Legacy: A Footprint in the Sand
Every parent aspires to leave a lasting legacy. A business tycoon might aim to pass on their empire, while a spiritual leader hopes to leave behind a legacy of enlightenment. A musician might strive to leave one of his melodies and a teacher his wisdom. Many individuals may not know they are leaving a legacy behind. The voices of Rafi Saab, Kishore da and Lathaji remain eternal in our lives. Same with SPB or Ghantasala. I am sure their voices will linger in further generations to come. The same applies to writers such as Franz Kafka, Shakespeare, Munshi Premchand, Gopichand and Anton Chekov. A legacy is something you leave behind that keeps your memory alive and impacts the people who come after you.
Before we delve deeper into Legacy, it’s essential to understand that there are two main types: ‘hard’ and ‘soft ‘. ‘Hard’ legacies are tangible, often in the form of land, buildings, investments, paintings and jewellery. Creative artists like painters, sculptors, poets, singers, and designers leave behind artefacts for the next generation. The list is endless. Generations of artists have created the famous temples built in the 10th and the 11th centuries. While we know a few, many have not left their names. The artisans who built the famous temples and monuments are not here today. We do not know their names, families, lives, or challenges. Suppose I stand in front of the Pyramids of Gaza, the Big temple in Tanjore, or Ramappa or the corridors of Rameswaram or Lingraj temple in Bhubaneswar; I always wonder about the creative motivations.
Legacy is not solely about physical possessions. It can be the memories and experiences that shape our lives. Sometimes, families have unique items passed down through generations, like a piece of jewellery or a photo album. These items carry memories and stories from the past. They are legacies from your ancestors. My ancestors, for instance, did not leave any tangible legacy. Yet, their shared memories and experiences continue to guide me through life. I remember my grandmother’s smile as my father kicked me when I scored three out of ten in my mathematics exam and the happiness on the face of my mother when my sister married. I vividly remember Tagore stories from my grandfather before we went to bed. I can never forget the thrill of my Hindi teacher, Gangi Reddy when I accepted his challenge and faced an entire class in a debate, which is still in front of me. I also remember the day when I sat near Haji Ali Durga when I failed the first interview of my career.
For me,” Legacy is like a footprint in the sand.” or a passing cloud in the sky.” When a wave of water sweeps across, the footprint vanishes. I do not have anything special to leave behind for my children.
