Going Home (By Sangeeta)

I’m going home. After 41 years in Canada, I still consider India to be my home.

I have memories that will be a part of me forever. Like driving down Marine Drive with the windows wide open, seeing children outside the taxi asking for help, drinking coconut water and eating fresh paans, going to the market and being bombarded by the colours of the fabrics and the voices of people offering deals. 

We watched a movie about India last night and I don’t think any words ring truer than, “Can there be anywhere else in the world that is such an assault on the senses?”

There is something when you first step out of the plane that is so intoxicating. Maybe it’s the humidity, or the smells, or knowing that my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins will be there to greet me and welcome me home.

Unfortunately, there will be less family to meet this time. I will miss the way my grandmother would try to slip more food on my plate, the way my Vinoo Kaka whistled without a care in the world and my Sarla Kaki’s smile. I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner to touch their feet and say one last “Aavjo”.

It’s been too long. Too long, since I reconnected with who I am and where I come from. But at least this time, I get to share it with Colin and the kids. I can’t wait to make new memories with them and show them the beauty of my home.

For the kids, I wish a lifetime connection to their heritage and an appreciation of all that they have. I hope that when they see how some people have to live in India, they will realize that there can be happiness in simplicity. We live complicated lives, where sometimes it is easy to take our good fortune and privileges for granted.

I, for one, will not be taking this trip for granted. Look out India, here I come!!!