibettuBeedu. Although she was an
only child she had the quality of adjusting to each and everybody; that is why
she was a very good, loved and famous daughter-in-law in her husband's
family. Though she came from a rich landowner's family, she had to later deal
with several financial challenges, which she managed with great grace and
dignity.
Our father, was a well-known sportsman, a cricketer famous for his sixes, a
keen ball-badminton player, chess wizard and what's more a fine performer of
Yakshagana or bayalaata.
As they were such a talented and hospitable couple, Amma and Pappa were
very popular in our hometown of Hiriadaka. Amma was a fine singer too and
had learnt to play the harmonium as a young girl. She had penned down
several bhaktigeethes, which she would sing during evening bhajans, which was
a daily practice in our home.
Apart from all her talents, Amma was a fine human being. She was always
there to help anyone in need of help. Maybe, in kind or by serving them during
big occasions like weddings, when she would often be called to dress the bride.
In summer, she would get busy with her preparations of pickle, happala,
sandige. Not only for her house but also to send to all her children, her in-laws
and many other relatives.
She raised four boys and three girls, with limited financial means but with
great love and affection. She sacrificed her needs to educate her children and
make sure they were married and settled comfortably.
Even while running a busy household, she was a very active person in the
community. She was a member of the Hiriadkapanchayat and also the secretary
of the MahilaSangha.
At home, she took time to sketch portraits of family members, being a skilled
artist. Reading was another of her interests and you could often see her
immersed in reading a Kannada novel.
Later on, she was an excellent mother-in-law who loved her daughters-in-law
and sons-in-law like her own children. To her grandchildren, she was a kind
grand ma.
It was only in her last days that she suffered a lot due to illness and
uncertainty.
ANJANA SHETTY

NINEPUDA GONCHELU- AMMA & PAPPA
When I received the message from Nunny; I thought, “Oh God! What a tough job it is; because
memories are more than that of Harry Potter volume. It is very difficult to put this in black and
white as my English is very poor. I don’t know how to start and where to start and where to
end. Thoughts are lingering always; feelings, ever -lasting. My memory power is very weak. But
I love to recall whatever I can remember. Pappa and Amma both are equally lovable and
adorable.
PAPPAwas a very good sportsman. He used to play chess, carom, volleyball, badminton and
cricket. He received a medal from the then Maharaja of Mysore- for his achievements in cricket.
He was known as ‘SIXER VADI’ by his fellow cricketers. One of my friends asked me once when I
joined the bank,” Why didn’t you tell me that your father is a good cricketer? My father was
telling me about him playing- they used wait to pick up the ball he hit.” I felt so proud then.
There were also many trophies and medals to his credit. He also loved Yakshagana very much.
He himself took part in it. I remember his Hanuman role in one of the ‘Prasanga’, which was
appreciated by one and all. During that period, he was suffering from leg-pain, still his love
towards Yakshagana made him play his role. At Hiriadka Panchayat Office, he used to play
chess with some of his friends. Even at home, Amma and Pappa used to play chess; and Pappa
purposely irritated Amma by cheating in the game. Then they quarreled and then they stopped
playing. Same way he used to play card-games with us-Kot, Kaththe, Rummy. There also he
used to fool us and then laugh.
Pappa was good in English. He used to tell us to read English paper to improve our knowledge
and language. He used to tell us to refer dictionary when we came across some new words and
then use that in a proper way at the right time that we can use it. During our exams, when we
came home after writing our English paper, he used to take the question paper and asked the
same questions to check what we had written. I used to get very scared after the English examnot
for not doing it well but to face Pappa’s queries.
Pappa used to make us read the newspaper aloud for him. He corrected our pronunciationcomas,
full-stops etc. He was also a very good hunter. He hada ‘provision store’ also. There he
used keep the gun powder ,bullets and other items along with the provision items. He cleaned
and oiled the gun to make it fit for hunting. I used to watch that process keenly. Pappa had one
more good habit of writing a diary. He usedto keep an account of the expenses day-to-day. He
insisted that Amma do that too, but Amma had no interest in it. So he used to scold her for that.
That habit has come to me.
Pappa used to keep all invitations in an iron hook to follow the date. In the morning he used to
look at it. So he used to ask us for that hook- he would ask any of us and say, “UNDU KORU”. We
knew he meant by ‘UNDU’, the invitation hook. We used to laugh at it. His knowledge about
relations is very poor. Whereas Amma was very good in that.

