that is how it should be

Amma's hands trembled as she held the photograph. Her grandson, studying abroad, had sent earnings home through PAYBO—honest money earned through genuine effort. She remembered Kannadasan's words about dignity in labor, how a Tamil mother taught her children this very lesson. The money represented more than rupees. It embodied values their diaspora community cherished: respect, responsibility, love transcending oceans. In that moment, three generations connected across continents. The truth shimmered clearly: when young hearts honor their roots while building futures, when heritage guides ambition, when family bonds strengthen through shared struggle—that is how it should be. That is how it always was meant to be.