Someone told me that today is World Coconut Day, and I felt incredibly happy to learn that something so close to my life and heart, an integral part of my existence, has a day dedicated to it. I thought I would gather my thoughts about and around it and pen them down.
Coconut, for all of us, is a source of nourishment and refreshment. It’s not just a delicious fruit but also a versatile resource, providing us with water, fruit, oil, husks, and leaves. It holds a special place in many cultures as a symbol of sustenance and prosperity, even offered to God as Sriphal.
However, for me, coconut meant something more – a psychological connection beyond its physiological aspects. I want to share two personal stories from my upbringing – tales of resilience, family, and the humble coconut.
Growing up, my life was intricately tied to the coconut tree. My father, who passed away when I was just four years old, left behind something invaluable for us – 30 to 40 coconut trees as our inheritance. These trees became more than a source of nourishment; they became our lifeline. We would sell the coconuts to sustain our family, especially for my siblings’ education. Each coconut represented a step closer to securing our future. There were days when we had little or nothing to eat, and those coconuts kept us going.
The other account revolves around fierce storms and cyclones. When coconuts fell like rain, we would dash outside, braving the elements, to gather them. They became our go-to food during the grey days following the cyclones when we had nothing else to eat. Each coconut symbolized we had Almighty to take care of us. The money we earned from selling coconuts after the storm was used for our household expenses. It is incredible how something as simple as a coconut can be a pillar of strength during times of adversity.
Today, I am profoundly grateful for the coconut. It’s more than just a nut; it’s a part of my life story. My life was a storm, and the coconut was my hope. Just like its characteristic hard exterior and soft interior, my life presented tough challenges, but my heart and mind worked softly to overcome them, one step at a time.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that even in the face of adversity, we can find sources of strength and sustenance that help us thrive. So, here’s to the coconut, a silent hero in my life, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can make the biggest difference and become an integral part of everyday life – like the refreshing tender coconut water, the shade of my makeshift office at KISS, the enticing Malai, or the bhog from the Almighty!
It’s such a nice example of life and heart touching too
Very nice one 🙏🙏
Wonderful metapher of coconut. This fruit is known as Shri phala because of it’s multifacuous uses in our day to day life….The planet without coconut may like the cane without sugar….
Thank you so much sir for telling us the importance of coconut 🥥
Happy world coconut day sir….🙏🏻
Wonderful blog .Coconut ,the most popular and delicious fruit with multifarious usages has become the saviour at the time of adversity as reflected in the blog is really inspiring.Your struggle for survival during the grey days of childhood and present accomllishment is a bright example of grot and determination to move forward. which inspiring for younger generations.Not only braved the hard days but the Natures gift Coconut has made a big difference Sir A great learning of struggle to success from the blog.
Really coconut was a good source to sustain for costal villages before supper cyclone. Now a days it is coming up again. Sir your story reminds my childhood days.
Namaskar Sir🙏
An interesting and hearfelt account on our Bharatiya Shreephal. It’s a key ingredient in Indian food system and its health benefits are well known. Some people like my father suggest it as a standard prescription in all kind of ailments. Besides, Coconut is considered as a harbinger of auspiciousness and we place it as a central item in religious rituals as well as while celebrating new things or journeys in our life.
Shreephala is the ShreeGanesh in Bharatiya Sanskruti.
My sincere gratitude to you for bringing this topic into our conversation through this beautful & touchy narration of your Closeness to Coconut. 🙏