From Home to the World – A Memoir

From Home to the World – A Memoir

 

Today is a working day. I plan to go to the office in the afternoon as want to be with my 7-year-old son Satwik, lovingly called Shinu, because wife Usha and daughter Saumya are at their schools. Due to the severe cold gripping in Delhi, the government has declared schools for classes up to V closed until 2nd February. For the past two days, Usha has worked half-days so that I could go to the office. Today, I stayed home, and Usha will fulfill her full duties. She will return around 12:45 PM, and then I’ll head to work.

Satwik is still sleeping beside me, wrapped in a blanket. I’m sitting with my back against the wall, supported by a pillow, in our bedroom. The room feels peaceful, a quiet retreat from the biting cold outside. Nearby is a stack of books, each holding a world of its own: Nehru’s Glimpses of World History, a concise encyclopedia, Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss, The Travels of Marco Polo, and others. On the mirror stand to my left are Tagore’s Gitanjali (Hindi version) and Orhan Pamuk’s My Name is Red, both Nobel Prize winners.

I’ve been reading Glimpses of World History for some time now, exploring chapters on nations like China, Russia, the Mongols, Persia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Japan, and Korea. Today, I read about Ireland’s long struggle with England—a story of resilience, conflict, and the relentless fight for identity. My recent interest in Ireland stems from Frank McCourt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Angela’s Ashes. The memoir vividly portrays his childhood in Limerick, Ireland—his family’s struggles, his mother’s resilience, and the small but profound joys of their daily life. Few books capture hardship with such raw honesty and humanity. It left me wondering: how many untold stories, just as moving, remain hidden in the world? I hope to find and read its sequel soon.

I’ve also started My Name is Red. Its opening chapters introduce unique characters like “I am a corpse” and “I am called Black.” Set in the world of Ottoman Istanbul, the book promises a deep exploration of art, religion, and individuality. Its controversial themes have sparked debates, and I’m curious to discover what lies at the heart of the story.

Books are more than just pages filled with words—they are bridges to other worlds, voices, and experiences. They teach us that, while we may never live the lives of others, we can learn from their stories. They inspire us to reflect and sometimes even to act. Reading makes life richer, broadening our understanding and connecting us with universal truths that span time and geography.

Satwik’s school has been closed since Friday. He has been promoted to Prep from Nursery, and we need to buy his books for the new academic year. At 7 years old, he is full of curiosity, questions, and boundless energy. Watching him grow is a joy that reminds me of the responsibility we bear as parents. Education is essential, but values like kindness, confidence, and resilience shape a child in ways that academics alone cannot. Usha and I often read with him, and I’m reminded that these little acts of involvement are as important as formal schooling.

On 26th February, Satwik’s school hosted an evening show. Usha, Saumya, and I attended with DK, Goga, Baboo, and Annu (our neighbor from Krishna Apartments). Satwik played a Japanese character in the theme play We Are One, which celebrated unity among nations. Watching him perform brought a sense of pride and joy, not just as a parent but as a human being who believes in the beauty of togetherness. It reminded me that our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a more harmonious and united world.

Raising children comes with its challenges, but it also offers endless opportunities to learn as a parent. The questions they ask often prompt us to rethink our understanding of the world, and their innocence reminds us of the purity of unfiltered joy. Satwik’s curiosity, coupled with his cheerful nature, inspires me to nurture his growth in every way possible.

Life often challenges us to balance responsibilities and aspirations. These quiet moments at home—surrounded by family, books, and reflection—remind me to focus on what truly matters. I recently came across the concept of Abhayadaan, the gift of removing fear. It’s a profound idea: when we give others the confidence to believe in themselves, we create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond what we can see.

As this day unfolds, I feel grateful for the warmth of family, the inspiration in books, and the endless opportunities to learn and grow. Perhaps it is in these small moments—moments of gratitude and reflection—that we discover the true essence of life.

 

Pawan Kumar,

11th February 2025, Tuesday, 2.57 P.M.

(From my Dairy dated 31st January 2008, Thursday, 11:25 A.M.)