Every year we use to visit my grandmother in summer vacation. I used to enjoy spending time with her as much as possible. She was excellent writer, story teller and very confident human being.
One one those vacations, we were there and she had some meeting. She was a member of poet club in her town and they use to gather every month and used to read or discuss whatever new writing or reading they have done. Being very fond of her, I asked her to accompany her for that meeting. She agreed at once and said, “If you want to come with me, you have recite a poem as well.” My motive was to be with her so I said OK. She gave a book and asked to by heart one poem.
The poem was written by the great Marathi poet/writer Kusumagraj (Vi.Va.Shirvadkar). The poem was about a nature’s beauty of a Marathi month called ‘Shravan’.
(https://www.aathavanitli-gani.com/Song/Hasara_Nachara_Jarasa)
Meaning of the poem is this month Shravan coincides with monsoon and characterized by abundant rains, lush greenery, and cool, refreshing weather. Rivers and waterfalls flow in full force, and the landscape turns verdant. According to poet it is naughty, playful and nurturing.
I learnt that poem and went with her. All her friends were sitting in a big hall and each one was reading or reciting various literary formats. When it was my grandmother’s turn, she read her poem and told everyone that even my grand daughter would like to recite one poem for all of you. Till that time, everything was fine, but I remember looking at her once before starting the poem and a big lump in my throat after I finished and everyone was clapping. This was my very first experience of public speaking or performing on stage.
This childhood memory I always cherish. If you want something you have to work for it even to earn someone’s ‘time’. You have to prepare before going to perform anything on stage or in public. These small experiences help us to take new challenges and give strength to face them.
Words panorama 