Syeda AB Jan
In the quiet corner of my grandfather’s study, there rested on a wooden shelf a Philips radio, its body worn from years of use. The dial was faded, the knobs dull, yet this was no ordinary relic; it was a vessel of nostalgia, a keeper of tales, and a faithful friend to a man whose heart was a treasure trove of wisdom.
A Daily Ritual: Grandfather and His Radio
Each dawn, as the sun gently rose, my grandfather would take his place in his beloved wooden chair, tea in hand, ready to greet the day with the morning news crackling through the radio. He absorbed every word, from market updates to political shifts, his connection to the world outside our home.
As evening approached, the air would fill with the timeless melodies of Hindi classics, the voices of Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar echoing through our home, a melody of memories. On weekends, the excitement of cricket commentary would take over, his face lighting up with each play described, his eyes closed in contentment.
Listening Together: My Childhood with the Radio
I recall sitting on the cool marble floor next to him, his hand resting on my shoulder, sharing stories of a time when the radio was the heart of home entertainment. One chilly winter night stands out, when darkness enveloped our home due to a power cut. My grandfather, ever composed, turned on the radio, tuning into an old drama. The actors’ voices, crackling yet vivid, transported us to new worlds. His rapt attention to the unfolding stories showed me the magic of this simple device.
During the Kargil War, I was too young to understand fully, but the radio was our window to history. My grandfather explained everything in terms I could grasp, teaching me not just about conflict but about the importance of staying informed.
A Window to the Past: The Historical Significance
This radio, a purchase from the early 1960s, was more than an appliance; it was a symbol of an era. It brought the voice of independence, the tension of the Cold War, and the joy of India’s cricket triumphs into our lives. It was our link to the past, capturing moments that would have otherwise faded away.
More Than Just a Machine: The Emotional Connection
After his passing, the silence in our home was profound. His radio, now silent, gathered dust on that same shelf. It took time before I could touch it again, but when I did, the static and a familiar tune were like a whisper from him. That radio wasn’t just a machine; it was our connection, our shared history, our love for stories and music.
It now resides in my study, a sentinel of memories. Despite the digital age, nothing matches the intimate experience of tuning into the past, hearing the same voices that once filled our home with warmth.
Conclusion: Keeping the Legacy Alive
In today’s fast-paced world, an old radio might seem out of place, but for those of us who hold dear the memories it evokes, it’s irreplaceable. It’s a lesson in patience, in storytelling, in connecting across time.
Each time I turn it on, I feel my grandfather next to me, his smile bridging the gap between then and now. This radio, this legacy, keeps his spirit alive, reminding us that some things are timeless.
A tribute to my grandfather, the late Ghulam Nabi Jan.
