Early Influences That Shaped Me

Early Influences That Shaped Me

As I look back on my childhood, I realize how much the people around me influenced the person I’ve become. The early years are formative, and the role models we look up to during this time often leave a lasting impression. Today, I want to reflect on the individuals who inspired me during my childhood and how their influence has stayed with me over the years.

When it comes to role models, the women in my life are the first I could think of. Starting from my grandmothers, my Achamma (paternal grandmother) was a bold lady who once had the circumstance to raise her four children all by herself and she embraced it with love and strength. She is the prime reason for my father being a good-tempered person. Without her up-bringing, we would have gotten an arrogant dad, which, you know, is obviously not a thing about this generation dads.

Then it comes to my Ammamma (maternal grandmother), she came from a family where there were 6 children including herself. Due to the expense of providing higher education for all, her parents came to the decision that girl children will complete higher education and then stop their studies and get married and serve their family. This was the sacrifice those girls had to do for providing good education of their brothers. But she was really into studies. Unlike other girls of her age, she stood for her will. She was adamant that she wanted to complete education. At last, after fighting for her own rights to education (in her own household), her parents agreed to it, and she became a teacher. She was also a strong lady who had faced even the demise of her two sons. Her boldness and perseverance can also be seen in my mother and her sister.

Talking about my mother, she is one of the bravest women I have seen (just like my grandmothers). She was the one who had inculcated good values in me. She has always been a pillar of support to me. She is my best friend with whom I can talk about anything, provided I feel that it doesn't make her worry too much. 

Well, my role models aren't entirely composed of feminine energy. OfCourse feminine energy doesn't really complete it (just like the ying-yang). I am equally grateful to the men who have been an inseparable part of growth.

My Appapan (maternal grandfather) passed away long before I was born. I have learnt from others that he was an extremely generous person who had a helping hand to the needy. He was always there for others with a warm smile and had taught his children the basic skills needed at home like changing fused bulbs, fixing leaking taps, and also gave knowledge on the working of several machines since his profession was related to mechanics. He inspired his children to develop new ideas which was implemented by them in their lives to innovate things. His generous character was also acquired by his children. My Maaman (maternal uncle) is an example of it.

Then it comes to my father. The greatest support we receive from him is that he never suppresses us saying 'you are a woman, so you have to do like this' thing. He is also a calm person who minds his own peace and implicitly made us also understand how much important peace is to a person. He also helps us when we are doing chores, and he doesn't say that only women have to do this. So, I got this so called 'gender-equality' kind of feeling at home itself. 

Well, the inspirations they provided and continues to provide are vast and hence can't be put into a single blog. But yeah. Until next time, keep getting influenced for good and be inspirational to others as well.