Aniladum Mundril

Family relationships are dwindling in our modern age. The days of each family having more than 15 people are long gone. Today, we use phrases like nuclear family, joint family, and more. A husband and wife is itself a family in some places. Children find it increasingly difficult to live with their parents as they get older or after getting married. "PRIVACY" has gained more significance. Adaptation and sacrifice are no longer common words in dictionaries. People today don't want anyone to bother them, ask them questions, or be involved in their decisions. In this digital era where mobile phones are our world, how about traveling to 50 years go? How would it be like to look at how our ancestors lived together as a family?

 Most people will grumble about their relatives if you question them about them. My relatives are selfish, envious, and jealous, among other negative traits. These would be typical claims. If we consider things more broadly, we can see that we also play a typical role in the lives of others. We are someone's brother, uncle, and possibly grandpa (in the future). Therefore, it becomes crucial for us to understand and reflect on the part that each relative plays in a person's life. In addition to fostering our interpersonal growth, it also helps to improve the future for our next generation.

Author Na. Mutukumar takes us on a journey through his family's life in the book Aniladum Mundril. He skillfully described how each member of his family had an important role in his life. Mutukumar had the opportunity to experience all of the family connections because he was raised in a large family. Among the protagonist's family members are his wife and his beloved son, as well as his parents, older sister, younger sister, elder brother, and grandparent. There are 20 such relations, and he discusses each one in its own chapter in this book.

He was a young boy when his mother passed away. He confesses his regret at having lost her. Through his powerful words, he helps the readers recall their mother's face, scent, voice, and affection. Mutukumar also describes how his father sparked his interest in reading. He recalled his father's enthusiasm for cycling. He says that he used to commute 40 miles each day. His message to his father demonstrates his respect and love for him. Not all relationships must be blood relatives. We'll receive some relationships from the Lord. Sister is one of these relationships (in Tamil, "Akka"). We used to refer to a friend's sister as sister ("Akka") in our culture. Even when a person is born without siblings, they nonetheless end up with many Akka's. These Akka's would frequently serve as our mentors and carers. Mutukumar tells us how he was trained by such people.

In his latter years, while on a business trip in Malaysia, he received a call from a distant cousin with whom he had never previously spoken. His uncle had passed away, as his cousin had told him. He was having trouble recalling his previous mention. Later, he detailed the relationships between him and the one who died in a detailed hierarchy. He took a moment to reflect on how warmly he felt connected to his parents. Memories evoked memories. 

Each coin has two faces. Similar to this, not every relationship benefits everyone. The author also discusses certain instances in which his family members offended him. He gives an example of when he realized that a relative and a family member are not the same. He also describes how, in his later years, he misses each relationship.

He wrote a very moving letter to his son. In the letter, he effectively structured his life lessons. In his letter, he expressively discussed the value of friendship, love, social service, education, hard work, reading, and how to handle the teenage years. He wrote his message with such love and affection that every reader could feel it.

There are numerous relationships that the author efficiently and briefly handles in the book. One could have a thorough understanding of each familial relationship and its influence on our lives by reading this book. A complete family package! After reading this book, I had the feeling of watching a feel-good movie.

Do give it a try!