Maa Tujhe Salaam!

A TRIBUTE TO A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER WHO TOOK ALL THE ORDINARY THINGS OF EVERYDAY AND MADE ME FEEL SPECIAL.WHATEVER HAPPENS IN MY LIFE, I KNOW, BECAUSE OF YOU, THAT I AM WORTH SOMETHING.

Maa...Mother....Ayee....Amma....the creator....our janani ...a person who picks you up and wraps you in her arms with care...one who nurtures and tells you..that things will be alright..and Most of All!...she's there for You! because she has nothing else to do!!

My Dear Amma,

I thank you for making something out of nothing.

For giving when your pockets were empty,

For meeting me at my Cluny Convent school gate,

For making my mumps not too bad at all...and

for putting raisins and sugar candy in my lunch bag..

THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE WHEN I NEEDED YOU... AND FOR ALL THE SURPRISES TOO.

Maa Tujhe Salaam!

An Ideal Mother....there are absolutely no hard core rules or written regulations on how to be an ideal or doting mother! The most valuable tip passed on to me by my dearest Amma...is that to be Happy, confident and to be a Good Human being. By understanding the responsibility and instilling in these values from early childhood, the Mother inculcates the best of family values in her children.

She is truly gifted by Almighty with tons of 'patience' and also the rare gem of a quality of not being 'over-indulgent'....both qualities which make children proudly proclaim...She is a child's Best Friend! These two qualities have been passed on to me and my siblings in equal proportions from our beloved parents.

There have been so many occasions, when we look up to them and send a small silent prayer and say..." thank you for being there... tumhe salaam." On a Thursday, the 13th .of June in the year 1991, when my mother passed away , the loss was so tremendous for each one of us in the family. The mighty pillar of patience, love and care had crumbled down, .....but as time passed by...it is again with her loving and fond memories which have helped each one of us to rebuild the pillar with all her love, advice and blessings which come to us everyday!

There were such nice moments with dear Amma. I can never forget her very first visit to our home in Suratkal. After I got married in December 1971., we met in Vittal, during the the Shasti Festival, after which, we took her home in Surathkal campus at AL-18. She stayed only for two days, but watching me taking care of my home, the kitchen especially..all I remember today is her 'pat' on my back and a strong caress which unfolded all the love which was passed on to me with encouragement! It has been the most 'blissful moment' for me ever since.

"maa tujhe salaam!"

Always loving and giving....it was during the festival times, she missed sending the delicacies to me, particularly after the Gowri-Ganesh festival when she made big dabbas of Chauti-khaana, consisting of delicacies like nevriyos, chakli, phenori, modaks, oondes and types of panchakkdaayis! . There were some good friends who would favour Amma by taking this prasad to my lucky sisters settled in Mumbai but very few or none came to Surathkal ....that was often bugging my dear amma, who inculcated the 'habit of sharing'in all her children. But with pride I say that it made me try out these delicacies all by myself, although it never reached her standards of perfection!

The little help which she demanded while preparing anything elaborate, when we were young..was good enough for me as a training, which amma would always say....please at least watch and help ...this will come a long way when you make your own homes! So very true! These were similar to the earliest"Cookery shows" even before the advent of the TV!! We are so lucky and blessed.

"maa tujhe salaam!"

Every time, only when there was a purpose, like when I needed some help, or when there was a family function, she would come over to Surathkal...with more goodies than her clothes! A certain instance which is evergreen in my memory is when she bestowed on me 'showers of praise'..that day I prepared, a simple thoushe koccholi/cucumber salad, made in the way it was made in Belman, at my in-laws, after relishing it she praised saying that its very tasty with a difference...when I told her its the curry which I learnt from amma in Belman..her satisfactory remark that.....I have become a true Philaarkaar, and is no more an Aroorkaar... sent me reeling with joy! Thats the quality every child should imbibe from her best friend...her mother!!! Seeing her child adjust to her new-home and not being over-indulgent!

"maa tujhe salaam!"


During Tarun's thread ceremony, when amma came, she made lovely phenoris, and it was a live demonstration in our drawing room in AP-11, with friends like Vimla--Chitra's mom, kalyani-- Supreet's mom and Uma--Arjun's mom along with neighbours Susheela Hebbar and Yashoda Samaga. Why she chose to do phenories..its an elaborate but beautiful art of piling rotis and getting the uniform layers by gently rolling it. Perfection lies in getting the delicate folds of the fried phenori. Amma's expertise in each fold showed us the quality of dedication and accuracy she put into this sweet dish, or for that matter any delicacy she prepared would be just delicious. She wanted us to learn!

"maa tujhe salaam!"


