Strengthening the institution of ‘joint family’
| Date :15-May-2020 |
(left) Malwar family enjoying the tabla recital of their youngest members. (right) Members of Dhawangale family sharing some quality time with kids.
By Alka Panse-Tiwari and Pallavi Borkar-Patil :
A FINE thread of varied relationships, when weaved patiently, creates the most amazing fabric called a family. Joint family, in particular, which when formed with utmost care and responsibility, sustains any unprecedented condition. As the society is facing the challenge posed due to novel coronavirus, the institution of ‘joint family’ is standing tall -- unshaken and undaunted. The back-to-back lockdowns have provided chance for families to rebuild bonds with the loved ones. On the Family Day, ‘The Hitavada’ brings its readers a few tales of the families about how this lockdown has given them a precious time together. Ratnamala Malwar, a teacher, wants to thank the lockdown for giving this change. Including her husband Moreshwar, her big family includes 11 members.
Gajbhiye family enjoying their meal with the kids.
“Before lockdown, we all, including children, were busy with their respective works. Lockdown has given us a chance to know each other better and to love each other more,” said Ratnamala. “We have set our routine. After our lunch, me and my sister-in-laws discuss what special to cook that day. Our kids are busy in craft and some story books. They are even sharing their secrets with us! We play outdoor or indoor games in the evening including chess, musical chair,” she added. While Malwar family is enjoying a free happy life, the fear of coronavirus still lingers as Moreshwar, a pharmacist, is at work regularly.
“Yes, he misses many golden moments in the day but he joins us in the evening for dinner, watching movie together or playing cards.” Ratnamala feels that her mother-in-law is the happiest as she now can see her entire family together, celebrating birthdays and anniversary together at home instead of going out with friends. Deepti Dhawangale, a software trainer feels the same. “Lockdown has made us realise the importance of elders at home. Now, I understand better what my mother-in-law must be going through handling three notorious kids at home. She is the biggest pillar of strength and we are really blessed to have her,” said Deepti, a resident of Zingabai Takli.
She has a family of eight members. “Joint family does not give you a chance to get bored. In absence of the maid, we divide our work and we don’t even feel burdened.” Deepti and Priyanka are doing work from home. “There are strengths and weaknesses in every family. We are knowing each other better. The lockdown has also taught me adjustments. I have never spent so much time with the kids of my house.” “Many a time, male members also cook for us which we had hardly seen before.” “Post lockdown, I want my family to have at least one meal together,” she said. Mukesh Gajbhiye, who thinks that due to lockdown the elders in the family are bonding better with the younger generation.
With three generations living under the same roof, Gajbhiye finds it amazing that how the eldest person in the family ‘dadaji’ has become friends with the youngest member and has started calling him ‘Mitra’. “Being in a joint family is a blessing in such a situation. We have a big family of 13 people. We have always shared a very strong bond, but now we have started noticing even the small habits of each other. This has further strengthened our bond.” Gajbhiye elaborated how the six children in house are taking keen interest in listening to their grandparents’ stories. “Children do not feel the need to go out to play. They, in fact, are learning the childhood games of their grandparents and surprisingly they are finding them more interesting,” he said.
