Gujarati Wisdom, Global Reach! Vishal’ new Article in UK & Europe

Hey buddy,

This week, my pen took a delightful detour into the vibrant world of Gujarati anecdotes and sayings. I’ve woven them into an article that, if I do say so myself, is brimming with both wit and wisdom. It’s a little piece of home, no matter where you are!

You can dive into the Gujarati version in today’s e-paper, on page no. 30. Just scroll down and let the wisdom unfold.

I’m genuinely thrilled to be reaching out to our NRGs across the globe with this one. It’s a special feeling to connect through shared culture and a little bit of laughter. And a huge shout-out and special thanks to my Editor for consistently including my articles in such a prestigious newspaper. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.

For all of you who don’t know Gujarati, don’t fret! I’ve got you covered. I’ve prepared a translated version just for you, which you’ll find attached below this post. No one gets left behind on this journey of wisdom!

So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and have a nice read. Once you’re done, slide into my Insta DMs @rjvishal and tell me what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!

Vishal.

Translation

Gujarati living abroad: True Gujaratiness in proverbs and the unwavering flow of culture

I am a Gujarati. Yes, the same Gujarati who is fond of eating and drinking, smart in business and who can make people from any corner of the world his ‘fan’. Even though I am currently living across seven continents, in a land where ‘burger-fries’ are more popular than ‘faffada-jalebi’ and ‘how are you?’ is heard more than ‘kem cho?’, the Gujaratiness flowing in my blood is still unwavering. And what is the biggest heritage of this Gujaratiness?
Our proverbs! Hey brother, our proverbs are such that listen to it, it means “If it hits, it hits!”

Here, abroad, when the train of life derails or takes a new path, our proverbs come to mind, and my brain lights up! “Castor oil is the king in a barren village.” Isn’t it amazing? Where there are no big heads, even the poor castor oil is crushed! A proverb teaches me that even if you get a small opportunity abroad, grab it quickly, because “A man without money is a fool, and a fool without money is a fool.” Even if it is a small task at the beginning, it can become the foundation of a big foundation. Our Gujaratis have a great habit – to give advice! But often it happens that we ourselves have made a mistake and talk about wisdom to others. Then, laughing, I remember, “A fool should not go to his father-in-law and give advice to a wise man.” Oh my! This proverb shows us a mirror that first we should improve ourselves, then we should teach others.

After reading this proverb, did any of you have a list of friends who are building a storehouse of free advice? Here in foreign countries, where the philosophy of ‘what you say sells its worth’ is prevalent, this proverb teaches us the importance of humility and introspection.

Our elders have always taught us to stay away from people who have “a ram in their mouth and a knife in their armpit”. When someone is making a big show and doing bad things inside, we immediately remember this. And even if we fall into a trap, we should not be afraid but take steps carefully, i.e. “Even the burnt buttermilk of milk should be drunk by blowing”. This proverb teaches us that “What appears from the outside is not necessarily what is inside.” In this foreign country, where the trend of creating an ‘image’ is high, this proverb teaches us to judge right from wrong. Challenges are a part of life, and Gujaratis are like ‘building a dam before water’. When there is a lot to do with limited resources, I remember my grandmother. She used to say, “Loo li waseedu waale u emka sath janna ke gaan.” This proverb proves that “Jyaan chaah tha raah.” If there is firm determination, then no difficulty is impossible. This proverb proves to be very inspiring for economic struggles and settling in a new environment abroad.

Often, we see that the one who has less knowledge is the one who is the most intelligent. At such times, the proverb comes to mind: “A half-full pot overflows.” Isn’t it true? A full pot always remains quiet, but an empty pot overflows! This proverb explains to us the importance of “the modesty and humility of knowledge.” When someone tells us a bitter but true thing, it may cause some discomfort, but remember that “only a foreigner can pierce the ear.” Sometimes, only harsh truth shows us the right direction, because even though “black letters are like buffaloes,” true knowledge brightens up life. How wonderful the foresight of our ancestors was, we can experience it in every proverb. “Where the sun does not reach, the poet reaches there, and where the poet does not reach, the experienced reaches there.” How accurately this proverb describes the chain of knowledge, imagination, and experience! A poet may fly on the wings of imagination, but true knowledge comes only from experience. To achieve success abroad, patience and continuous efforts are required.

“The fruits of patience are sweet”, and “Drip by drip the lake fills up” explains to us the importance of small efforts. If we work a little hard every day, one day the lake of success will be filled.
It is not possible to do everything alone, especially in a foreign country where there is a situation where “a dog is in the belly of a tiger”. Then the importance of community and cooperation is explained by the saying “Jazha Haat Raali Yaman”.

The communal strength of Gujaratis is praised all over the world. When Gujaratis come together, then there is a strength like “Jazha Haat Maan Jaa Elephant” (the strength of an elephant in a hand). And finally, the needs of every living being are different,

“The more hungry one is, the more food he gets”.
“An ant is a grain, an elephant is a pearl” How easily this proverb explains the balance in life and the justice of nature! “He who has his destiny written in his heart, gets it.” These proverbs are not just words, they are the heartbeat of Gujarati culture. The experience of our elders, their wisdom and their art of living are woven into them. Even while living in this foreign land, these proverbs keep us connected to our roots, to our identity. They remind me where I come from, how rich and great my culture is, and my Gujaratiness is my biggest ornament. I hope that my children also understand the knowledge and wisdom of these proverbs, so that they too can feel proud of being Gujarati and keep the “color of Gujaratiness” always shining in their lives.

RJ Vishal ‘The Khushhal’