Gita watched her children and her nieces and nephews cluster around her great grand mother and grand mother. It was story time, a time that was the highlight of the day for the children who never tired of hearing about the incidents and situations, both heroic and funny, of the various family members, some old, some who were no longer there, and some, who like her were much married and responsible. The children never tired of stories of their great grand father who had participated in the freedom struggle or of their great grand aunt who defied convention and went to study in an all -boys school.

As another family ritual, feeding the children by hand, both old and young, started, Gita felt comforted knowing that whatever happened and wherever her children were, they would be bound by their roots and family memories and traditions that had been passed from generation to generation.

A sense of belonging

The world has become small. How true! Earlier, it was as if all countries and people lived in different boxes cut off and isolated from each other. But now, due to technology and communication, it is as if the walls of the boxes have broken down and the world today has become one big box.

Inspired by each other’s cultures, clothes, life styles, and movies, we have all become global in more ways than one. This could be the best thing that has happened to our world. Our cities look similar, our clothes are indistinguishable in their sameness, we watch the same movies. Some times it’s easy to lose your individuality and identity in this world of mass production.

As women, its important for us to feel rooted, to have a sense of belonging; to be carriers of certain traditions and rituals that distinguish one family from the other. As members of society, it’s important for us to fit into this world. But this can only come with a strong feeling of where you come from. To know what your roots are. To know where you came from and how you got to this place. Knowing your family history and your ethnic heritage can offer comfort because it tells you who you are, and where you fit.

Response to challenge

This week, challenge yourself to know more about your culture, your history and your family heritage. Strengthen your roots. As you delve deeper into your past, you will experience a feeling of pride, accomplishment and a sense of place.

Take your diary and draw your family tree. List out all the accomplishments that your ancestors have achieved. Make a note of the hallmarks in your family history. The milestones covered. Take the help of the members of your family, especially the elder ones. Make sure that your children are aware of family ties and history.

Make a note of special family rituals and follow them as much as possible, to enhance your feeling of belonging and to feel connected to the rest of your family wherever they are.

As this course is all about knowing yourself, knowing your roots forms a major part of this exercise.