Old Is Gold - Nirlipta Pattanaik

 “At a very young age, I developed kidney issues and both my kidneys failed when I was just 2 years old. Doctors lost hope. But, my maternal-grandmother is a fighter, she denied to give up on me and literally ran barefoot to the laboratory for my reports at 2.A.M., because it was 25th December, a holiday and the doctors were hell bent on not checking my condition till they received the reports.

 I recovered gradually and life was good until my father passed away when I was 13. My mother and I faced many issues that were raised by my paternal family. While my mother and I were battling emotionally and financially, my grandmother made sure she was there for us every moment. My paternal-grandmother didn’t allow me to perform the ‘Asthi Visarjan’ of my father as I am a girl, but my maternal grandmother stood by me and made sure I was given the right to do the same.

 

My grandmother happens to be very strict, but when my mother stops me from riding a bike or going out for events and poetry clubs, she makes my mother understand and encourages me to do whatever I like. She feels proud of me and never leaves a chance to boast about my talents and work in front of relatives. She is a very brave woman who managed to raise five children, after losing her husband at a very young age. She’s 65 and has completed her education till 10th class but, still has the zeal to learn how to ride a scooter, drive a car and write as well as recite excellent poetries at poetry clubs.

When my blogger friends posted pictures of food on brass plates, I was quite fascinated and wanted a set of brass crockery. So, on my birthday, my grandmother called me over and surprised me with lunch served on brass plate and bowl. After lunch, she handed me over the entire set of plates, glass & spoons and said to me\, ‘This is the set which my mother had given as dowry, when I got married and as you’re my favourite, I’m passing it on to you. Never lose it!’. I feel so blessed to have her in my life, she is my greatest pillar of strength and support.” – Nirlipta Pattanaik.