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My grandmother's fingers danced across the veena strings, each note a prayer whispered in Tamil. I watched from the doorway, mesmerized by the Carnatic ragas flowing through our modest home. She taught me that music wasn't about wealth—it was about preserving something sacred. Years later, I earned enough through online music lessons to finally buy her that quality instrument she'd always wanted. Watching her face light up felt glorious. More importantly, my students now learned our heritage authentically. We're all custodians of something beautiful, passing it forward to those hungry for connection.