Pappa used to go to Baje which is 1or2 miles away from home to supervise the work in his
fields there.He returned from there tired and if we happened to be doing any sort of mischief,
he used get very angry and irritated. He showed his irritation by making some sort of sound
from his throat. Instantly we used to stop our nonsense.
Pappa used to treat us with ice-cream whenever he took us to Udupi. ‘Dayana’ was his favorite
shop. Whenever any Mela used to come to Hiriadka, he used to take us to the ‘Aata’ which was
usually played near our home. At home, we children used to enact the ‘Aata’. I used to read
story books. While reading, I used to get fully engrossed in it. So when somebody used to call or
tell anything to me, I never used to notice. So Pappa used to tell me ‘KATHE PUSTHAKA
PATHIYADA BOMB PADEENDALA NIK GOTHAPUJI’.
Pappa was very scared of illnesses. If he fell sick, he used to make so much noise by calling,
“Amma, Amma”. Even when we were not well, he used to get very scared. Once, I had had some
pain in the chest, in the middle of the night. We children were sleeping in the ‘Upparige’. I
started crying. Amma and Pappa came quickly. Pappa got very scared and told Amma to call
the doctor. But she told him to be calm and said, ’it is the middle of the night and let’s not
disturb the doctor- she will be OK’. Just as Amma said, I was fine in the morning. Pappa said,
“Yesterday you scared us by crying”.
AMMA- was the only child to her parents, whereas Pappa had 1 sister and 6 brothers. Pappa
never had any difference in opinion with them. During vacations, his brothers’ families used to
come to Hiriadka were Pappa’s and one of his brother’s house was. All the children used to
gather in one house and the adults in another. It was nice fun.
Amma took care of the three elderly ladies; her mother, her mother-in-law and her mother’s
sister. That Aunty’s son (Amma’s only cousin brother) too used to stay with us for many years.
Amma used to look after all of them well, without any differences.
Amma was an expert in all works. She was a good cook and even in agricultural works like
NattiNadpuni, Koypuni, Meppuni, Beesuni, milking the cow etc.When she was in
RadhakrishnaEstate,along with handling the Estate affairs,she used to prepare Vinegar out of
a fruit available there which was used for Pork curry,Fish curry etc. And it could be preserved
for many years.Infact I had some of it for many years after her death. She also used
toprepareHorsegram Thick extract for us to be kept in fridge and used to prepare
curries.HerManolifry,Badanefry,Fishcurry,NeerdPadinaPejakai and
Kukku,Tatefry,OggarnedaNuppu,all types of
manni,arithaPodi,Pickles,Happala,sandige………Which to mention and which to
leave!!Everything brings her memory.
If anyone is going to visit us, she will start preparing all the person likes and when they leave,
load them with well packed Pickle,happala and sandige.Her hospitality was loved by both her
relatives and in-laws.One of Papa’s cousin used to tell ‘Sarojininaillagponda Coffee da Teaboda
Tea da coffee bodakenval,bethekadetNeer la kenujer” and that told her eagerness to treat her
guests.She had good relations with all her neighbours too. Bhavanimami,Ammani

mami,Jayamami used to come home and help Amma prepare happala andAmma used to go to
do the same and Our Storewould be filled with all these savouries.
She would always put others preference first than hers and very adjusting with all age
groups.She taught us to respect Elders and love the youngsters.As per tradition,she never
called her elder-inlaws by name and so called her younger Brother-in law as Mohan anna as
His name Rathnakar was similar her Elder Sister-inlaw-Rathnavathi!The equality in showering
love to Inlaws continued towards her daughters-in law and Sons-in-law too.
She lovedGroundnuts,Sapota,Guava,Drumstick.She used to eat only chicken and only two types
of fish but no Mutton. But she would prepare all kinds of meat, be it Birds,wildBoar,rabbitetc
which Papa would hunt and bring.
She was a good reader, read lots of story books and books of her interest.She wrote devotional
songs and composed tunes for them.She cultivated habit of Evening Bhajan before dinner and
she used to play Harmonium. She was well versed with Tamil,Hindi,Kannada and English even
though she was not a graduate.She finished her Visharad in Hindi,equivalent to BA. She also
learnt Painting and Pencil sketching, all these after she had given birth to 7 of us! Her interest
in learning new new handicrafts saw her doing Crochet,Knitting,Embroidery,Tailoring.She
would stich dresses with embroidery and Bags,Purses out of beads and wires. I remember the
lunch bag she made for me when I joined the Bank. She would pick thorns and branches during
her walks in the Gudde and make use them to stick clay flowers and fruits,creating wonderful
bouquets.
She was the Secretary of BalwadinadMahilaSamaj of Hiriadkha.She would be one of the
members who would greet the VIPS who visited Hiriadka.
Amma encouraged us to participate in all school activitoies,be it
Sports,Games,Dramas,fancydress,Music,Speeches,essay writing etc. She was of the belief that
participation is Important,winning in it comes next.
She loved flowers and had a small garden where she preferred the flowers to be in the bushes
rather than being plucked. She felt the flowers plucked for God or as ornament last only for few
hours, but on aBush,it lasts long for people to see. However Papa liked it when she wore a
flower while attending functions and attending Functions was her interest. Papa used to tease
her for this’KelavaregByyaandaVadyaKeninadegpoovodu’ and Amma would get angry and
retort‘Andu,IreegYerlaborchi,yerenaparichayalaijji, Borondundh la
Ijji,AndaenkumatherlaBodu ,Dada Malpuni?
If we play late in the evening,she would say’
PakkilumaathaGooduguserdhandalaNigalegnannalaillabaregporthathji”
She taught me to Identify Rahukala of each day without referring the calendar or Panchang.
‘Mother(Monday-7.30-9)-Saw ( Saturday-9-10.30)-Father( Friday-10.30-12)-Wearing (Wed-
12-1.30)-the (Thursday-1.30-3)-Turban ( Tuesday-3-4.30)on Sunday (4.30-6) which I havemnt
forgotten even today.

She also taught me how to check the no. of days in each Month
30 days in September,
April,JuneandNovember,
All the rest have 31,
Except February Alone,
That means February 28.
Leap year comes once in 4,
That one February 29.
She dressed me like a soldier for a fancy dress and made me say
“I’m old and weary,
NCGC is my name,
The gun will shoot and I’ll die
I’m old and weary.
Our Rudradodda( Papa’s Amma) used to scold us by saying “
SarojininaonjikaalbaagdaathChurkunigalegbathithindaYaadu” and that summarized her
active nature which remained till she fell ill.
You will know many more things about Papa and Amma from other family members.However I
would like to end this by mentioning4-point Agenda for lasting and healthy relationship which
Both my Parents followed
1. Think more about your duties rather than your rights
2. Be consistently in the giving mode,rather than in the grabbing mode though this does
not mean you give away all your wealth,time and opportunities.Graciousness in
behavior creates Happiness and confidence.
3. Assess the person you are related to and accept, as much as possible, that he/she is built
that way and try find the good points in them rather than the bad ones.
4. Be unconditional in giving love,Love but without possessiveness…let go and leave
people alone to find their values and happiness.Do not force your way of life or your
views on others.
BinathaBalakrishna

