The origins of Raksha Bandhan are still open to interpretation if one Googles it. Growing up in Bangalore, Raksha Bandhan was not a formal festival celebrated in homes but we did see it in schools. Our friends would have rakhis on their wrists, which made me appreciate the concept of overt expression of sibling love!
I am a middle child and I do not know anyone else who has had the distinct pleasure of having an older sister and brother and a younger sister and brother, with my sisters at the beginning and end of the chain. Ours was a big family and with my father’s work keeping him travelling, my mother, being a diligent homemaker, was at wits’ ends at dealing with a troublemaker like me. I was allegedly uncontrollable – it was my sisters who kept me on the straight and narrow.
My elder sister, despite the small age gap, played an enormous role in shaping the person that I am. It was her pinky that I held while going to school. She was in Grade 4 but already the leader at home – from banking to utilities – she assumed responsibility for it all, doing it seamlessly. It came so naturally to her.
If I do possess leadership qualities, it is what I embodied by just being around her and learning. She has been a constant influence in my life – not just me – but a sounding board for the extended family alike. An extremely accomplished IT professional herself, a true leader in all senses even today a simple call of “Mallaaaa” makes me a young boy again!
My younger sister came on her own when I was in my teens. She was my friend and conscience keeper, and sometimes even a loan-giver on my tall promises of multi-fold returns in the future.
Her caring nature was an inspiration to all, and I learned so much from her about grace and humility in a person. She is thriving in the healthcare sector today and remains my ‘inner voice’ to date.
Looking back, I realize how I learned to grow from my elder sister and to live life from my younger sister. Thank you, Shashi and Raji. I am not sure how I would have turned out if not for your effervescent presence. I lack the words worthy of a thank you!
May all our sibling bonds remain tight and encompassed with good wit and camaraderie for many years to come!