Where is home?
Growing up in different cities, I never experienced the familiar comfort of having one room and living in one house. I rarely felt a sense of belonging. I also did not have a sense of entitlement or possessiveness to a particular place. Today, home to me is where my parents live, irrespective of the city, state, or country they live in. It is home simply because everything in it–the smells, the sights, the memories and the people–is familiar.
“Home is my grandparents’ and extended family’s home in Kerala. Home is also the places I have stayed in. And they remain special even today. I have great memories from every place I have lived in,” says Priya.
“Nobody remembers the sofa you own, the painting on your wall, your curtains–what people do remember is you. Living in different cities while growing up is an enriching experience. It cannot be substituted with anything else,” says S R Singh, a senior journalist based in Indore–who has lived in many cities across India–highlighting the merits of relocating frequently.
Do these people wish they had grown up in one place, in one home? Not really.
Vardhman Singh, an IT professional currently residing in Odisha, constantly moved as a child. “Though, I am guilty of sometimes wishing to have lived in one city all my life and having the experience of knowing a city inside out, these feelings are short-lived and hold no candle to the multitudes of experiences I’ve had and the many kinds of personalities I have encountered through the people I’ve met,” he says.
At the end of this story, I have realised those who have moved frequently, have no serious regrets. “I would never want to grow up in one place. In fact, the only regret I have is that we didn’t move more. My father didn’t get posted in the Northeast after I was born. I would have loved to live there,” Says Priya.
Moving is an experience like no other. It leaves you many shades and memories richer. It gives you many homes, many friends, many uncles and aunts. It brings with it lessons in independence and detachment. You are at home with the philosophy of impermanence, even when you are too young to fathom it.
The big world out there is your little bubble wherever you live.