Herebelow, I furnishMY PAST MEMORIES OF DADDY AND MUMMY on a
selected basis.
About Daddy and mummy in general:
Mummy and Daddy were an ideal couple and they had love and affection and
tolerance towards each other.Besides both of them were respected and loved
in their neighbor hood and also by the people in the society. They were very
fond of their children but never tolerated the kids' misbehavior with elders at
home or otherwise and also bad manners in any sphere of life. Here are a few
instances which I distinctly remember.
DADDY(PAPPA):
We all know about Daddy's love for sports with particular reference to Cricket,
Ball-Badminton and football. In my school days I was heading our school cricket
team.One day we were practicing in our Gandhi Maidan in
Hiriadka.Unexpectedly, I saw Daddy glancing at our practice session with a
grim face while I was batting. Immediately he called and said "
Eyernamariyadideppare cricket gobbunu? Ninnakaarlenuguntagukatpadudera?
There is no feet movement at all and your feet are motionless." Immediately he
left the scene without turning back.
Daddy's another facet was his love for the English language. In 1965 I was
studying in a college at Dharwar and Daddy used to send me money every
month and I was advised to correspond with him only in English. In the
beginning each time I wrote to him, he used to send back my letters clearly
underlining the sentences or words which were either incorrect in spelling or
grammar or which made a mockery of English. Fed up with my consistant
erroneous language, he sent me additional money to buy a dictionary with clear
instructions to improve my language.
MUMMY(AMMA):
About Mummy's hospitality and her eagerness to be hospitable to her visitors
is a known fact to all of us.
Once I heard one of daddy's cousins from Thenkabail chatting to one of his
friends in a bus. He was narrating the difference in attitude between two of his
sisters in law in Hiriadka. According to him when he went to one of his sisters
in law, even on summer day he had to beg for a glass of water after waiting for
a considerable period of time. He further adds when he goes to Sarojini's

house, she is so eager to be hospitable that she would ask in a hurry
"Ireguchathapoditha coffee avaathkapidapoditha cha ava? But then serves nice
coffee or tea as per our choice with sumptuous food or snacks."
SHOBHA'S MEMORY OF HER MOTHER IN LAW
As I understood my mother in law, she was the most considerate and
affectionate person. She never discriminated between a daughter and a
daughter in law. Telling about her would consume volumes but I shall narrate
only a couple of instances which are still fresh in my mind.
One day my brother Rajeeva Alva and my hubby went to Radhakrishna estate on
their way to some other destination and informed Maami that they would like to
visit her only for a few minutes. The information was given to Maamy only 15
minutes before actually reached R K Estate. But to the dismay of my brother,
the cooking was ready with chicken and other couple of dishes prepared after
the intimation of arrival was given to her. This is quite often narrated by my
brother with emphasis of her efficiency and speed in cooking,whenever we
remember her.
Besides the above, her regular supply, of various items such as pickles.
happala ,sandige, masala powder, cardamom, pepper etc. neatly packed, to
each and every one of us speaks volumes of her hard work and patience
coupled with her concernfor her near and dear ones.
VISHWAPRASAD HEGDE

My Cherished Memories of Ma and Papa.
The Most touching and encouraging Quality I learnt from my Parents was to treat ill, poor
and elders with love and respect.
With 3 old Doddas &One ill-mama at home (some times all of them used to be there at the
same time ) Mummy managed looking after them so well along with her other duties and that
too with all smile n enthu.! Papa rarely opposed and tried to adjust . Papa used buy bundles
of betal leaves for Radhadodda and Ma used to chop it and crush it for her.
They believed if we can't do good to others, don't do bad either.Neither they wished bad for
others. What a patience they hadand unrestricted love! I learnt from them to take only good
thoughts and throw out bad ones. They always tried to keep peace around them. They were of
the belief that any disagreement in the family has to be sorted without quarrels and
arguments and without involving outsiders.
Mummy kept herself busywith not only work visits but also she had tremendous interest in
art,craft, painting,music and stitching .She used to stitch pretty dresses for us, do all variety
of art n craft that comes her way. Once she saw some new design of crosha in some movie
apparently,and came back n tried to replicate it successfully. Ma was very pretty but never
took any beauty-care measures for herself. I don't remember her having an oil-bath even on
Narakachaturdashi!
She was a voracious reader.She usedto be so engrosed in it that Papa would say"iththealeg
bomb padundalagothapuji" Mostly after Dinner or while travelling she used to read. I never
saw her idling away her time. Ma gave her Hindi Visharada when she was carrying. Her love
to learn was amazing!
Ma liked to be Social and liked to meet people and she used to be very happy to welcome any
visitors. When Ma wanted to attend marriage or any function Pa would grumble " molegu
band keninadepoorapovodu"!
We used to have visitors very often and the moment they enter the house, her mind already
plans the menu,for which even today,I would take one full day. . Ma was like Annapoorne as
she used to feed any uncalled visitors at any time of the day. She used to supply
Happala,sandige,kudutasar toall her relatives on their visit. One thing to add about Ma's
hospitality was one gentleman( i forgot his name) used make fun of is"
Sarojininadepondachaatapoditakapiavakapipodita cha ava"pandukenuvolu
,bethevolaneerlakenujeru”
At Hiriadka we got respect only because of them. I remember one of my teacher who came to
know about Ma's 13th day,after her death, through someone.He landed up for the function
saying when she was alive so many have had food at her place , don’t need invitation to pay
her the last respect! Such was Her hospitality and The Love and Respect she had earned
Papa and Ma wanted us to lead a disciplined life.Mornings ,we are supposed to get up by7 am
and if we didn't, Papa would throw his towel at us sometimes, we are to be inside home by
7pm . Once Vishanna came very late so Papa didn't open the door for quite some time.
They used keep an eagle's eye on our activities but without making it obvious..Though they
never forced it on us , we too followed it naturally by looking at their life. They Practiced what
they preached.But if we ever back answer to any elders we were made to ask pardon! Both
believed in Disciplined life and good values and lived accordingly and that’s why could live
happily with minimum comforts. .

