By Promod Puri (LINK COLUMNIST)
Not very popular, but a familiar malename in Punjab not long ago used to beChajju Ram.And it always fascinated me, not only itsounded somewhat casual and rustic innature, but Chajju Ram immediatelystrikes on the famous Indian proverb “josukh chajju ke chobare, na balakh nabukhare. Translation: east or west homeis the best. The name Chajju certainlygives lot of credentials to the importanceof home as it is part of the life’s triangle,rather I would say the most sought-aftertrinity which are “roti, kapadra aurMakaan”, meaning food, clothing andshelter.The fact is anybody with a homein reality owns his or her little sovereignkingdom or queen-dom. It is one ofthose virtues of life which one aspires tohave. Life begins at home and revolvesaround home to enjoy the bliss of havingthat pride possession.Home is not merely a physical dwellingof walls, windows and doors; floors androofs. It is not just a rest spot either, buta cozy place of peace and tranquility inthe midst of family or friends’ livelytogetherness and entertainment. Home isplace of absolute independence withinthe acceptable social norms.Home sweet home is a simple expressioncarrying deep feelings of that warmthand comfiness which one yearn for.If the home does not give all that isexpected then it is a house, and for thatreason home sickness is better thanhouse arrest.Home is the place of everlasting nostalgiaof living with parents, brothers, sistersand dear ones, the childhood anecdotesof little fights and laughs, thehome-cooked food, books and beds, anda lot more. The physical remembrance ofeach and every household item is also asomewhat nostalgic relaxation.Home is where we accumulate our culturalvalues, connect with our heritageand acquire family’s social, linguistic andreligious identities.Home is that place of security and independencewhere with elated feelings onecan unwind, recline and relax.Seventeenth century English poet JamesThompson has exquisitely expressed hisperception of home: “Home is the resortOf love, of joy, of peace, and plenty;where Supporting and supported, polishedfriends And dear relations mingleinto bliss”.But that bliss is deprived to millions ofhomeless people all over the world shelteringunder the open sky at the mercy ofMother Nature. It is this sad aspect ofhumanity which is visibly invisible as lifegoes on especially in busy metropolises.Promod Puri is the founder and former editorpublisherof the South Asian LINK who nowfinds heaven in his lovely abode in Vancouver
