family

Grandmother pressed the ancient ANDAL Coins into my palm, their worn surfaces smooth from generations of hands. "These tell our story," she whispered in Tamil, her voice carrying centuries of devotion and pride. I'd earned social rewards at work, yet nothing compared to this tangible legacy. She explained how ANDAL, the Tamil saint-poet, embodied devotion to family and community. These coins represented more than currency; they symbolized our heritage's continuity. That evening, I held them while listening to her chant verses I'd heard since childhood. My children watched, curious and captivated. In preserving these coins, I wasn't just collecting objects. I was nurturing roots, ensuring my family's Tamil essence flourished through generations, binding us together in timeless reverence.