This is another long pending post. I have been wanting to write about my grandfather for so long.
Today inspiration has arrived.
My grandfather's name is V S Gajapathy and we lovingly call him babumama. He is a retired veterinary doctor. He is extremely awesome. He has seen so much in life and he has taught us so much. My brother and I have looked up to him since we were very young. He is the true definition of "man of the house". I am so very proud of him for so many reasons. He has a house in Chennai which is far away from the city. This house was paradise for us when were kids. Every summer vacation we would long to see him. Everybody there would wait for us to arrive from Hyderabad. He used to have a temper that we were a little scared of back then. But the discipline that he used to inculcate also has helped us in so many ways. My father looked up to him so much. He can speak on any topic. He would have some amazing insights on everything under the sun. I have seen so many people come home simply to talk to him.
When I was a child I was extremely attached to him. I still am. Whenever he fell sick my father would ask me to call him. And my father used to tell me just listening to my voice was enough for babumama. He would recover. Medicines were not required. That is how much he adored me. When you are a 8 year old these inputs really matter. I have come to realize that recently. I remember I would promptly pick up the phone to talk and I trusted what my father told me blindly. It was almost like I was in control of everything. It made me feel so important and more interestingly it strengthened our bond so much. Babumama and I would exchange letters. I would write a detailed account of how I was performing in school. I still remember that he used to give me some feedback about my handwriting every time. He motivated me and inspired me to always do better. To take care of my health. Even today when I speak to him he first thing he asks me if my health is okay and if am eating right.
Babumama loves biryani so much. I found out about this only in the recent few years.
When he was in Hyderabad last time I ensured I bought him some real nice biryani and when we travelled to Chennai few months back we parcelled paradise biryani just for him. Listening to him talk about his youth and how he spent it with his friends is just pure bliss. He has spoken to me about his friend who was a muslim and this friend's mother would cook the most amazing biryani. He is most happy when he talks about his younger days. He is such an amazing narrator. The listener always yearns for more.
The thing I love most about him is the fact that he has been there for his family throughout. From a very young age he started taking responsibility and he has done true justice to this aspect of his life. He has supported everybody who needed him at every step in his life. He has made a difference to so many lives and I do not know if he realizes this. I want him to know what a huge influence his life has had on all of us. So many generations. My youngest cousin Pratyush also adores him. He is a true man and has set extremely high standards for everybody in our family. I love him, adore him and respect him. His care and concern can ease life's biggest issues. He is the most precious and worthy asset that our family has. I am so blessed and lucky to be his grand daughter.
I usually dont put up pics where I look so weird. But this photo is so precious. It was taken during my wedding while I was getting ready.