Ma was like a Backbone to Papa's honesty n mild nature . Though he may not have had
enough success professionly,He had earned good name ,Love and Respect from people. One
Madras saree seller used to visit Hiriadka every year. After their day's sale they used spend
night at Temple's veranda , so they used to safe-keep their earnings with Ma, as they had
more faith in her than other families around.
Papa and Ma encouraged us in every field,irrepective of being a boy or agirl, though little
strict for girls, which anyway was obvious. Mummy used to prepare us for fancy-dress, drama
etc. Papa also taught me how to play badminton, guided in chess. The most interesting part of
our daily life was Bhajan . Once Papa comes home in the evening and after a bath, we used
get together for bhajans. Papa also sang and we enjoyed a lot. There used to be "kattepooje"
at the HiriadkaTemple.Bhajanmandali from Temple used to take the Idol around the town
and every house used to give arathi. One such time Papa taught me how to make a diya!
Papa was great sports person and great cricketer, popularly known as ‘SixerVadi’ among his
circles. He used to play as old student for long time and used to take part in School-day
sports and won prizes!He used to participate in Dramas and once while doing Hanuman’s
role,he jumped from table he got hurt which slowed down his activities
And most of us know his sessions of Chess and cards with Ma. They played like children. Ma
was always honest n Papa used to cheat sometimes and then try to evade with his humourous
statements!
We had a good childhood. By the time we last three were growing up,their Anger n Strictness
had reduced,I guess ,becauseapparently,Akkas andAnnas got more punishment than we did.
How can I forget Aata! As winter approached, many YakshaganaTroupes used to come and
melas used to be organised .As Papa was also interested we used to get chance to see and we
used to get some money to buy kadle or Kurluetc. Then during HiriadkaJatre we used toplay
in the Giantwheel, watch magic show or buyeatables or ribbons, artificial jewellery, balloons
!But,even if we watch Yakshagana till early morning hours, we had no excuse to skip school ,
no way!
All these things,small and big, gave us siblings an amazing Bonding,self confidence, love n
happiness.And without any exposure to Films or T.V.like today’s generations, we never got
bored.! I might have missed so many things to mention…. But yes,I do miss them!
Mala V.Shetty

NANNA ANISIKEGALU
They Say“CHANGE IS A PHENOMENON” and as time passes nothing is Static..
Things Change, Life style changes, priority changes. But do Relationship Change
??? According to me it is Big NO. Mother Remains Mother Always, Father
remains Father always..Like wise relationship of Brothers and Sisters remains.
BUT SEE THE IRONY… ! In today’s mechanical world life has become so
monotonous, we hardly find time to relive and enjoy our close relationship also.
It has become very difficult for us to find a days time in a year to spend together
in memory of our Parents…!!! I for one definitely hold it squarely on myself for the
situation I am in.
This being the situation,when Nannu Called up and said Uddu Mama- I intend to
bring out a Memorabilia of Ajja And Granny so that we can relive the Old
Memories and also for posterity and Can you contribute with your thoughts in to
it in the form of a Note ??? I was really thrilled and honestly the very thought
overwhelmed me and grabbed the opportunity.
I gave the above Pre-lude just to emphasise the Importance of Dear NANNU’s
Thought.
I Firmly believe LIFE is an experience. Every Day is New and Fresh. You will reap
what you sow.A Child’s development is hugely influenced by his up-bringing.
The Impact of his Parents living, surroundings, friends and associates.
I being the last sibling of our beloved parents , I had honestly experienced
mostly love and affection from my parents, Brothers and Sisters. Except for few
here and there incidences of harsh punishments from parents for all of us with
the intention of disciplining us, I have experienced mostly love. Our upbringing
according to me was very good and I am always indebted to my Parents,
Brothers and Sisters.
I recollect some instances of my childhood, which are still Vivid in my memory
and I think should stand as a testimony for their abundant love and concern to
mould their children in to Good human beings.

LOVE, AFFECTION And COMPASSION.
I think I must have been 6 or 7 years old , during one of the summer holidays
DADDY took me in his hands and told “ BALA , NAMA MUGGERI PODHU BARKA.
I don’t remember how we went up to Parkala and I can remember fromParkala
we took a muddy road and had to walk few Kilometers to reach the river and
had to catch a small Boat to cross over the river to go to Muggeri. On the way
while we are walking down the road it started raining heavily together with
heavy wind. We must have crossed few furlongs then it became practically
impossible to walk also. Daddy who had covered me fully with his waisty and
umbrella and got himself fully drenched and wet, told me that as it has become
impossible to proceed further will take shelter in a nearby small hut. I don’t know
whose house was it but the house lady welcomed us with full respect and
concern. She brought a towel and completely wiped and dried my head, hair
and body and gave me tumbler of hot milk and tea to Daddy. I distinctly
remember the respect and love shown by that lady which was exemplary.
Latter I came to know that she was a distant relative of one of our tenants. You
can just imagine the respect and goodwill commanded by our parents
DICIPLINE
I distinctly remember a incident when Vishanna had gone to Aluggel or
somewhere for Sugar cane “AALI” Ie .place where Sugarcane is cut and
crushed and Jaggery is produced. He had gone there in the morning by about
11.30 I think and did not return by 2 PM for lunch. Mummy was really angry and
was waiting for his return. When Vishanna returned at around 3.30 she was
furious and grabbed the sugar cane sticks he had in his hands and started
beating him Black n Blue till the sticks broke in to pieces!!!!!
Binnakka, Malakka and myself tried to intervene and stop Mummy from hitting
him crying “BODCHAMMA PLEASE BODCHI” and in the process we also got
some of it and we all ran and hid behind the sewing Machine to avoid further
spankings…Ha Ha Ha..which scene is still VIVID in my memory.
Probably I think out of the 7 I am the one who had the least punishment from my
Parents not because I did not do any mistakes or wrongs. I did of course, but my
brothers and sisters were always there to defend me, but the Irony is that at that
time we were thinking that our Parents were bad and harsh, and it is only when
we became little older we had the wisdom of learning that the punishment was
for our own good and it was a disciplining lesson . This was possible for the simple
reason that our upbringing was very good and the entire credit should go to our
Parents.
EQUALITY

