Singapore
The framing essay for Banooravi's collection of English-language bedtime stories — written for her grandchildren after her daughter Preethi and son-in-law David asked her to put her childhood stories down on paper. *"You will never become older, if you carry your childhood with you,"* she writes. An opening note on why bedtime stories matter, a glimpse of her Chettinad-village childhood that fills the eleven stories that follow, and a closing reflection: *we didn't get to choose the childhood we were given but we can choose what to do with the stuff of our childhood memories.*
## Introduction
*Why are stories important to the kids? What is the impact of the bedtime stories?
I believe that bedtime stories are as important as feeding them. I think it could yield more benefits for them in the years to come — and, by hearing or reading the stories, the children seem to be very faster in understanding the conversation or situation. I strongly feel that it really helps them to do much better in their schools and always keep them to do the right things; in fact the thinking process gets developed. And also, long before the kids start their speaking, they could absorb everyone's conversation and naturally they try to imitate the same. Sure, we can notice their vocabulary gets improved. In a way, they could set their minds for the next following action — or we could say they start to think before they do or demand anything.
The bedtime stories give the parents a private and precious time to share their love with the children before they go to sleep. Just being there for your child when you end your day is a great way to build a closer bond with your child. Right? And the children need to have some sort of daily routine in their day-to-day life — and why not making it as 'reading the bedtime stories'?
*
Thanks to Preethi & David, for asking me to write the stories out of my childhood days and the life I live through! You will never become older, if you carry your childhood with you. One of the luckiest things that happens in our life is to have a happy childhood, and I was truly fortunate to have a lovely and memorable childhood experience! I started writing my childhood memories — and thus I have become a little girl again.
Yes, I was growing up in the village called Chettinad (Kaanadukathan) in Tamil Nadu — a culturally and historically important region, famous for its unique cuisine and architecture. The most endearing symbol of the Chettiars' region has been their homes — they evolved a unique style of combining western and eastern patterns. It could be possible here as the Chettiars had a rich travelling experience abroad, as they were covering their growth from the traders and merchants of South-East Asian countries.
Nature has always been playing the best and most wonderful platform for me. I was like a fairy-tale girl growing up with fields, trees, creepers, flowers, ponds, temples, festivals, birds and pet animals! The clouds, and the memories of the native place, play an important role in everyone's life. Even now, if we happen to go to our village or native place, or the old home — we will realise that it was NOT the old home or the old village that we miss, but the beautiful childhood days! Agree?
Now, in my stories you can find the morals and values too — that add colour to the events. Amidst our multi-task lives, we have to hook our kids with the stories and books, and I am sure it would give them immense pleasure.
Come on — let us get into the stories, and I am sure you will cherish them with your kids. The readers could be the leaders in future, as I feel the morals would motivate them!
Enjoy reading…
*
## Conclusion
We didn't get to choose the childhood we were given — but we can choose what to do with the stuff of our childhood memories. Do you agree that the impact of childhood that we experienced is the raw material to shape ourselves? I feel that sharing my old-time memories would be interesting to you, as it contained varied experiences. In a way it reveals to you how I was growing up in a village. Day by day, minute by minute, second by second, I have been thinking often about how much my life has changed from the beginning. My beloved parents, who stood by me, are no more — but my journey is going on. Now our three children, who filled my life so completely, are grown and have families of their own; and I have grandchildren too! I always want to cherish my memories. But nowadays life is so fast and occupied with so many things, and we have no time to share anything. But we should realise that there is no more tomorrow if we don't do something today — and there is no going back, only marching forward. As there is no use dwelling in the past, we should make our day meaningful.
You have children now — be aware that the tiny finger-prints, the toys they scattered, the spilling of clothes everywhere, and the tearing of books… my God, all will disappear soon! So what do we leave for them, other than providing them with the sweet memories for their future? Really, it is a great pleasure to share my childhood days with you all, as it is true that one day each of us will have no tomorrows.* I am really grateful for the abundance of love, family, duty, the joys of nature — and thanks to God forever!
There are still more sweet memories apart from my childhood — would like to share them soon in another compilation.
Any comments?
— Amma
பானுரவி / Banooravi
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