In India, there’s a typical tradition to ask people about their place of origin when we meet.
Where’s your native place?
Everyone has an origin within the country but I’m an odd one out. I don’t have an origin in India; all the past glory is lost. Sometimes, I feel like no man’s land.
My ancestors were born in Chiniot which is now in Pakistan after the great f***ing partition of India in 1947. After the partition, my father migrated from Lahore to Delhi and eventually Mumbai.
I was born and brought up in Mumbai but don’t have a native place, at least here in India.
I was unaware the origin question was common upon greetings in India. “Home is where you lay your head (or where you hang your hat).” I have heard these a number of times. It isn’t always true. Sometimes our place of residency does not feel homey. No matter the beauty around me, I feel like a misfit in most places. Maybe home is in the head 🙂
Beautiful perspective! You’re a philosopher too!
I am in the same boat. Myself Ashok, my ancestors also hail from Chiniot. My Grandfather Sh Raliya Ram Kapoor had three Sons Sh Chuni Lal, Shri Sardari Lal ji abd Malik Kundan Lal ji. The last one being my father. After partition settled in Jallandhar and later Shifted to Gurgaon.
Good to hear from you.