It was a moment of pride to learn that I was born in the biggest hospital of the time in Rourkela. My mother needed assistance as she was already with two kids, and I would mean the requirement of another post pregnancy care. My 'Nani' or maternal grandmother in Hindi, whom I would later call Ammachi in Kerala had actually turned up in Orissa. In those days in India, my Ammachi was no less than a hero to have travelled 1400 or so kilometers to take care of me and mom.
She had raised 6 kids and perhaps, my mom being the eldest of her kids there was none more experienced than her to take up the job.
She had probably not traveled in local buses alone but she now had to change trains when the system of platforms would be something new for her. She would have to travel through states that spoke 3 other different languages than what she could speak. Later in life it was a pleasant surprise to learn that she knew English. But she must have hardly had the opportunity to use it among people who knew only their local language. She must manage to find food, water and other things to survive the three day travel. She must have been smart without doubt as the railways were not offering platform with adequate services.
The seventies went without me having to know much about it. But many a camera clicks were heard.
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