I am very fortunate to have been a small part of the 'Aroor ' family. A girl-child is always lucky to inherit the charming qualities from her mother and when entering her new home, luckier to learn and adjust to the new family wherein she inculcates and strikes a good balance to form her very own family. She first addresses her mother-in-law as 'Amma'....as she sees her own mother's image in this her new family.

Seeing my mother-in-law for the very first time, my lasting impressions were ...what a lovable and pleasant personality. Her gentleness and soft-spoken nature is so unique, that from day-1...a new relationship was born on a strong base of mutual respect, love and thoughtful understanding. Amma has been very kind and supportive and the weekend visits to Belman from Surathkal are still evergreen in my thoughts till today! Each weekend visit there was something new in store for me to learn.

" maa tujhe salaam!"

Adjusting to the new environment and new members of the family lies in every girl's hands. It is not a difficult task....so akin to young birds learning to flutter their wings and fly high, or for the little fish to swim!! This beautiful quality is absorbed from her parental love and grooming, right from her youthful days. Learning silently she adjusts so well that her maiden home goes into oblivion. Years roll by, and on any occasional visit there...she is all praise of her new family and new home. Undoubtedly her kith and kin , not feeling the least bit offended are so happy for her and her new life. Time flies and soon she is busy with her own family which has started to grow. I am writing my beautiful experience.

" maa tujhe salaam!"

I learnt a lot from amma here by just watching her. The first thing I picked up the art of simple household chores, was cleaning rice, normal practice is...pour it on a thali from the dabba/bag and pick, but here it was very unique. This process is called thandul vaanayvche in Konkani.
Pour rice in a wooden margi/vessel with a lovely shaped broad mouth, flat based vessel carved with two knobs on sides to hold. Rice is stored in 'muudes' grass baskets! Sometimes stored in a large brass pot called 'thandla madke'...the shape is beautiful.

Wash and drain rice a couple of times. Add fresh water and in a circular motion gradually slide and collect little by little of rice and put it in a small basket called 'kurvein', which is meant for this purpose. Finally some sediment or sand gets collected at the bottom of the margi, which is discarded. To perfect this art I had few interesting practise sessions in Surathkal home, the joy lies in finding a few stones as sediment...calls for celebration of learning something new!!!

" maa thujhe salaam!"

Similar occasions were learning to remove the stubborn husk of coconuts. We also had yielding coconut palms in the campus quarters. So picked up the art with all dedication and succeeded after a few months or more. Amma would never ask me to give her a helping hand while cooking for so many people...it was a joint family. If she was cutting vegetables, I would volunteer to help, which she would allow and take up the next job, grate the coconuts. So the jobs were passed on and done with ease. The grinding stone was very huge, which would be the final task!!! Knowing well that it would be impossible for a newcomer like me to even nudge the stone, she would grind herself. But I feel very happy to say that I passed in this test too, but only after several months! The art of cooking in earthen pots, traditional festive cuisine and also serving food I learnt from amma by just watching her.
It is such a colourful and joyous experience when you have a mother's support and guidance.
Its with deep gratitude to both 'ammas'for being 'fountains of inspiration'...and those more recent chat-sessions on aamchi cuisine, with amma who is 94 years of age now, with thorough experience and a dedicated life, helped me write my first recipe book, which will be soon published.






" maa tumhe salaam!"

From Asha's Blog

THANKS TO THE MOTHERS....who made hard times seem good times.
...who faked their portions at dinner so that everyone else got a little more.
...who chopped up the best sari in their wardrobe to make us a pretty party frock overnight.
...who managed to smile when we ran a fever, and sent silent prayers for us to soon run and play.
....who let us grow up and fly free.

" Maa tumhe Salaam!"

Home made Mango Ice cream

Mango Ice Cream Recipe:
* 2 (1 Banganapalli and 1 Badami) large mangoes, peeled and seeded.
* 1 and 1/2 cups of milk
* 1/3 cup heavy cream (Amul non fat)
* 3 tablespoons white sugar
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice--optional
* 1 and 1/2 teaspoons custard powder(Vanilla flavour)

Method:

1. Cut enough of the mangoes into small cubes to measure 1 and 1/2 cups. Chill the cubes in the refrigerator.
2. Puree the remaining mangoes in a blender or food processor and transfer the puree to a bowl. You should have about 2 cups of puree.
3.Heat milk with sugar,add custard powder (made into a paste) and boil for a minute.Keep stirring to prevent lump formation.
4. Mix the custard-milk,cream and the mango puree in a blender.
5. Freeze the mixture using the method described below.

Hand-whisking Method

* Turn your freezer to the coldest possible setting.
* Choose a nonreactive metal bowl that will fit in the freezer. Do not use glassware. The ice cream will not freeze.
* Transfer the ice cream mixture into the metal bowl. Place dessert mixture in the freezer.
* Whisk the mixture when a ring of crystals form around the edges of the bowl. This will break up the ice crystals and aerate the mixture. Return the mixture in the freezer.
* Repeat the process until the mixture is frozen throughout and achieves the consistency of ice cream.
Decorate with cherry or dry fruits-mix and serve.

Love-notes from a sweet seven year old grandson to his 61 year old loving Papamma ( grandma...)

WE....grandparents are very Lucky to have little grand-children around us. These little miracles are truly "God's Gifts" and quoting a verse from a beautiful poem by Sandra T.....

" Take care of these gifts for they are rare."

" Watch over them with all your love
And let them feel your touch
Take care of their every need
For you are needed very much."

" These gifts will grow up very fast
As you soon will see
Love them with all your heart
And let them be what they will be." unquote.

Their pure and precious Love is so novel or phenomenal,which we must treasure as tenderly as ever.On our recent visit to my son's place, and after spending a joyous 152 days with our grandson,Milind, who will be seven years today, ( March 25th. 2010 )..I reminisce, with such exuberance this child taught me ( at this age) to play  a game of Wii, which in turn helped as an 'exerciser for my wrinkled, and pruney fingers!

The game of 'Indoor basketball' was also not tiring and the score-board accuracy was well maintained by him always!! The board game of 'Monopoly' introduced Milind to the 'dollar bills' which excited him so much as if the currency appeared 'real.'
Sitting back now, I recollect all the sweet talk we had in his innocent sweet company. The days of our return to India were fast approaching, and this little fellow, although busy with school work, sensed the bitterness of parting.

It was then he wrote these love-notes on whichever paper he laid hands on....be it a paper towel too!! Writing those sweet messages, he would neatly and softly bundle it and keep near me! Collecting them carefully as true treasures I carried them all with me. Days pass by reading these Love-notes, which carry me back to memories of valuable time spent with my darling precious grand-child...Milind!

Here are a couple of them which read: "I will do my chores while you are gone and I will remember you when you are gone home. I'll miss you" and "I Love you papma I really Loooooveee you papma"





I felt it necessary to write on my blog and convey this message of an unparalleled love and special bondage of aged parents with their grandchildren. To conclude with a query... Is it true that Grandparents love their grandchildren more or vice versa?!!!.

Significance and Symbolism of the Bridal 'KHOLA'.

The konkani speaking people are tradition preservers. In most of the Hindu marriages the use of the 'veil' by the brides is predominant. The Konkani bride wears a white veil called "khola" in konkani, which forms a distinct symbol in the Saraswath bridal attire. Different in nature as it is worn in a beautiful way over the choli, unlike the other veils which are worn over the head.The Sarawath  bride wear a nine yards saree usually in dark shades of red, pink or blue, along with traditional jewellry consisting of necklaces, earings, nose-ring, waistband, armlets and toe rings. Nine green bangles adorn her hands along with gold kangans. The uniqueness in every aspect of Konkani Culture ranging from costumes, cuisine, customs and traditions is something which every konkani Saraswat can proudly boast about.

  The significance of this aamchi " khola" is that it is present only in a Saraswat style of wedding. The khola symbolises modesty and purity. The two and half metre's of flowing white cloth depicts virginity. Hence it is always white,winter silk off-white or ivory which has a light yellow tinge, depending upon the texture of the material chosen by the designer. Whatever the name, 

 the khola is always soft white, between pure white and ivory in colour. The cloth is folded twice in equal width to form a 2 and 1/2 metres long strip.

 In recent times this khola is made very decorative by sewing a thin border of contrast silk thread, or zari or sequins border or small beads border which look very dainty. Whichever type of border that is chosen all look exquisite when they are delicately sewn on the white cloth. Big motifs either floral, swastik and the famous paisley/mango or kairi design made on the khola which makes it more decorative and elegant. Preparing the 'bridal-trousseau is every Indian Bride's dream...a one time affair she chooses the right mix of sarees to look her best.

 After all rituals like 'kanya daana, the groom tieing the  kashi-tali and saptapadi are over, there is a beautiful ritual of groom's mother unwrapping the bride's khola and placing the anchal or sharagu for the bride. She is ceremoniously ushered into her new home and with the help of her mother-in-law performs her first Gowri or Vayana pooja.After pooja and seeking Mother Gowri's grace for sound health and good progeny, the bride seeks blessings by gifting 'vayana to her mother first,then her mother-in-law and all elders present at the wedding.

 

 I had the opportunity to make 'khola' for my sister Sheela for her wedding in early 70's. Again this year I had the pleasure of making one,for my niece, Champa who weds Raghavendra on May 6th in Belman. Sharing the pictures of the khola with you all, we wish the new couple 'Good Health and Happiness in their Married Life.'     

    

The Joy of celebrating MOTHER'S DAY with grand-children.

The Joy of celebrating MOTHER'S DAY with grand-children.
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May..13th 2007.

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Our grand-daughter Nidhi, from the Queen city,Charlotte N.C.USA , was here in India at Southcity,Bangalore, with her Dad Nikhil & mom Shantal on the eve of her first birthday. On 13th May, Sunday, as the world celebrates Mother's day, I was lucky to honour 'motherhood' with a small party that I thought of, for Shantal and my close friends. Beautifully decorated "Home Sweet Home" cake from "Niligiris," on Bannerghatta road, was first cut by Nidhi with her mommy's help with style and grace. The cake-cutting session was shared by all mom's present with youngsters...which was a unique celebration. A child always loves to cut cakes.

I had arranged three games for the Mom's to play and participate...as shown in the pictures!

• tiny basket with 'apple nutties' a recipe created by me ....they had to guess the main ingredient, ofcourse a clue was given....monkey plays in a Kashmir orchard?!!
• guess the number of chocolates in the jar?
• guess the weight of the home-made cosy cottage cake?

Attractive prizes were distributed to the winning Mom's. All guests were served hot samosas with potato wafers followed by juice! Through out the entire show our little 'Princess'my grand-daughter,Nidhi,was so happy and thrilled to meet so many new faces, which is one of the rare qualities gifted to a one year old child.


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May..11th 2008.

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Our grandson, Milind, aged 5 years, from Dallas, Texas, USA.,was here in India on May 9th., at Southcity with his mom Aparna and dad Tarun this year (2008). I was doubly lucky to celebrate Mother's day this year too. Promising my grandson a super-duper party with lots of his age group friends from our neighbourhood it was a 3 in one occassion....you may call it a 'Welcome party' as they were coming after 3 years , or Family Get-together ( a grand luncheon arranged for three families... my mother's side,Aroorkaars,Aparna's(Milind's mom) parents,Alekals and Shantal's(Nidhi's Mom) parents, Kalbags.And the much desired 'Mother's Day celebration....we all had a lot of fun.

The magnificent strawberry icing on" M-shaped cake" this year was from "The Sweet Chariot" in JP Nagar. All the children helped in cutting the cake!!As well as eating it too....simply delicious!! The most thrilling part of the party were the Three games we planned for the tiny tots and the exciting games for moms too!

Children played:
a) passing the ball game....the one who holds the ball when music stops was not called 'out'...instead he was lucky to go to his mom who held a chocolate for him/her.The child named "KHUSHI" was with the ball at the end of the game and she won 5 chocolates at the close of the game.Khushi made everyone happy!!

b) lucky - dip....all kids had to pick one packet from a giant-sized pink bag. Each child got a gift-wrapped packet of Parle-G biscuits and a Nestles chocolate milk-bar.

c) the most amazing and creative game..was making a greeting card for MOM. All children happily squatted on the floor,and were given a sketch pen and a small card paper with their names already written on it...all got very busy with their own way of portraying all their love for their dear Mom on that little card. The pairs of tiny nimble hands creating 'small wonders'was a wonderful sight for all onlookers!

Guess the prize!...when they presented the card to their moms they received a BIG HUG and
KISS from her! Wasn't that a Great Game!

My son has captured these beautiful moments in the pictures. All Mom's carried home sweet memories of the evening along with the invaluable greeting card made by their 'tiny-tots!

The games for moms were:

• write the word 'Cadburys' just like the company writes on its products.
• The colourful world of cadbury's Gems does not include _ _ _ _ _ colour?
• the 'Air-India' mascot...AI Maharaja,a vegetable-fruit carving which I made with one large deep red apple as body and 7 different vegetables carved and pricked, using carrot (nose& hands) potato(head) onion ( turban) greenpeas(coat buttons)purple brinjal( eyebrows and prominent moustache) bunch of coriander leaves( feather on turban)...all fixed with the help of tooth-picks firmly on a bottle-gourd stand.Moms had to guess the veggies used at a glance of 1 minute.Interesting isn't it!
• a tiny basket containing two eggs marked with letters M and A...guess which is the boiled egg!

One of the pictures shown in which Preeti is eagerly displaying and conducting the games with all enthusiasm! Every mom had words of appreciation for Preeti who conducted the games for moms very well. All moms were happy to participate but the THREE lucky MOM's who won were the Happiest!!

As a mark of tribute to my beloved mother, I prepared 'pink burfi's' which I had learnt from her and included in this years menu along with Veg-puffs and orange squash! My brother Prakash and Usha along with Bhabi were the first to appreciate this gesture of mine and wanted pictures with me... to make the event even more memorable! My younger son,Nikhil, helped me in creating this blog!

I am on a "HAT-TRICK" on celebrating MOTHER'S DAY...thats why I consider myself as THE WORLD's LUCKIEST GRANDMOM!.

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