Life Tapestry.

Life Tapestries | Intentional Living, Faith, & Creative Reflection

Tag: India

  • “Everyone is a hero!”

    In the year 2018, I listened to my students’ harrowing tales of Kerala’s devastating floods. They recounted their real-life ordeals of navigating through the floodwaters and enduring the aftermath. As I heard their stories, the distress they experienced became palpable, and I empathized deeply with their struggles. Many had endured nightmares as their homes succumbed to the deluge, forcing them to seek refuge in relief camps.

    However, my understanding took a profound turn when I watched the documentary “2018.” It dawned on me that what they had conveyed to me was merely the tip of the iceberg, and the extent of the devastation was far greater. My heart ached witnessing people grappling with the aftermath of decisions that led to such catastrophic consequences. I pondered what might have happened if certain preventive measures were taken or if they had heeded the warnings of their team members (as seen from the documentary)

    Fast forward to the end of that distressing year, the resilient people of Kerala faced yet another adversary—COVID-19. It’s remarkable how, despite these challenges, many of the individuals I’ve encountered have managed to rebuild their lives successfully. Reflecting on these adversities, I can’t help but contemplate how my own family might have coped in such circumstances and where we might be now.

    Beyond the miseries and dangers, these resilient individuals stand tall, facing the world with unwavering zeal. Their strength in the face of adversity has left a lasting impact on me, making me feel a bit stronger today.

  • Super Nana!

    Let me take this chance to introduce to you my grandma, who I have held dearly in my heart but rarely discussed with others. Apart from a few, I’ve never thought to mention her to anyone. Okay! She is very dear to me. Although I spent less time with her, I can vividly remember her face and the way she adored me.

    She wasn’t educated, and she didn’t even learn to wear shoes because she found them uncomfortable haha. I often saw her singing songs (literally folk songs) for her loved ones, especially for her husband and her three children who passed away at an early age. Her profound understanding of life differed greatly from my world. She shared stories of walking miles for a week to reach the nearest town (Now Imphal). She would return with some clothes for her children. She told me about eating sweet corn instead of rice or Hao Khamui (Sticky rice bread), and how she would climb trees to protect herself from animal attacks while resting at night.

    You know, all of this happened during the 1940s or 1950s when India was still struggling for independence from British rule, and to celebration of freedom, she was there, selling some of her hard-earned crops to buy pairs of cloth to keep her family warm. She embarked on the toughest journeys to provide her family with their basic needs.

    Well, well, well… that’s it for today; I’ll continue in the next episode! 😄

  • Shanvai Chonvai!

    Daily writing prompt
    What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?
    View all responses

    I belong to one of the indigenous tribes of the world called the Tangkhul Naga Tribe of Manipur, India. Though we don’t have a script of our own or a written history about our origin or roots, our culture and tradition were passed down from generation to generation through folklores, folk songs, or our traditional practices that were taught from a young age.

    We take utmost pride in our cultural heritage by preserving it, although most of the old practices of animism were replaced by the advent of Christianity. Above all these I would like to mention the rich cultural and traditional dresses of my community (Shanvai Chonvai). The dresses are colorful and vibrant- women dresses are – kachon (Shawl*), Kashan (Wrap around), Kongsang (Neckpiece) etc…. Men’s clothing includes – Hao marao (Loin Cloth), Kachon (Shawl*), Paasi (Head gear) etc….

    *Men and Women have different shawl. Can check out more about this in different websites and social medias if your are interested. Traditional dresses of Tangkhul – Search (bing.com)

    A Tangkhul man and woman in traditional attires!1

    1. Photo source: internet ↩︎