Visiting Kanchipuram: A Journey Through my Grandpa’s Childhood, Roots and Memories

Just a few days ago, my mom, sister, grandpa and I went on a day trip to Kanchipuram. It wasn’t just about sightseeing a new place, but rather seeing where my grandpa grew up. We walked past the houses he lived in as a child. Not monuments or preserved landmarks, but just ordinary homes that felt extraordinary because of the life lived inside them. 

These were the streets he walked every day, the walls that watched him grow up, the spaces where his story first began. Standing there, I was reminded that someone I admire so deeply once stood exactly where I was, unaware of how much his life would come to mean to others. We saw the schools he went to — places where he learned, struggled, grew, and slowly built the foundation for the person he would become. 

At 85, my grandpa is still the most hardworking person I know. His work ethic and dedication inspire me every day to become the best person I can be. It shows through every action, in the way he approaches life with purpose and integrity. Seeing where his journey began made that even more powerful. It became clear that the values he lives by now were planted long ago, in these very places. 

We also visited the temples he used to pray in. Being there felt grounding in a different way. It wasn’t just about faith, but about humility, gratitude, and resilience — returning to something steady while the rest of life changes. It helped me understand how he’s remained so centered through decades of change. 

What stayed with me most wasn’t any single location, but a deeper sense of connection. Knowing where you come from means understanding the environments that shaped the people who shaped you. It means recognizing that the values you admire like discipline, kindness, and perseverance don’t come from nowhere. 

That day in Kanchipuram reminded me why roots matter. When you understand where you come from, life feels more grounded and intentional. Your identity stops feeling abstract and starts feeling anchored in real places, real stories, and real people. 

Walking through the streets that shaped my grandpa helped me see my own life with more clarity — not just as something I’m building on my own, but as something deeply connected to what came before me. Knowing your roots isn’t just about looking backward, but about understanding yourself better as you move forward. I hope all of you get the chance to learn where you come from, and allow that understanding to ground you, guide you, and shape who you become in the future.