Geetha Nandakumar

Egypt

ഗീതച്ചേച്ചിയെ കുറിച്ച് എന്ത് പറയാനാ. നമ്മൾ ബോട്സ്വാനയിൽ വന്നപ്പോൾ ആദ്യം പോയത് അവരുടെ വീട്ടിലേക്കായിരുന്നു. ഒട്ടും പോലും നമ്മളെ അന്യരായീ തോന്നിപ്പിച്ചില്ല. സ്വന്തം ചേട്ടനും ചേച്ചിയ് പോലെയാണ് നന്ദുമാമയും ഗീതച്ചേച്ചിയും നമ്മളോട് പെരുമാറിയത്. എന്ത് പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾക്കും അവര്ക്ക് ഉപായം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ബോട്സ്വാനയിൽ അഡ്ജസ്റ്റ് ആവാൻ നമ്മക്ക് ഒട്ടും പോലും ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുണ്ടായീല്ല. ഗീതച്ചേച്ചി നല്ലൊരു പാചകക്കാരി ആയിരുന്നു. ഓട്ടോളും സമയം നമ്മൾ അവരുടെ കയ്‌പുണ്യം അസ്സ്വദിച്ചട്ടുണ്ട്. രണ്ടായിരത്തി ഏഴിൽ അവർ ഇന്ത്യയിലേക്ക് തിരിച്ചു മടങ്ങിയപ്പോൾ എനിക്കും ലക്ഷ്മിക്കും നമ്മുടെ ലൈഫിൽ വലിയൊരു vaccum പോലെ തോന്നി. താ ഇപ്പൊ നമ്മളും തിരിച്ചെത്തി. ഇത് വരെയും ഗീതച്ചേച്ചിയെ കാണാൻ പറ്റിയട്ടില്ല. നല്ല വിഷമം ഉണ്ട്. ഗീതച്ചേച്ചി അറുപതു വയസായി എന്ന് വിശ്വസിക്കാൻ പറ്റുന്നില്ല. പിന്നെ എന്റെ വയസോർക്കുമ്പോൾ വിശ്വസിച്ചേ പറ്റൂ. ഗീതച്ചേച്ചിക്കു ഷഷ്ടിപൂർത്തി ആശംസകൾ.

എന്ന്. സ്വന്തം കുടുവയും ലക്ഷ്മിയും.

PS മലയാളം ടൈപ്പിംഗ് സോഫ്ട്‍വെയർ ഉപയോഗിച്ചട്ടാണ് ഇത് എഴുതിയത്. സ്പെല്ലിങ് മിസ്ടകെസ് ഉണ്ടാകാം. ക്ഷമിക്കണം.

- Ramnath Kudua

Dearest Geethcheriamme,

As I sit down to write this note for you, I’m not sure where to start, because I cannot remember a time where you haven’t been around. It feels strangely as if we grew up together. Sometimes an aunt, as I was getting older a confidante, a co-experimentor in the kitchen, sometimes somebody who I could complain about the adults to, it’s like at different times in my life you’ve known and been there in different ways. Gently, unobtrusively, uncomplainingly, persistently. I didn’t have to ask. You knew. How to be there.

When I was younger, your perspective on most things came as a pleasant surprise. Don’t be pressured, do what you want, remember to have fun. A reminder. Almost like an adult giving me permission to listen to myself and follow my own inner instincts even when everyone outside was telling me what to do.

When I doubted myself, you firmly believed in me. Not just in me but all of us. You firmly believed that we knew what we were doing, even when we didn’t. And for a young girl, navigating the world, that meant a lot. Today when I look back I marvel at the gentle way in which you have always stood firmly for yourself and for all of us.

Gentle as a cloud, and firm as a mountain – both at the same time. Even through the hardest times, and the darkest nights, I’ve seen you walk gently but surely. I am much older now and I know as an adult, as a woman, how much of inner work it takes to firmly believe in myself, when there are so many voices on the outside.

Over the last couple of years, it’s almost as if you grow younger as I grow older. Your adventure spirit seeking newer avenues, and your curious soul wanting to keep learning. And every time I see you I think, that’s how I want to be.

And so on this birthday I wish for you the best things – arduous treks in the mountains, the echoing silence of the valleys, the cackle of birds in a forest, a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning. I wish that there are many journeys, thrilling and exciting; and that you find magic hiding in unexpected corners. I wish that sometimes when you look into the mirror you are able to see what we see – an incredibly brave and beautiful woman unafraid of following her heart.

But mostly I wish for you immense happiness, the kind that overflows and makes your eyes crinkle. We love you to bits and hope that as you grow younger and we grow older, we can be for you even half of what you have been for me.

- Priyanka

Happy Shashtipurthi to our dearest Geethachechi.

Today is a day of immense joy and celebration as we gather to honor a remarkable human being who has left an everlasting impression on our lives. As we sit here reminiscing about our cherished days in Botswana, we can’t help but overflow with love and gratitude for the incredible person you are.

You have forever etched yourself into the tapestry of our hearts as the warm and nurturing “Annapurneshwari.” Your hospitality knew no bounds, and the memories of those impromptu gatherings, where we would hop into your home any time of the day, still bring a smile to our face. The super big dosas and the grand feasts you laid before us were not merely delicious meals but a reflection of the immense love and care you poured into every dish and every person.

The late-night conversations we shared in Lobatse are treasured memories that time cannot fade. Those moments of endless chit-chats, laughter, heartfelt discussions, and the thrill of climbing the Lobatse hill after indulging in your sumptuous lunches are stories we recount with fondness and nostalgia.

Your intelligence and simplicity have always captivated us. You possess a wisdom that goes beyond words, yet you wear it with the utmost humility, making everyone around you feel valued and loved.

You have embraced the role of a nurturing mother with unwavering determination alongside your professional achievements. Your two boys are the reflection of your best upbringing, instilling in them the values of compassion and love. We have seen you as a solid pillar of strength and support to Nandu chettan ,and the words “Geethee”, “Geethee” for every missing thing at home takes us back to our good old memories in Botswana and also cherish the incredible trip to Pretoria.

Travelling is an inseparable part of your life now. Your love for exploring new places, experiencing diverse cultures and connecting with people from all walks of life has enriched your perspective. Through your adventures you have inspired us to embrace the beauty of the world around us.

As you step into this new chapter of life, dear Geethachechi, may it be a journey filled with abundant blessings, cherished memories, and dreams fulfilled. Your presence in our life has been an immeasurable gift, and we thank Almighty for granting us the privilege of knowing you.

Here’s to the countless memories we’ve shared and to the many more we’ll create together. Happy 60th birthday, with all our love and warmest wishes.

With all our love,

Geetha Nandakumar

Egypt