Connecting lives through roots
2 min read
Shimla, Aug 15, Chriselle Fernandes
The most common misconception is that all winds are wily and lead you to scary places. Some winds though like the Zephyr (of Greek and Roman mythology) are soft and herald positive change symbolizing the bliss of spring. Does the leaf know where it would land, after the wind has carried it? What it does have is the faith that wherever it goes, it is sure to sway in the magical breeze.
With the intention of lighthearted playfulness and a promise of a colourful spring, Auckland House School, celebrated Himachal Day with grandparents. The goal was simple, involve the grandparents and let them interact with their grandchildren in school. We didn’t expect much because of old age and they being busy or they living far away. How wrong were we!
The grandparents showed up and how! The auditorium was filled with smiling eager faces. There was uproar when the Ramp Walk began. This long line of ‘models’ waited patiently for their turn, hand in hand with their granddaughters. On the stage amidst, sparkling lights, one could notice the air charged with style, substance and innocence. Grandparents and grandchildren dressed in their finest Himachali outifts, some with matching ensembles took center stage. One could not deny the presence of love and pride for one’s family and one’s culture. Some of the grandparents even danced the Nati.
Even if you were not part of the programme but simply witnessing it, you would be overwhelmed with the exuberance and connectivity that the fusion of culture and grandparents have to offer.
Tears rolled from the corner of our eyes as we witnessed the love and hold over our hearts that grandparents have over their tiny tot grandchildren.
The chief guest, Vidya Negi, an illustrious figure herself in the field of women empowerment, too spoke on the connection that grandparents have with their family especially grandchildren and the kind of influence they could have if only phones were out of the equation. She suggested the return of the joint family system to help children to identify more with their heritage and culture rather than mindless scrolling and watching videos.
And here we are left with questions; Should we return to a place without constant screens? Do we still have the ability to spend quality time with our grandparents and parents without the inclusion WIFI?
Could we still connect?
This year, Auckland House School celebrates 160 years of providing excellent education for girls. The Grandparents-Himachal Day is a flagship event that promises more of true connectivity, understanding one’s culture and safe guarding one’s legacy.