I learnt the meaning of equality from my mother. She was a Epitome of Love
and affection and for her everybody was Equal. As far as I know and as I have
seen she was very fair and equal to all her children’s and she did care for the
needy. Her justice in sharing whatever she had with her near and dear
ones(Sons, daughters, Son in laws, daughter in laws) was always Fair and Equal.
She was always impartial even in sharing the smallest things like Fruits and
Vegetables etc ,she used to bring from the estate and those scenes are still
fresh in my Memory.
THEY MADE ME WHAT I AM TODAY.
I will narrate you a incident, which has changed my attitude and it will be not
wrong if I say that it gave a direction to my Life.
I was an ordinary student with average marks till PUC. I took science in PUC and
could pass with only 49.5% marks and getting seats for Engineering and Medical
was out of question. In the mean timeSurendraBava suggested and Guided that
I should pursue Commerce and latter do CA. At that time it was very difficult for
a Science student to get in to commerce. Some how Dad talked to
SheenappaAjjer and managed me to get a seat for B Com in MGM College. As
you know I was a average student and more over shifted from Science to
Commerce, I could manage only 11 marks out of 100 in the first BCom
firstquarter class Test .I was really Crest fallen.. Somebody suggested I take tution
for one or two subjects. Accordingly I enquired with my HOD for tution in
Accounts and Statistics. He said it will be Rs.200 per subject( This is in 1969). I
came and told Daddy that I intend to take tutionfor one or two subject and the
fees is Rs.200 per subject. Believe me on hearing that Daddy was furious, he said
“Useless fellow, the very fact that I sent you to the College itself is a great thing
and now you want to spend for tution.?? He removed Belt and gave me a
good treat and said do you know the value of the money..?? if you want to go
to the college go and study by yourself or else you can go to Muggeri and work
in the field…. Honestly that was real Shocker to me and also a EYE Opener. I sat
in the corner of our KappudaKone and wept and wept and some thing inside
me stirred up and said…. Yes Dad is Right…He really ignited the right thing inside
me and that day itself I honestly took a oath that I shall try my level best and put
all my efforts and rest is history…!!!
So undoubtedly,Our Parents have really imparted all that is Good in Life and
made us responsible and We are Ever Grateful to Them!!
UdayHegde

2010
2014
2011
Our Ajja & Granny

AJJA & GRANNY
During the Yakshagana season, Ajja would take me, then a five or six-year old lad,
along with him to watch the all-night performances-- the "aatas"-- in the town
maidan.
We would leave home with a stern warning from Granny that her grandson had to be
back home by 10pm. But it was a whole different matter as to what time Ajja and I
would quietly snuck back home. Being his grandson, ensured that I got the best seat in
the house with a steady supply of churmuri and stuff. Hard to forget.
His quirks were many. But one one that I remember is the one which played out
almost unfailingly at about 8.30 p.m every evening. He would say "Unasbalasulaya"
or something to that effect. Before you could turn your back he would be on his cycle
headed for town. The smile on Granny's face when she came to call us for dinner and
found Ajja missing was priceless.
His leather belt-- which was originally meant to keep his mundu or veshti in place--
was liberally used to keep his family and servants honest. The one guy I saw who wet
his pants regularly was Gopala, not that it did any good but the show was truly hair
raising.
He was a man of few words but I don't know what his opinion was about the three old
ladies who were resident in his home. One of whom was his illustrious mother, a lady
never short of words or opinions, who stayed with Granny and him in Hiriadka.
The times I saw him having a good time was when his older brother Seetharamaajja
and he got together to have a drink. I didn't know what they were talking about but I
could see both of them were having a good time as it should be.
ARUN SHETTY

My Grandmother, the Accidental Feminist
--------------------------------------------------------
Granny, I can wager, never met a suffragette. Not even, within the pages of the numerous
Kannada novels that she so loved to immerse herself in. But then, she didn't need to.
Why would a lady, who could out maneuver her husband every time they faced each other
across a chessboard, sketch a breath- taking likeness of her father, sing like a nightingale,
cook up a storm, and manage a recalcitrant workforce of farm labour over some four
decades, need the tools of rebellion and protest ?
If this makes my barely five -foot tall grandmother, sound like an improbable superwoman,
then let it be said right now, she was not.
She was far too busy coping with everyday life, to have time for dramatic excess. She had to
keep the home fires burning, feed a family of seven children, care for a mother-in-law, a
mother, two aged aunts and play host to sundry relatives who trooped in and out of her
rambling home in Hiriadka.
Why then, does she always seem to me like the first feminist, I ever met ?
As I trawl through sepia- tinted images the one that stands out, is a picture of Granny on
her front verandah, conducting an intricate negotiation with stubborn farm-hands- coaxing,
directing, instructing. She was the first lady, I knew, with a career of her own. As the
tumult of the land reform act reduced the family's holdings, Granny managed the
upheaval, leading from the front, using meager resources to fashion a livelihood.
She was an equal partner, nay even the dominant partner, in an enterprise where she ran
"operations" and Ajja handled "transactions".
It was a tough hand she had been dealt - fractured holdings, faulty ownership records and
inefficient cropping practices. Despite the odds, she soldiered on. Then, in her mid-fifties,
she made what, today, would be termed a career switch--managing the family's coffee
estate--in a setting alien to all she had known until then.
All this, while also being the grandmother who packed pickles and made "
koyyoluaajidhana" with equal felicity.
To me, she is the epitome of feminism, as I understand it. A pragmatic individual who paid
her own bills and pursued her own interests but at the same time could forge consensus
and togetherness. There was no retirement for her, she worked right up until the day illness
drew her into a hospital.

