“I share a special bond with my grandchildren and this is the first time in the last 8 years where I am unable to meet them during the summer vacation because of the nation wide lockdown.

I’m originally from Bapatla and after my marriage I moved to Penumudi in Guntur district. We were a happy family. Both my children moved to different cities after their marriages as they wanted all the facilities a city had to offer but I always wanted them to be aware of my humble village beginnings, so during every vacation they’d come back here along with my four grandchildren and spend sometime with me. They all love the village food indeed. I’d make jonna rotti ( jowar roti ) and raagi sangati for them along with gutti vankayi ( stuffed brinjal curry ) and avakai ( mango pickle). We would all sit under a big mango tree, eat mangoes and mujulu (ice apples) in the evenings and talk about everything in life. I try to teach them all the things I know about the village life and in turn they teach me all about city life. They even taught me how to use a smart phone.

Every year, they would come here to the village during the harvest season and I would go to their place during the winter season to experience the city life by visiting shopping malls and tourist places all around – so basically we get the best of both worlds. This time, they cannot come here so I am trying to stay in touch with them through video calls because they are constantly worried about my health. Progress is absolutely essential in today’s era but it’s also important to stay connected to our roots – and I’m proud to say that we’re doing just that!”

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