Generations of Grace: A Journey Through the Gadekallu Family

Last week, I visited my friends Prathima and Aman in Pune. While I was having breakfast, young Nanki was playing around in the living room. Suddenly, it struck me that I have a deep connection with the Gadekallu family.
I have met women from this family over five generations, starting with Sannamma Avva, a dear friend of my mother.
Sannamma Avva lived in Kamalapadu, a tiny hamlet about fifteen kilometres from Guntakal. She visited our house occasionally. She must have been in her early fifties. She always brought fresh ghee, homemade sweets (the legendary ‘karjikayalu’ and ‘ obbattus’), and vegetables. She was of medium height and always wore a cotton saree with a smile. Though illiterate, two of her sons grew into responsible citizens—one, a chief economic officer, and the other, a well-known Psychiatrist.
I met Sannamma Avva again after ten years in Hyderabad. Although weak, she maintained her sense of humour and characteristic smile even in her old age. She talked about her favourite foods.
Fast-forward another ten years. I met Dr. Reddy(a Psychiatrist) and Vijayalakshmi(Vijayamma) in Kakinada. Vijayamma was in her forties and had two children, Chakrapani and Karuna. I was their big brother and played with them. Karuna was ten years old.
Fast-forward another fifteen years. I met the family when Dr Reddy passed away. Vijayamma was already involved in the Sri Ramachandra Mission, and Karuna was in the medical college.
Vijayamma dedicated herself to the mission and inducted several others into the practice. She was my spiritual mentor until her death. A woman of steel, she was a great believer in herself and always gave me a shoulder when needed.
I met the family in 2005 in Kurnool on my way to Hyderabad. Karuna was a well-known pediatrist in Kurnool. She had two daughters, Prathima and Padmini.
One day last year, I was surprised to get a call from Prathima asking if I was ready for a ‘meditation sitting’. It took a while to realize that Karuna had requested Prathima give me a remote ‘sitting’. I had a blissful meditation session with Prathima. In addition to several sessions, she invited me this year to ‘Bhandara’- a global meeting of the followers of Sri Ramachandra Mission at Kanha in Hyderabad. The ‘Bhandara’ was a three-day event with spiritual discourses, group meditation sessions, and community service activities. I enjoyed the family’s company and the spiritual atmosphere during the event.
As I sat in Prathima and Aman’s home last week, watching young Nanki play, I felt a profound connection to the Gadekallu family’s legacy. Reflecting on the five generations of remarkable women I had encountered — each embodying resilience, love, and dedication — I realized the profound significance of their stories. Their legacy, now a part of my own, is a testament to the strength and love that binds us all. (I eagerly anticipate the day I can listen to and share Nanki’s stories with you.)
Meeting five generations of women from the same family over different years was a fantastic journey. Each encounter brought back memories of my family and filled me with joy and warmth. It showed me how time changes us all, but the love and unity within a family remain constant. These encounters inspired me and highlighted the strong bonds connecting family members, leaving me with a renewed appreciation for my family. The resilience and dedication of these women motivated me and uplifted me.