Impact
Sandeep Achantani
We all have always been taught the cliche that change is the only constant and that one must accept the change. However not all changes are sudden and disruptive. Mostly the changes that happen around us especially in our social norms, in our ways of living and interacting with our environment are minute and incremental. The pace of such change is so slow that it usually goes unnoticed. Thus the only way to get a sense of the magnitude of the change in our lifestyles is to compare across 3 to 4 generations. Moreover the young people of today who have not lived through those bygone times perhaps do not have a full understanding and appreciation of how challenging yet simple, how inconvenient yet pleasurable were the times for our elders who were growing up in those years. The project done by Aarushi provided one such opportunity when all of us from 3 generations sat together and discussed some of these topics. It was also a great learning for my kids to listen to some of the other recordings. This kind of compilation can really trigger some very creative thoughts and perhaps lead to many positive endevors by our kids who are very much inspired by the struggles of their grand parents and parents that they themselves have never seen.
Rajnish Sapra
When I learnt about Aarushi’s project, I loved the idea. I had often heard narratives from my elders but those remained within my family. Similarly there would be a million other stories I never heard since they stayed within their small circle. Here was a platform that would widen the reach for both narrators and listeners of tales from times gone by.
When I proposed to my family’s elders to record their experiences, at first there was hesitance. But those that got over their initial hitch went on to narrate not a few, but dozens of memories that had remained long buried. It was almost cathartic for these speakers to bring out nearly forgotten stories and sometimes even emotions. For example, in one speaker’s recordings I could hear the in the undercurrent the discrimination she faced as a girl child, telling us about parental behavior in that era.
From narratives that came from within my family I heard their experiences they never got a chance to share earlier, for example my aunt viewing the first Republic Day parade perched atop my grandfather’s shoulders, or her recollection of the first elections held in independent India. I also heard many anecdotes about how life was 60-70 years ago.
Listening to other recordings on Aarushi’s site, I could hear different customs and varied experiences of people from other parts of the country and the world.
What a great idea to have implemented. Bravo, Aarushi — more power to you!
K. N. Sharma
I wish to put on record, my feelings, regarding the Itihas Project. Aarushi belongs to my generation “grand”. It is a big generation gap. Actually, it is more in present times than it used to be in our times. This is due to the fast development of electronic and print media. It is indeed very difficult for the kids of this age to understand the values of our concepts. To some extent they are justified since they are to assimilate a vast knowledge while taking care of tough competitions ahead. This project has made it possible for them to get acquainted with these values.
In my earlier recording I laid stress on the importance of concentration of mind as an essential characteristic for a student. Now, because of this project, they have come to know about this concept. If they take it seriously, it will result in manifold increase of their efficiency which will help them to achieve maximum in minimum time. Knowing about the social values of old generation will help them to tide over crisis, if any, in their future.
So, I appreciate the introduction of this project to the students at this early stage.
Jerry Pinto
Neera Sapra
This project was an excellent, efficient and easiest way for preserving precious (nearly forgotten) old traditions, rituals and events.
Thank you so much dear Aarushi for making me part of this.
I also enjoyed listening to most of recordings which really something made me very emotional also.
Usha Gupta
Mrs. Ramesh Luthra
Age: 84
The very idea of asking senior citizens about their memories of the era gone by is thoughtful and appreciable. It will bring the young generation which is living in the computer age close to old people and know about the good old days. Might be the young change their materialistic attitude.
Original handwritten note:
