Today is two years since Pedatha passed away. But her memory is as fresh as a morning rose in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her. We post this tribute by Sandhya, a.k.a Sandy, the better half of Pranav Jain whose favourite birthday gift is a meal from Pedatha’s book. She writes:
“I had wanted to write for Pedatha from a long time and thought that today was the best day to pay my offerings to her soul. May her soul rest in peace and may there be light and peace where she travels…
Who was Pedatha, a question I haven’t stopped wondering about! An angel perhaps, or a guiding star who was destined to crown the lives of Jigyasa and Pratibha, the two women who loved her and recognized her immense qualities. It was in the lap of true, unconditional love between these three that the wonder of “Cooking at Home with Pedatha” was born.
Today, Pedatha is physically not amongst us, but her subtle presence is felt in many a home where in the busy schedules of our daily lives, we turn the pages of her book and stumble upon a suggestion that makes cooking more pleasurable, a hint that adds flavour and aroma to a vegetable, or a miraculous tip to preserve the chutneys and podis for longer periods…and thus her magic beckons us again and again.
the mortal and the immortal
Often I have felt that it is not just her food that satisfied the palate, but that there was something else that nurtured the soul. Her motherly instinct, her love, her gentle serenity, the manner in which she smiled and called out “Amloo” (darling) – all these not just nurtured us, but healed us at an inner level without our own awareness.
Her content smile, illuminated by her sparkling pearl like teeth, the wisdom in her bright gaze which did not miss much – I remember all these so clearly. I remember vividly the day I met Pedatha – her serene presence brought tears to my eyes and my being resonated with compassion. But more than anything, I remember how reassured I felt around her. I felt as if she was assuring me and many like me – women who are against odds trying to prove their worth and make an identity for themselves, that the clock of Time may take years before it decides to strike, but it will. Her presence filled me with patience and perseverance, but much more, with faith. A faith that does not question the bends and curves in the path, but wills us to do our bit with love. It was perhaps this wise understanding within her that bore fruit in her own life at the age of 83 when the world came to recognize her for who she was – an embodiment of love!
I miss you today, my dearest Pedatha. You are truly a tiara in my life and in the life of those who cook as you teach through that beautiful green book. Your memory is a glow in my heart. You make me proud that I am a woman. You give meaning to my life with your message of love and nurturing. I can easily say that you are someone who truly lived her life by following her heart.”
BY SANDHYA JAIN
Photo courtesy: Duchess Club, Chennai (at the launch of “Cooking at Home with Pedatha)
Pedatha’s green book came to me as a wedding anniv gift from Prabodh & Mira Jain. It lights up my mumbai life with a tasty dish. My family too loves the taste. Pratibha & Jigyasa…you’ve really done good work. Prabodh, compliments on the book design!
Pedatha’s book and the posts here make me feel as though I have known her for a long time too
It makes me feel I wanna eat something she has cooked with love. Thanks to Pratibha n Jigyasa for sharing it with all of us and Sandhya for this lovely post
Thankyou for dropping by my blog and leaving valuable comments. Hope to see you there again soon.
Sandhya’s writing brought back Pedatha’s presence! And more than anything else, her words recapture the love and nurturing of grandmothers…
I regret not having met Pedatha in her lifetime, and feel honoured to have the opportunity to read, imbibe, learn and share her fabulous recipes!