Shilpy and Geet in KaramVas Nov 6, 2023

On way to KaramVas, Badbar

Shilpy along with her younger daughter Geet, are on their four-week visit to India. Shilpy had initially planned to explore Patiala and Chandigarh. However, as a pleasant surprise, Shilpy called us with the intention of visiting our village, Badbar, which is conveniently just an hour's drive from Patiala. 

Four Generations names have been engraved in a poetical verse style, stamping the authority of our proud ancestor poet laourate Bhai Nand Lal Ji Goya

Shilpy and Geet bring themselves close to imposing nameplate

We made all the necessary arrangements, including having the caretaker open the doors for her.

Geet was absolutely thrilled as she stepped into our new house, filled with excitement. 

She couldn't contain her joy and was even found jumping with enthusiasm. 

However, she also had to contend with the strong odor of cow dung spread across the roads, which was a common sight in the village. This reminded me of the time when I had brought her dad, Shiv, here about 40 years ago. He had expressed his discomfort, unable to step on the road due to the abundance of cow dung everywhere.

Shilpy proudly poses herself against the backdrop of 200+years old bricks highlighted in the living room and on the outside front wall. These are the only bricks which stand, today, a witness to the honored, proud and courageous heritage of my Grandmother and Dad. 

After demolishing the old house, we saved these bricks as ‘Token of Reminiscence’ and stacked them safely for about 10 years to use them later as an ornament of new structure.

Fully taking over the grandparents room


Overjoyed in her parents room with her Dads childhood toys

Her Dad played with this robot toy gifted by Nana ji and Nani ji from USA about 40+ years back

Geet reaches ultimate loft for kids to mingle, jingle and tangle all night

Mom and daughter look over jubilant in the surrounding atmosphere of their own golden Paddy fields

Paddy fields have turned Golden from lush green a few weeks ago and are awaiting for harvesting combines any day.

Parali being burnt in the neighboring fields

The issue of pollution, particularly in northern India, is a significant and complex concern that affects the environment, public health, and overall quality of life. 

Northern India is notorious for its high levels of air pollution. This is mainly due to various factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and the practice of burning crop residues, such as the Parali (crop stubble) mentioned above. 

The burning of crop residues after harvest season, often done to clear fields for the next planting, releases harmful particulate matter and gases into the atmosphere. This not only worsens air quality but also contributes to health problems like respiratory issues and heart diseases. Major cities like Delhi have frequently experienced hazardous levels of air pollution, leading to public health emergencies.

Paddy fields make a fantastic background for any artist and Geet makes a perfect use of the same.

Despite the less pleasant aspects of the village due to cow dung spread all over, the beauty of nature and the lush paddy fields preparing for harvesting were truly enchanting. 

Geet's visit to the farms was an exhilarating experience for her and her Mom. She couldn't resist dancing in the fields, savoring the rich agricultural landscapes.

Neighbors ‘Gadda’  a Cart without bullocks awaits at the door when Shilpy reached KaramVas.

This impromptu visit to the farms and the farm house was a truly enriching experience for Geet and Mom Shilpy.  Geet’s joy and enthusiasm as she danced in the lush paddy fields were infectious, reminding us of the simple yet profound beauty of nature. The farm house offered a serene escape from the bustling city life, allowing us to connect with the rural roots of India.

It was Baba ji’s esteemed blessings that newly developed house attracted 5th generation Geet to step in at the same place where my grandmother Bibi Karam Devi, whom we addressed as Bhabhi ji, lived during final years of her life.  I vividly remember Bhabhi ji happily humming the songs and stories of Baba Nanak, Bebe Nanaki, and other Guru Sakhis- the tales of the era during the period Sikh Gurus lived.