Thursday, April 6, 2023

THE NEW AGE DADI / NANI

 The New Age Dadi

The stereo typed image of a benign smiling sedate Dadi or Nani  whose sole purpose in life should be making jars of delectable pickle  evidently never retiring from household chores , has now been transformed. 
That  was the  yesteryear Dadi -Nani  image  who was  in a joint family setup  totally engrossed  with family commitments and most importantly the rearing up of grandchildren.She then had  the authority to  take decisions too for the welfare of her grandchildren .
With  technological advancement   and social mobility the breakdown of  multigenerational  families  is visible today.  Nuclear families are thus the order of the day therefore limiting the scope of Dadis / Nanis now who enjoyed the earlier status and priveleges.. The Dadi Ke Nuske'  days are obsolete and gone .
The virtual disappearance of grandparents from the immediate family has become either circumstantial or compulsive. 
The flip side of this changed scenario is that it is giving more space and free time to them to revive their dormant interests.
The New Age Dadi / Nani comes as a surprise package intent on pursuing her passion, hobbies and indulging in what she had always aspired to do or to be !!
And why not ??
These grandmas are setting new standards and silently proclaiming that Age and status  is no bar in achieving their dreams and desires.
The New Age grandmoms have taken up cudgels to go ahead with their passions thus initiating positivity and vibrance not only in their own lives but also others around them .
Undoubtedly family support , encouragement good health and above all the grace of The Almighty are   extremely crucial and significant  for pursuing their interests  , nevertheless their   focus and determination deserve credit.
So whether it is a challenging task of mountaineering  , dancing , marathon-running , trekking , modelling,  ramp-walking ,  photography,  music or any other hobby  that involve both physical  strength ,  perseverance   focus and dedication it is their grit that makes them achieve what they had aspired .
This does not insinuate that they are not  loving caring doting grandmoms ...After all this prized status is indeed exhilarating and it is with grandchildren that they  enjoy the most .
The  New Age Dadis and Nanis are  a mixed combo...busting the notion of the Vanprastha ashram , infused  with vigor  and enthusiasm to pursue their dreams !! 
Is that not the key to happiness ,positivity and contentment ?

1 comment:

Abhijit Kar Kodinar said...

This blog is an excellent comparison of early age Dadi / Nani's with that of New Age.
I remember so many stories, poems which I heared from my Nani, in my childhood also learned many aspects of our culture, sanskaras from my Dadi.
But in the recent times, when we are in the same status, the circumstances are different. We get enough time to spare for developing ourselves, fulfilling our desires, proving our aptitudes which may be an example for the New generation, to be guided, as per their lifestyle and for their success. I feel, due to such self development, we shall contribute more, which is now desirable one.