What lit her fire, I wonder ? What inspired her ? Sure, she came from a long line of Bunt
women known to be forthright in manner and deportment. But their personalities were
forged in the midst of plenty. Granny, in contrast, had to find her space in the midst of
constant adversity.
She will always, to me, be the lady immersed in a book in the steaming heat of a Mangalore
summer. Around her the members of her extended family, sated with delicacies served up
at her table, would have subsided into somnolence.
The servants would be clattering in the kitchen awaiting the next round of cooking,cleaning
and serving, farm labour would line up for money in an hour's time.
But Granny had snatched her hour of escape, allowing the bird caged within her heart to
perchance sing.
My Grandmother, my Hero!!
ARCHANA RAI

My Paternal Grandparents…..
Ajja was the champion athlete, the touch and timing artist. Granny was the warrior
queen. She fought all her life and didn’t leave before putting the fight in each of her
kids.
Ajja with a cricket bat or a ball badminton or tennis racket in hand was as the legend
goes, pure genius. It didn’t matter that he hailed from a village, where he had little
opportunity or guidance, he competed and even scored against the likes of T K
Ramanathan in an elite sport like tennis at a national tournament in Calicut. TK is the
father of Ramanathan Krishnan, who put Indian tennis on the world map, coaching
not just his son who rose to world no.3, but also his grandson Ramesh. Ajja beat TK,
and handsomely at that.
I’m not sure how accomplished Granny was in any one thing, but she managed to do
great many things. I cannot vouch for her craft, but boy did she have courage. I
didn’t really know her, but growing up, I looked up to her much like a kid of the 80s
looked up at multistoried structures, with awe.
I loved my maternal grandmother dodda to bits and the feeling was mutual. She read
to me and told me stories and put a dream in my heart. Granny was more the goal,
she was someone you wanted to emulate. Hers was a story of grace and guts and
tireless endeavor.
She was always busy, generous build and quick of step. I cannot ever remember her
relaxing, simply sitting and chatting, she was always doing something. If at all she sat
down after a meal, she was knitting or cutting vegetables, getting ready for the next
meal or the next day. She’s the original woman on the move.
When I look around me and see my cousins, young and high-achieving, the next
generation too, already so accomplished and barely started on their journeys, I can't
help but think of Granny. I thought of her essentially as a survivor, but now when I
look back I’m tempted to add, there were few who might have enjoyed a victory
more than her.
So the next time, you have your back to the wall, struggling for breath with a mile to
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
have it any other way.
I didn't really know my paternal grandmother as a person, as a friend or simply as
someone who held my hand and read me a story as a child, but I watched her plenty.
She was a lesson in adjustment and compromise and sometimes I thought of her as
water in a jug, who took the shape of whatever container she was poured into.
Granny always fit in and she did that with a smile. I might not have known Granny,
girl to girl, her likes, dislikes or her journey, but I know her by instinct.
PrajwalHegde

DOWN THE MEMORY LANE…….
As a kid, for me, Ajja-Granny were synonyms to Mugeri and Summer Vacations.
Staying in a City like Bombay/Baroda,away from close relatives, I always looked
forward for these visits…..starting my packing, weeks before the travel date!!
Because,it all co-related to absolute serenity,carefree vast-spaces ,’DO ANYTHING’
times, so much love and attention from Grandparents,Uncles,Aunts…….
Age wise, I, kind of, fell in a nowhere zone. My older cousins were little older to play
with me and my younger cousins were just toddlers. And our restricted
travelluggage prevented me from carrying any games or books from home, to keep
me occupied during my stay. Yet I looked forward, because Granny had given me so
many options…….
I would go with a little Boy(Shiva-I think).to graze the cows and collect ‘ karnde’,
mangoes and wild flowers.
I would help Ladies to pull water from the well and try carry the ‘Kodapana’ on my
waist.(though Ajja never liked this part) or go with them to the ‘Kedhu’ to see them
wash clothes, chat with them.
I would have long chats with the Cows and calves in the cowshed, watch Pushpakka
feeding them,play with the Dog,try catching the Hens and Chickens.
I would make small huts with twigs,flowers and leaves, and paper boats during
rains
Ajja would take me for a walk through the forest, helping me identify the names of
all the trees and flowers,or I would tag along with Granny during her rounds
through the fields.
Once I was bound at home due to rains, getting bored, and Granny opened one Big
wooden Chest(One which Rudra Dodda used to sit on)full of empty medicine bottles
and boxes, and asked to prepare my own kitchen set!Gave me ideas of using
‘Bimbooli’ and ‘leaves’ etc. as my cooking ingredients!
And how can I forget that Wooden chest next to the ‘DevereneKone’ which was
loaded with Ravaladdoos ,pelakkai the gatti,chakkuli………Or those yummy meals of
Dosa Chutney or Mango/Uppad-pachheer curries in the Ceramic Plates….Even
today ,every visit to Mugeri,the kid in me searches for those two wooden chests as if
they could take me back to my Childhood!

