The Priceless Lesson of the Broken Watch
My grandfather has a lot of rules, but his number one rule is: “Always respect time, and time will respect you.” For as long as I can remember, he has worn a classic, vintage wristwatch. It’s his absolute favourite possession. Last month, he told me the hilarious, and deeply meaningful story of how he actually […]
The Power Of Saving Money
My grandfather often tells me about his childhood. Life was simple and difficult, but people worked hard and stayed happy. Along with going to school, he helped his family on the farm. His family believed in saving money, so they avoided unnecessary spending. They often walked to nearby places and saved their extra coins in […]
The Clear Sky Flood
We sat by the warm hearth in our sturdy stone house, safe from the evening chill. Through the thick glass window, I looked down at the gentle water of the valley river far below. “Grandfather, why don’t we ever build our houses near the riverbanks?” I asked. “Listen closely,” Grandfather answered, his voice rough. “I’ll […]
The value of every rupee
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in life came from my grandfather. Unlike many parents who simply give pocket money to their children, my grandfather wanted my father to understand the true value of money. He believed that money should be earned through effort and responsibility. When my father was young, he would […]
The first god
Every time we have any spiritual gathering, any auspicious occasion or any festival, I see my grandpa first bows, prays and chants Lord Ganesha’s prayers. He is a devoutly spiritual man, praying and chanting everyday; but every time, Lord Ganesha comes first for him. Once I told him,” Dadu, I know you so well. Even […]
The Lantern Maker’s Secret
The Lantern Maker’s Secret Told by Mr. Abdul Khan, Age 78 When I asked Mr. Khan about the most memorable moment of his life, he smiled and said, “It all started because I was terrible at mathematics.” That immediately got my attention. “As a boy, I failed a maths test so badly that my teacher […]
The Importance Of Saving
The importance of saving My grandfather once told me a story about his childhood. When he was my age, life was very simple and difficult, but people were hardworking and happy. He used to study and work on the farm at the same time. His family believed in saving money for the future, so they […]
The lantern in the storm
The Lantern in the Storm A story shared by a grandfather to his grandson The rain tapped softly against the old wooden windows as Saksham sat beside his grandfather on the balcony. The smell of hot tea and wet soil filled the evening air. Grandfather adjusted his shawl, smiled gently, and said, “Do you know, […]
“The Man Who Missed the Bus… and Found His Life”
“The Man Who Missed the Bus… and Found His Life” This story was told to me by Mr. Sharma, an 82-year-old man who lives in my building. He walks slowly, forgets where he keeps his glasses (even when they are on his head), and laughs louder than anyone I know. “Beta,” he told me one […]
My mums migration
When my mum was 10 years old, she migrated to Australia from Jakarta, leaving behind the only home she had ever known. She arrived in a country that felt completely unfamiliar. The language sounded different, the food tasted different, and the people behaved in ways she did not yet understand. Everything that had once felt […]