Associations through narratives

The matter of conversation started where we found a common ground, the change that the place has exhibited through time. Though two of them were not originally from this place they gave a perspective of what they had observed since they came here. One of them shifted because of change in nature of husband’s work, the other lived with her in-laws. Her mother in law used to join in the conversation but left as she didn’t quite fit in. Through their stories one could get a glimpse of the nature of place that enables certain activities.

The stories and memories had an association with the spaces giving an identity to them. One women said when her nephew was young she used to guide her towards his education. Even while working in the kitchen, she always had one eye towards what he was doing. As guests came by he got distracted and used that as an excuse to run out of the house to play with the neighborhood kids. He liked to sleep on the carpet near the kitchen while listening to radio played by his grandfather. The grandfather spent most of his morning time in the courtyard peeping out to the street, reaching out to every known person to indulge them for a conversation. The other women talked about how this was an outer world for her after she came to this house as a newly married wife.

Initially she had to cover her face with the sari, abiding by the traditional beliefs that were imposed on her, which withered out with time. Similar stories went on further and further, complemented by tea and snacks they served us with immense eagerness.

These associations gave them meaning and relation to the space. The changing culture and pratices acted as a catalyst to preserve such memories complementing the nature of acceptance of these spaces.

© Photograph by: Student, MBM Narratives as a way of associating to the culture.

© Photograph by: Student, MBM Breathers leading to way of life.