When I Think or Remember GRANNY….I visualize a picture of a plump loving
Grandmother,clad in a Cotton saree… usually browns, greens ,blacks…sporting a
Bun with a red hibiscus on her nape.
Come morning,she would be bustling around, organizing
breakfast,tea,lunch,snack,dinner for her children and grandchildren who have
landed up for the holidays and parallelly giving out instructions to
Pushpakka,..Bachhu…Jalaja…Kamalu or the Man Friday…Tukra, to run the show in
the fields out there.
Then there will be rounds to the Fields and Bajje Thota checking out if her
instructions have been followed. When I think about it now, I can see two images of
her…A landlady giving outInstructions ,as well as,An elder sister Chatting and
advising those workers in the fields….being portrayed simultaneously with so much
balance, that the Regard, Respect and Fear all stayed in their place!
Come afternoon, when all are happily taking an Afternoon nap, there she will be
sitting on the red-oxide floor of the Living room, stretched cross legs, enjoying her
half read Novel, crying and laughing along!
Then,there would be those occasional trips, squeezed between all these chaos, to
Udupi-Mangalore, to attend those weddings, Bayakes and other Social
commitments. And, Multitasking that she was, she would add Grocery Purchases
and Exchange of that Library Book in her itenary , unperturbed about travelling by
the Local City buses or about wearing a ‘ dressy saree’,!! Its just amazing, to think,
how she managed single-handedly so much in the same 24 hours that we have, and
that too, without any facility like Chauffer-driven Car or A Note-pad/Smart Phone
to equip her in the multiple tasks. And still she had her Family, Social, Career and I-
Time, all, in perfect place.
Today, when I have to handle those same situations as an Adult , I can perceive, that
my these experiences with her as a kid, has guided me subconsciously. And my Pride
doubles, when I get to hear about My “Granny”, even after 23 years, from
Raj’sDodda, Mother,Uncles and Aunt.
AJJA…..I would say ,was a MIX of Love & Discipline ,Relaxed and Full of
Humour…..and Absolute opposite of Granny!
He was not very comfortable about me mingling with the workers ,running around
the fields in the hot Sun,though would never stop me from doing it. He would take
me around the Gudde behind the house…a complete wilderness and talk about all
the wild plants and flowers…..their nick-names!..Today when I see the

‘BangaardaGubbi” flower blooming anywhere while driving around Mangalore, I
just remember those Walks in The Woods.
When Nikki was born and Ajja received the news, Only we both were at home. He
took me along in the Bus to Visit the Hospital. Nothing special about it…..But itsthat
ONE Bus ride with my Grandfather ,I guess,becamethe memory.
Ajja’s small smallagruments with Granny, Ajja’shumourous statements, card-games
and the love for Cricket Matches, sitting in that easy chair in front of the Entrance
Door watching the fields , sitting on that Head of the Dining Table having his meals
with left arm resting up on his elbow…………… Today when I see all my Uncles eating
their meals with their left arm resting on their Elbows,I can see him around!!
One incident which I remember gives an insight about how easily he would believe
people and he himself was oblivious about ‘Cunning Business’. Granny and others
had gone for a wedding so it was only me and Ajja at home. The cow had delivered a
Boy-Calf few days back. The news about these, I guess, spread faster in the Village,
than today’s emails! And we had an Old man with his Son coming to buy it. Well
,with my attachment to the Cowshed part the house,I prayed the deal doesn’t go
through and was glad to see that Ajja was not entertaining them. But they went on
pestering him and gave him facts to believe that 100/-was perfect for that calf!. Not
sure, if it was the pestering or the make belief facts ,that made Ajja change his mind
and make that deal…..All I remember of that incident is that An evil looking Old-
Man and his Son dragging my little ‘Friend’ and I sobbing till Granny came back so
that I could pour my sorrows to her. And Her argument with Ajjaregarding that was
what made me realize that the Calf and that too Boy calf ( A Future Ox) cant be
rated as ‘ Meenkori ’!
Ajja’sachievements of His younger days, for me, were only in the form of various
Cups ,Medals, Sheild displayed in the Showcase at Mugerior The gun pellets in His
wooden Table drawer and a big Rifle tucked behind a wardrobe, and incidents
being mentioned in various conversations by various people.
Same with Granny…..her Sketches, Paintings, Craft works, Culinary skills, Social
etiquettes, Her Multi tasking ability….were there to see
Never a word of self-praise ,all experienced and heard only from Others! And that’s
the ‘Simplicity’ I can see in my Granny and Ajja!
NAMRATHA RAI

RELIVING PARTOF MY CHILDHOOD………….
1. I don’t remember how little I exactly was. All I know is I was in
primary school, old enough to run around but not old enough to find my
way. As always, we were in Muggeri for the summer vacations. One
morning Ajja asked me if I would like to accompany him on a walk. I
obliged and we went walking into the forest behind the house. In my
eagerness and not heeding to his warnings I kept running ahead of him
only to realize that once in the woods I had absolutely no sense of direction.
I had no clue how to get back or get out. It made me panic but Ajja told
me stay at ease. From then on, I just stuck to him. He brought us out to
a path taken by the cows from behind the cowshed, a part which actually I
had never been to earlier. The view from there showed the Muggeri house in
a totally different light. It seemed taller, had more moss on the walls and
looked like a completely another house. The combination of emotions that
morning – from eagerness, to panic, to relief to revelation – is one of my
few memories from Muggeri linked with Ajja.
2. Each time our onward journey to Muggeri involved Nanny Akka
and me taking the bus along with Mom from Bombay to Muggeri. A few
days before the return date, Dad would arrive and then we would all travel
back together to Bombay. That one summer, I had become quite good
friends with Gopal – one of the helpers on the farm at Muggeri; I guess
he was also Tukranna’s son. He would make boats for me from the dried
bark or leaves of the coconut trees, and many other little things that were
good fun. Daddy was to arrive that evening (after having stopped over at
his place in Halnad). At the request of Granny, Gopal caught one of the
chickens, took it to the field next to the cowshed and wrangled its neck till

it died. And then he cut it to bleed it out. I was highly upset. It was not
as if I wasn’t used to seeing a chicken being killed to land up mixed with
spices on a dinner plate – I saw it each time we went to get chicken in
Bombay – but until then it had always been done by someone I did not
know. The one doing it until then was not my friend or playmate;
Granny’s justification that it had to be done because the “son-in-law”
was visiting only made me more furious. I told her there was no reason to
do it just because Dad was visiting, that I would never eat it, and I
threw a tantrum saying I wanted bonda to be got right then and there from
one of the trees and Gopal would need to do it. Their statement that it was
too late in the evening and the light was too dim to do it only made me
want it more. The oath to not eat the chicken however lasted only a couple
of hours more – The aroma of kori-aajadhina as it was served at the
dinner table killed any resistance I had built up as a kid. The gory image
of the chicken struggling for life lasted for a few weeks until I was able to
go buy chicken again at the poultry shop in Borivli. I still remember the
whole event though and don’t think I did anything childish or wrong – it
just doesn’t hurt that way anymore.
Luv NIKILESH SHETTY

