“Our generation is strong because of simple and nutritious food”
Childhood is the most fun-loving part of one’s entire life. Naturally then, the nostalgia of those innocent days always brings a smile to our faces, and same is the case with my maternal aunt, Urmila Yadav, who is an advocate working with a private firm. She also runs a school in Lucknow called Suryansh Public School. In a personal chit-chat, she tells me about …
Her earliest childhood memory
The earliest childhood memory I can remember is when my younger brother was born. I danced all around my house in sheer happiness. I can also remember myself hopping with joy after my grade 4 result was out. I had stood first in class. During that time, as a prize, we were given either a cash reward or a book. I was awarded with a book called ‘Idgah’ by Munshi Premchand which is I still hold close to my heart.”
Her simple eating habits
We never ate fast-food like burgers, pizzas, fries etc. These things did not even exist during my time. Food was simple and homemade, yet delicious. Our mother did most of the cooking. We ate different varieties of vegetables, some of which you may not have even heard about. There were about ten types of parathas that were made. The only fast-food we ever got was maybe either samosas or jalebis. This simple yet nutritious diet has made our generation so strong that we don’t get tired even after too much work. Kids today are falling ill only mostly because of their unhealthy eating habits.
Her early years at school
I studied in a government school because there were very few private schools back then. I was in a Hindi medium school; thus, my English was not that good. I only had three friends who are my besties till now. I was excellent in academics and never really liked sports and dancing like the others. But I was a naughty child. Once I told my parents I was going to school, but I bunked classes to play with marbles with some friends at a nearby temple. This memory still gives me the goosebumps.
Her relationship with her younger sister
Your mother and I have an age difference of almost 10 years. So, we really didn’t have that much fun together. It was only after I got married that we began to communicate a lot. My husband was always very supportive about higher education, both for me and my siblings. So, your mother stayed with us for her studies and that really bonded us better.
Her happiest moments
One of my favorite childhood memories is working with my dad on his official documents. He was a bank manager in a Co-operative Bank. I learnt discipline and professionalism from him, but it was my mother who inspired me the most. She would wake up as early as possible to look after the entire household. This taught me the value of hard work and sticking to a project until it was done right. These moments may seem ordinary, but I believe they played a significant part in shaping my personality.
Her favourite festival
It has to be Diwali. Not only because we ate special meals and wore new clothes, but also because I have always been a religious person. I love the puja ceremony where we worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh and light earthen diyas. Praying provides me with internal peace. There is not a single day when I don’t thank God for whatever I have today.
Her views on adulthood
With adulthood comes a lot of responsibilities and attachments. But we must never lose the inner child within us and enjoy life to the fullest, however old you are. After all, you live only once.
Thirteen-year-old Vaishnavi Yadav is a student of grade 8 at Amity International School, Lucknow, India. Her interests include imaginative writing, photography and painting.
