Remembering Our Grandfather

Adhya Raina

I’m Adhya Raina,  granddaughter of Daddu, or Shri Rattan Lal Raina. I’m sure I will not be alone in saying that Daddu was a truly content and peaceful man, who would always try to give you a laugh. He was a man truly free of worries and tried to implement that philosophy on all around him.

I have a few selected memories of Daddu that I truly remember, and these always bring a smile to my face. They are the images I think of when I’m down and miss him. I have been told that these are the thoughts that I should always recall when thinking of Daddu, and I would deeply encourage you to do the same, as when you only remember the good things about a person, these memories become imprinted in your mind, and you can’t help but smile when thinking about them.

One of my very first memories that I truly recall of Daddu is when I was three years old, and we had gone to Patnitop in India and there we went horse riding. I was on a horse with Daddu, and we did a little round of the compound. I remember being three and laughing giddily at the excitement of being on an actual horse while Daddu joined in, all the while carefully steadying me. He always looked out for everyone and loved us all and loves us still.

Another keen memory was when I was only a few years older, and I was around the ages of 4 and 5. As many of you might know, in Jammu, Daddu owned a scooter. My brother Rean and I would love to go on the scooter, and I would sit right at the very front, with my hands barely just touching the handlebars, pretending to drive with my brother and Daddu behind. I remember those short 2 minutes seemed to last forever and we would turn round the roundabout and drive down the street. Those little trips used to be highlights of my coming to Jammu and I remember that sensation of the wind in my hair, almost feeling like I was flying!

My last cherished memory of Daddu was more recent, when Daddu moved here, to stay with us. Daddu was out in the garden, walking around in the beautiful setting sun – a tranquil action to mirror his attitude – and I was inside with my brother and my mum. We were playing a game of Monopoly, and being the youngest, as it often happens, I found myself losing. I had not yet mastered the concept of sportsmanship, and so, thinking they were teaming up on me, I stormed off into the garden to complain to anyone who was prepared to listen, and that happened to be Daddu. I was unloading all my anger on Daddu while I was walking alongside him in the serene afternoon. I remember Daddu putting a hand on my shoulder and comforting me. That simple action calmed me down and I walked up and down the garden with Daddu for what felt like eternity but simply lasted no more than 5 minutes.

I will always remember Daddu as the blissful grandfather that he was, and I hope you look back on Daddu with these same fond memories and cradle them and keep them close.

May peace be with Daddu. Om Shanti.