Papa Bhaji - Lessons of Love & Faith

Growing up, the most exciting part of the year was school holidays, especially the summer vacations when we got to visit our naanka (Maternal grandparents house). For my brother and me these days felt like a celebration in themselves filled with anticipation and joy. The most delightful part about these trips was not just the break from school but - the people who awaited us there with as much love.I always looked forward to spending time with my cousins and especially Simmu Didi, who was a partner in crime and my favorite cousin. But above all, it was my Papa Bhaji, my maternal grandfather who held the most special place in my heart.

As you all must be thinking it is a unique way to address my grandfather but there’s an amusing story behind it. Interestingly, my mom, mama ji (maternal uncle), and maasi ji (maternal aunt) have always addressed him as Bhaji. In the olden days, as they explained, everyone around them referred to their father as Bhaji or Pita ji. When I was born, I came up with my own innocent version of calling him Papa Bhaji- perfect blend of two. Since I called my Paternal Grandpa Papaji, it felt natural to me. The name stuck, and he always answered me affectionately.

Papa Bhaji is a retired army soldier with a calm and loving demeanor, his soul seems so sacred to me and his values are deeply rooted in spirituality and Gurbani. His early childhood as we heard from him and Nani bibi was shaped by loss of his mother when he was just 2-Year-old during the partition of 1947.Though his father remained, the responsibility of raising him largely fell on his oldest sister. He grew up as the youngest of 4 siblings, with older brother we call Pita Ji. Despite facing hardships while migrating to India after partition, he grew up with resilience which later led him to join army at the young age of 18.

In my eyes, Papa Bhaji is the ultimate epitome of calmness and spiritual wisdom. He carries himself with quiet dignity, always dressed in spotless white kurta pajama, beautifully tied white pagg (turban). His flowing white beard adds overall beauty to his personality. Whenever I visited naanka pind, I’d see him chanting, reciting path in the Amritvela in his room where he keeps the saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji too.

As my brother and I, including my maama ji’s kids started growing older, Papa bhaji made his mission to introduce all of us to Gurbani. He would gather all of us in the evening around his big palang (bed), with his little table fan humming gently on the side. He patiently taught us the correct pronunciation of sacred words and told us Saakhis leaving our minds with -wonderment. He also taught me Japji Sahib which I still hear his voice reciting with me until today.

But of course, we were still kids – our attention used to deviate, and we slowly used to roll our eyes towards the door until Naani Bibi understood our plans and used to call out for dinner giving us chance to escape! Papa Bhaji would just smile knowingly and call us again the next day and the cycle continued.

Papa Bhaji is the respected figure in the village Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) often welcomed to lead paath. Not only this, but he is also practically a community celebrity! His warmth attracts everyone. In fact, on his way back from gurudwara he’ll get randomly “kidnapped” by someone for dinner. If he’s late- we know he must be happily sharing a meal and conversations. At home, his bond with Nani bibi is another source of inspiration for me. Their relationship is full of love and playful arguments – like when nani scold him not to eat oily food to keep his cholesterol levels in check. But he always smiles, he also would join Nani for chopping veggies and talking about life and how everyone is doing in the family.

Whenever we speak now, I love watching him through video calls and miss his warmth. He always asks me when I’ll visit again, and I reply, “Next Year”. But every time I say those words my heart fills with ache. Haunting uncertainties revolve around me, what if life gets in way next year again? What if next year doesn’t come soon enough? His slow gait, declining hearing- the signs of ageing creeping in stirs something inside me!

Though I am far, I feel his presence in every prayer, and in every word of Gurbani. I wish for more time, more moments with him & a long, healthy life and hope to see him soon. For now, I will hold onto all these memories which no distance can take away.

Love you Papa Bhaji,

Gurnoor.

Illustration credit: Baljinder Kaur, Email: ballyjinder@live.com