My memories of Granny………
My memories of Granny are for some reason primarily connected with food - be it
rolling happalas, the room where uppad da bharanis were kept or her mind blowing
Marwaiaajadina or kudu thasaar.
This incident that I remember was when I probably 4 or 5. I was being fussy about the
kind of chicken piece I needed and mom was getting rather annoyed with my
pickiness. Granny steps in and tells me, "you know what -the tastiest piece in the
chicken is its neck. Here try it. It's my favourite" I look at it and think how can it be
true- it's all bones. Years later I realise how right she was.
Another time, I and a bunch of other kids go mushroom picking - kallalambu in the
woods around mugeri. When we return with a basket full of mushrooms, she sits
down to show us how to sort the good ones from the bad. The good ones would be
white all over and the bad ones would have a dark centre when slit. I am surprised I
still remember that. It's almost like I can smell the moist earth after the rains and see
us scratching the soil to pick our little treasures.
I remember that chest that granny had on which there was a coffee grinder. The
aroma of the roasted coffee would fill the air every time she sat down to grind some
beans.
The happalasandige making I thought was the most fun. There were batches and
batches of them. Occasionally she allowed me to roll one or two here and there.
Needless to say they would look like one of the continents ( pretty much like my
Chapatis today ) Granny would then pass me a thatte and viola my perfectly circular
happala would make it into her batch.
Granny left us when I was 11-12 years old, so never really got to observe her as an
adult. To me she was worlds best cook with wondrous knowledge of all things big and
small.
SaroshShetty.

IT WAS SMALL …BUT A MEMORABLE
IMPRESSION……..
I was bit young to have many memories of Granny but I do
have some of Ajja, let me put down a few of them.
Granny……. to me was always the "proper" grandparent -
always being correct and always smiling - it was always fun
being around her. Granny was also the harbinger of good food
:) - I always looked forward to her sending the jar of pickles
home.
Ajja……… My favourite memories of Ajja revolve around him
playing cricket. He was an awesome sport and I loved to bowl to
him. It was especially fun when he played cricket in the lungi
and sometimes the bat got stuck in the lungi . He was always
open to play, whether it was cricket or badminton. The most
fun though was when he used to play cards - whether it was
katte or cot - he always knew to do the right things (or the
wrong things like dropping cards here and there sneakily ;))
Love
VivinHegde

My Super Cool Grandparents!!!
My memory of them both is unfortunately very bleak. I remember
being around Ajja more than Granny, but nevertheless the amount I
have heard about Granny always made me wish I knew or
interacted more with her. Dad always called her the “Epitome of
patience” – So in my mind’s eye that has been Granny for me, always.
Some snippets that have very evidently stayed with me -
• In the Vijaynagar house I remember eagerly waiting for
granny and ajja to come home one evening. I used to keep
peeking out of the gate and checking the watch wondering
where they were, and I remember the unmatchable happiness it
brought me to see them walking down the road together. I
quote this 1 st because always when I close my eyes to remember
them, somehow this is the 1 st image that always comes to my
mind. A hazy figure of them both walking down from a
distance ☺
• Also very clearly and strangely I have this image of mum and
me driving up in our old Fiat to pick up Ajja& Granny from the
Railway station. I still remember the mad excitement it
brought me – It brings a coy smile to my face and I get
gooseflesh even today. Tells me how eager I was to be around
them and spend time with them.
• Some candy type sweet granny had bought me a couple of times
– I loved that, back then it used to be super cool to get these
tiny “gifts “from your grandma!
• Ma always also told me that Granny patiently and selflessly
made food goodie packages (hapala, upadetc) of food for all
to take back from ooru.
• When we moved to the Malleshwaram home – the lights at our
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
inside our rooms ☺
• At the same Malleshwaram house when Ajja used to come and
stay with us, he used to get super upset if I ventured to play
outside down in the building beyond 6. He would repeatedly
ask me to come back up before it gets dark ☺
• Once when Ajja was ill and resting at Estate Malapapa’s place
and we had gone by there to visit him – I remember despite
being so ill and tired he was making conversations with Udi
about Sports and how important it is ☺ or something of the
sort.
• Post Granny’s death Ajja used to be so lost in thought. Many
times back then I remember he would suddenly go missing;
those were scary days since everybody would get worked up and
get into a mad frenzy of finding him. In a way it also just told
me maybe how much he missed his spouse.
All in all ,the stories I have heard about them both, be it Granny’s
undying zeal to keep the family one, and up and about always or
Ajja’s passion for Sports and how all his kids took pride in being
their child – without a doubt I feel truly blessed to be a part of this
circle – Thanks to them both, each one of us exist now ☺ and it is
their blessings and lessons that make us.
UJWAL HEGDE-KULKARNI

Those times……

Those times……

Those times……

Fun times……

Fun times……

Carrying forward….
We, today, see every aspect of Ajja and Granny in
us and those aspects give us a proud position in
today’s competitive world.
aRt..
Craft..
Music..
Dance..
draMa..
rEading.
Quiz….
CricKet.
Badminton
Chess..
Tennis…
Love Care
Hospitality