This is dedicated to my dear dadima (grandmother) and details the top five reasons why I love her company. I’ve been going through a challenging time recently, and I don’t think my dadima realises just how much she has helped me as a grandmother, by just being there for me.

1. She tells stories - they put my problems into perspective

My dadima has experienced hardships in life and, luckily for her grandchildren, she has been gifted with the art of storytelling. It’s often over a mug of masala chai that the magic unfolds. “My child, do you know how many times I felt helpless and down? I came to the UK from India as a young mother and raised my six children with nobody to help me. All my family were in India. Your dadaji (grandfather) was working all day, every day, to provide for us and I was alone with the children in a small rented space. I had to be resourceful and make ends meet. When my child had an accident, I was so torn up with grief that I was hospitalised shortly after. But do you think I gave up? I stayed strong and kept going for the sake of my children”.

2. We converse in Punjabi – the mother tongue connects us

Being British born and bred with Indian ancestry, I’m keen to remember my Indian roots. Having spent my early childhood years living in the extended family, I was raised as a bilingual child, and my grandparents have always taught me the importance of learning my mother tongue. Speaking in Punjabi means that I can bond with my dadima fully – understanding each cultural nuance, Indian joke and anecdote, not to mention Bollywood movies and dramas.

3. I see Mother Nature and mindfulness in my dadima

When she was younger, dadima would run around like
Superwoman getting things done. Her health has now slowed her down substantially, but that doesn’t stop her from pottering about and giving each and every task her all. Whether it’s washing her vegetables, or scrubbing a saucepan until its as shiny as a mirror, it’s a ritual. Cooking for her children and grandchildren, she’ll often say: “This is going to give my children strength and good health. If one doesn’t eat good food, how can one function in today’s busy life?”

4. Her simple life values make sense to me

“There are certain things in life which we cannot control, so don’t waste energy on them. We are on this Earth to live life to the fullest. Do your best, think good thoughts, and most of all, be kind to others. Leave the rest to God" (she is a God-fearing person). “Worrying will only ruin your body and mind. Prepare your food with love, eat well, and happiness will shine”.

5. She teaches me her DIY, Ayurvedic beauty and wellness remedies

Dadima has raised me on simple, inexpensive health tips which are rooted in Ayurveda. In and among all of the expensive beauty products thrown at us, often inspired by the East, it’s refreshing when my dadima recommends the ‘real’, earthy stuff. Dadima makes me a simple gram flour face mask for glowing skin, a mug of haldi doodh (turmeric milk) if I have a cold, tells me to oil my hair before washing, to always to drink warm water, and to eat five almonds, soaked and peeled, for brain food. Whilst I still use my products, nothing beats the old school remedies when I want something natural, tried and tested.

At so many points in my life, it’s the stories of my dadima which stand by me. And I’m sure I’m not the only grandchild. So if you’re a storytelling grandmother, here’s to you!

Anneeka is a Berkshire-based author, blogger and founder of dadima’s – a brand which aims to connect generations and share wisdom. Anneeka recently launched a campaign called Grandactions, which encourages young people to spend quality time with their grandparents over home cooking. She announced the campaign on BBC Radio Berkshire encouraging parents to download an activity pack for children to interview their grandparents. Anneeka is planning various events in Berkshire, including a Grandactions walk in Windsor, and an exclusive dinner experience with Elements Kitchens.