Memories 3: Mama

Smt. Satyabati (Bela) Sahu (Early 1940s - 23 Aug. 2019)

Sambalpuri: ମାମା (Mama)

Odia: ଆଈ (Aai)

Hindi: नानी (Nani)

English: Maternal Grandmother

The poem is dedicated to my maternal grandmother on the occasion of her fourth death anniversary (according to Hindu Calendar).

Her name was Halka, yet she was original in all her work.
(Halka = duplicate; She was from Halkadadar Village, so everybody used to call her Halka)

She was illiterate, yet she was the most knowledgeable person I know.

I have my father & mother, yet she was my guardian angel in my childhood.

She was short in stature, yet her heart was so big.

She lived in poverty, but ensured that her future generations lead a good life.

She had no formal education, but knew the importance of education.

She would pray everyday for hours, but not for herself.

She had every chance to complaint, but smiled all the time.

My Last Photo with Mama (Jul. 2019)

She was systematic as well as flexible.

She was orthodox as well as liberal.

She was strict as well as lenient.

She led a simple as well as a dignified life.

She would eat once a day, yet she would prepare meal four times for others.

She was under-weight, yet she was strong physically and mentally.

She would suffer silently, yet she would celebrate others' happiness openly.

She was born on a normal day, yet she left for her heavenly abode on an auspicious day (Janmashtami).

She would always know about my problems, but I hardly knew about hers.

She did so much for me, but I did so less for her.

She was there for me all the time, but I was not there during her last days.

She would love me unconditionally, but now, I carry a guilt for her.

~ Sujit

6th Sept 2023 (Janmashtami)

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh