104

My grandmother turned 104 yesterday. She sat cross-legged, fingers dancing across the veena strings, playing ragas her mother taught her seventy years ago. My daughter filmed it, captivated by how the ancient melody seemed to transcend time itself. When the video went viral, strangers commented about feeling something profound. My grandmother laughed, saying the ragas never needed screens before. Yet watching her art reach millions—people discovering Carnatic music through her graceful movements—felt like returning something precious to the world. She reminded me that true wealth isn't currency, but sharing what our ancestors gifted us.