My Grandfather

Article written by K G George for certificate course HOSD 2015, Christ University

Everyone in this life has met a lot of people with different personalities, but only a few of these people has inspired each of us. For me it was my grandfather, Anthony Kuriakose, who has implemented me with a lot of inspiration, wisdom, and guidance. An engineer who was transferred to work in Japan in the 1970's.He never complained about it. My grandfather is a person who inspires people to look at things from a different perspective or angle. Seeing things in a different point of view sometimes helps people to understand their life or thoughts better. Thinking things out before you react can help people not to make a mistake. His wisdom has made me analyze things. He has always said that you can work harder or work smarter. Meaning that using your head is helpful in getting the task accomplished. That's why the more driven you are, the further you will get in life.For instance, he has given me guidance on how college is important. Without having a college degree you have a hard time being able to get through life living comfortably. What you learn and achieve in college is applied throughout the rest of your life. I think that now, you can see how my grandfather has implemented his inspiration, wisdom, and guidance through me and other people. Being able to think things out will make you able to understand what is going on in everything you do in your life.

 A few days back he turned 72. I called him up and wished him. It felt really good hearing his voice. Even at this age, he buys groceries, goes to the bank and visits his younger daughter who lives 60 kilometers away. He likes to fix things, something which reminds him of the days he worked as an engineer. The eldest of 8 children, he had to work really hard and was a role model to his younger siblings. A topper in math during 12th grade, he was very focused and determined. Always very serious and quiet, he believes in having a simple lifestyle.

The fondest memories I have of my grandfather are when I used to visit my mother’s house during summer vacations. It was a something to look forward to. After an endless number of exams, my grandfather would come in his car to pick me up. Our conversations would keep going until the end of the 2 hour journey from Kochi to Kothamangalam (My mother’s place). He used to tell me about his 2 year stay in Japan. How he struggled with the food (He’s a bit picky when it comes to food) and also taught me whatever little Japanese that he knew. I was always fascinated by science as a kid and the best person to ask questions was my grandfather. He always had an answer. Summer vacations were the best time to learn new things. My grandfather taught me how to ride a cycle, shoot a gun, play chess, drive (a bit), and a lot more things. He’s taught me so much that I have a hard time remembering everything.
 
When I asked my mother about the earliest memory of her father she told me “he sits in front of the table fiddling with various batteries, bulbs and various other mechanical parts with his tools.” Thinking about what she just said I realized that it was also my earliest recollection of my grandfather.