Ghela Saheb.
The legacy of my grandfather
My dada has always been an important person in my life. He had always been there for me, providing support and guidance as I navigated life’s ups and downs. When I was a little girl, he used to tell me stories about his life and his dreams for me. He often said he wanted to see me become a doctor, a noble and rewarding profession.
As I grew up, I developed my interests and passions. I realized my true calling was math, computers, and engineering. I wanted to pursue higher studies in the US and build a career in this field. When I shared my dreams with my dada, I was nervous about how he would react.
To my surprise, my dada was incredibly understanding and supportive. He listened to my perspective and respected my decision. He may have dreamed of seeing me become a doctor, but he knew my happiness and fulfillment were the most important things.
As I embarked on my journey to the US, my dada remained my biggest supporter. He was always interested in my life there, my studies, and the university. We often discussed his lifelong dream of traveling to the US and attending my graduation. But fate had different plans. As I settled into my new life, my dada was diagnosed with cancer.
I desperately wanted to return to India to see him, but everyone around me assured me that I should wait; things were improving. My dada even assured me that he would make it to my graduation and had been waiting to come to the US forever. Despite my misgivings, I trusted the advice of others and did not return home.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. And then, one day, I received the devastating news that my dada had passed away. I was heartbroken and regretful that I hadn’t been there to say goodbye. As I struggled to come to terms with my loss, I realized that my dada’s love and support would always be with me. I remembered the stories he had told me, the wisdom he had imparted, and the love he had shown me. And I knew he would have been proud of me for following my dreams, even if they didn’t align with what he envisioned.
And then, one day, while dining at an Indian restaurant with my friends in Seattle, I met a young man who had a surprising connection to my dada. He told me that Ghela Saheb had helped him and his family put him through school when they were having trouble. He owed his career to my dada and was sorry to hear that such a soul had passed away.
As I listened to the young man’s story, memories of my dada flooded my mind. I remembered how he used to help anyone in need, regardless of their background or social status. He believed that education was the key to success and always encouraged and supported those who wanted to pursue it.
I was moved to tears by this story, but more than that, I was proud. I knew that my dada’s legacy would live on through the people whose lives he had touched. Even though he isn’t physically present, his kindness and generosity have impacted the world.
As I left the restaurant that day, clutching a box of baklava given to me in memory of my dada, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for my dada. I knew he had left this world a better place than he found it, which was the greatest gift he could have given me.
I may not have had the privilege of having my dada by my side in person for my graduation. Still, people know him and remember him and cherish him even at places he has never been to. His legacy has made a profound impact on my life, and that is something that fills me with immense pride as his granddaughter.
