I take a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of my family history woven by the lives of my four grandparents.

Firstly, there's my Dada Ji, Late Shri Moti Ram Loathta, born in 1896 and passing away in 1981 at the age of 85.

A forester by profession, he was a man of simplicity and wisdom. Despite having been married five times, his advice to me during my 10th class at GHS Nerwa was profound - to choose a life partner from a noble family and drink water from a clean source.

A staunch devotee of Lord Krishna, he instilled in us the importance of prayer, performing Sandhya daily.

I vividly recall his journeys to Yamuna Nagar and Kalsi as part of his duty in the Forest Department. During the construction of our new house, we lived in a single room, facing financial struggles.

Yet, from this challenging background, I emerged as the second in the 8th class board exam and first in the 10th class board exam in Himachal Pradesh.

Next, my Dadi Ji, Late Smt. Balasu Devi Loathta, hailed from the Dhareula family of Khagna Village.

Born to Late Shri Jita Dhareula, she was a diligent and simple lady, shouldering the responsibility of tilling and cultivating our land at Nao. Despite losing an eye after an operation, she continued her determined efforts, often sharing a cigarette with me. Her simplicity and diligence were evident as she grew maize, wheat, and rice to sustain our family.

Moving on to my Nana Ji, Late Shri Ram Saran Negi, the son of a police Thanedar, Late Shri Ratan Das Negi. A matriculate teacher, he was known for his simple and idiomatic English, fine handwriting, and avid reading of The Reader's Digest.

His heavy smoking habit led to his demise due to throat cancer in his seventies. He had six daughters and three sons, with my mother, Smt. Satya Loathta, being the eldest.

Lastly, my Nani Ji, Late Smt. Kewla Negi, was the eldest issue of Late Shri Mohi Ram Sabhroli, a Tehsildar under the Jubbal State. An illiterate but deeply religious lady, she held extensive knowledge of Hindu Dharma and Mythology.

Her culinary skills treated us to delicious Kaprus made from rice flour and honey from the bees she kept in a wooden box.

She played a significant role during our Janmashtami celebrations, waking us up at midnight for Kheels and apple-cutting to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.

Ignorant of Physics explanation of lunar eclipse, Nani ji and Pandits at Sarain and we all chanted the then popular hymn ‘Chhor Papiya Rahua Chhor, Teelau , Mashau Chaulau Kha.’(You Papi Rahu leave us and instead eat tonnes of grains and millets)

Bullets were fired towards sky from guns to dispel its ill-impact.

When I was a student in the primary school, our dear Naniji escorted us upto Churdhar Shirgul temple.

As I look back, I cherish the memories and lessons passed down by my grandparents who shaped my family's narrative.

Their stories are the foundation upon which my journey unfolds, and their values continue to guide me in this ever-evolving  life.

(Ashwini K Loathta is posted as Principal, GSSS,Dhabas,Chopal)