Remembering Nanu

Dear Readers,

Today is my Nanu’s (maternal grandfather) Fourteenth Death Anniversary.

This is not a sad post. It is to celebrate a person who shaped the foundation of love and kindness in me.

Growing up, Nanu was my Hero. He was a widower, but he had such zest for life. He engrossed himself in painting, crafts, gardening, cooking, and taking care of his pet hens and dog - they consumed his day.

Nanu was never idle. Whenever we went to Srinagar (Kashmir), as children, we would wonder what new project Nanu must’ve taken up. Collectively, we all (cousins) participated in his projects - sometimes it was to build a new rosebush, build a birdhouse, chop up greens every morning for his army of 40 hens, and so on.

I never wanted the summer holidays in Kashmir to end. We were his little soldiers, and willingly so!

The Willy Wonka that he was, he used to give his Oompa Loompas dry fruits and candies from his Pheran (traditional Kashmiri robe) pockets. During the summer, he would cut all kinds of fruits into funny shapes and make up witty stories before feeding us by hand.

My Nanu was so cool, he knew all kinds of things. He could move his ears voluntarily, make exotic bird music by blowing into his clasped hands, do magic tricks, and make us laugh with his funny Kashmiri mimicry. He had a habit of passing ridiculously hilarious side comments with a straight face; he looked innocent, but he could be mischievous!

I was Nanu’s favorite grandchild (it was obvious 😛). He used to get me the chicest clothes from Korea and literally around the globe from his network of friends. He also helped me build my personal library and introduced me to the magical world of Traditional Living - something I believe in and talk about today.

I have a series of Good Housekeeping, culinary and etiquette books that he bought me when I was about 10. Although they collected dust until I turned 25, it was predestined for me to fall into exactly THAT type of life.

Much like him, I value Art, Traditional Medicine, Real Food, Genuine Connections, and Symbiotic Relationship with Nature. I don’t think that happens by chance. Nanu continues to be the leading inspiration in my life.

He taught me that to be closer to nature is to be closer to God; to be Truthful to yourself is to be closer to God; and the greatest reverence (puja) to God is a life well-lived. One of my fondest memories is performing morning prayers alongside him at his home temple. He used to say God works in mysterious ways, submit, and you’ll find your peace and purpose.

I remember Nanu every day. The walls of my home are adorned with his artwork. 

He continues to be my beacon of light in this unpredictable world.

Love you Nanu <3