Going back to my roots....

Dad was listening to his favorite Konkani songs some days back. And mangy that he is...he had them being played on a full volume. The songs however were so catchy that it got me singing and enjoying them as well...Songs like 'Ami Dogi Sezari' and 'Juliana' and many others had me thinking of Mangalore, my hometown and how beautiful it must be now in the rains. It made me miss my cousins and close friends living there and I remembered all the fun times and moments shared with them. A funny different feeling actually. I've grown up listening to these songs but never before did these songs remind me of Mangalore, my cousins or my family. Somehow felt proud.....of my culture, my community and the identity it has given me. It struck me that my culture and my community are a significant aspect of my life. Something which I realized now....after soo many years.

Maybe this is just what I feel or maybe many experience it the way I do...but don't you feel that as you grow up, there's this urge of going back to your roots?? Isn't there a sudden attachment or a feeling of value building up for your community which was never there before?? I feel that now....something which was never there when I was growing up. And I think it's the same with many mangies of and around my age. A lot of youngsters belonging to my community today have no problem studying or working in Mangalore. The trend of going abroad to study or work has been replaced as many youngsters these days prefer Mangalore instead. And not just that, an interest in one's culture and ways, a respect for family and relationships and an appreciation towards our people and community is also generated. Now I find myself waiting to go to Mangalore to meet my family and friends and spend as much as possible time there.

When I was young, I preferred spending my holidays in Mumbai instead of Mangalore. Whereas now, when I soo wana go to my hometown, I can't because of my commitments. Infact my very first post was about how funny and weird my Mangalorean community is. And now, I soo wish I could live and enjoy that fun and weirdness. Funny na :)

I would advice the youngsters and especially those belonging to my community just this - Always value and cherish your community and hometown. It's an important aspect connected to your identity and something that will always be a part of your life forever. 'Dev Bore Karu'.