Indra’s Drishtikona (Viewpoint)

A Grandchild’s Search for Root

Posted : October 27, 2005 at 11:43 am [IST]

I was really surprised, amazed and happy to receive this mail through a comment on my blog; www.drishtikona.com from Mauritius. Why is it essential to find out where the root was? Perhaps this is a very common urge for anyone who is a little emotionally attached to the tradition of the family.

I am trying to find out the village, but have not succeeded till date. Can I get help through my readers? Her first letter was:

“I am investigating in the birthplace of my grandfather who left the village of GARAWA, Sasaram in the year 1889 for Mauritius. As granddaughter, I would like to have as much information as possible. I would be grateful if you could let me know, who to contact in Sasaram.”

I replied to her saying I shall try to find out as much as possible. I couldn’t contact my maternal uncle at Sasaram, who is knowledgeable about the areas all-round. He had left for a place where I couldn’t have contacted him. I told my advocate brother to find out something if he can. He has not been to find out any thing till date. I did also asked the grandchild to provide some more information. Perhaps the English spelling of the village or the place is also causing some difficulty. She sent the following communication.

“Sir, I wish to thank you for your reply. Regarding the search for the birthplace of my Dadaji, I am very eager to know about him, the land from where he came and any other thing regarding him. Unfortunately there’s very little information from here. I couldn’t even have his first name. Whatever I gathered from the local archives, he reached Mauritius on the 9th September 1889 at the age of 30, coming from village GARAWA in ” Zillah SHAHABAD ” - “Pergunnah SASRAM ” from the port of origin Calcutta, was named KALICHARAN ,
Father’s name GAYANI,
Mother’s name GANGIA,
Next of kin - RAHASI - GARAWA.
That’s all the information I have. So, I started searching on the internet for Bihar, Sasram when I came across your journal with the story of a village near Sasaram. Thus, I contacted you. In this island, Mauritius, when it was ruled by the French, thousands of Indians were brought during the years 1700 - 1800 to work in the sugar-cane fields. Each one was given an immigration number attached to their name. From that name and number which I found on my father’s birth certificate (the latter passed away in 1983) ,I have been able to start my research. On the document I have, Sasram is mentioned, not Sasaram, so I just ventured!
Sir, this has been a long letter. I apologise if I have bored you with so many details.
With the hope of reading from you soon,
and with anticipated thanks,”

With all my sons in US, and as now Anand is marrying a US American citizen, I am dreaming of a day in 2105 or 2205 AD, when one of my grandsons or granddaughters may be putting a similar query to people in India, if everything else remains same. I am getting emotionally overwhelmed with even the thought of that.

If any one is having some information, please send to irsharma@gmail.com or to Chandrakiran RATHACHAREN rath_kiran@yahoo.com

And another story

- Indra

Category: Religious/Social issues |