In the quiet corners of our memories, our fathers often hold the key to profound wisdom, teaching us life lessons that transcend generations. My father was no exception, a man who had a unique knack for imparting valuable insights using simple yet powerful idioms. Today, as I begin this series, I am transported back to a time when his words were like treasures to be unraveled, and the idiom “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना” became a guiding light in the face of adversity.

As a child, I often marveled at how my father seemed to have a saying for every situation. Little did I know that these sayings held nuggets of wisdom that would shape my perspective on life. One such idiom, “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना,” became a recurring theme during moments of challenge and uncertainty.

It was the summer of transformation when my father decided to build a new house for our family. Excitement filled the air as the foundation was laid, and dreams took shape in bricks and mortar. However, as with any significant endeavor, hurdles soon emerged. Budget overruns, unforeseen construction complexities, and the ever-changing nature of life itself tested our determination.

One evening, as I watched my father poring over the plans, I asked him how he managed to remain so composed in the face of mounting challenges. His eyes twinkled, and a faint smile graced his lips as he responded, “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना, बेटा।”

He shared a story from his own life. Back when he was a young man working the fields, he encountered an enormous boulder that needed to be moved. The task seemed insurmountable, but he remembered this very idiom. With sheer determination, he placed his head under the boulder’s edge – a symbolic gesture that signified embracing the challenge head-on. As he worked, sweat mingling with soil, he realized that once you’ve committed yourself to a task, the hurdles that follow are just a part of the journey. “मूसल” (the pestle) – representing the challenges – was no longer a cause for fear, but a companion to be managed.

Fast forward to the construction of our new home, my father’s pragmatic approach shone through. He tackled every obstacle with the same spirit. The budget surpassed its limits? “ओखल में सर दिया,” he’d say, “now we face the ‘मूसल’ of financial adjustments.”

And so, as the walls grew taller, so did our understanding of his teachings. His embodiment of this idiom became a beacon of resilience and wisdom, a reminder that life’s challenges were merely opportunities to prove our mettle.

In his honor, I carry forward the legacy of this idiom. With each hurdle life presents, I recall his reassuring words, “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना,” and face challenges with a newfound strength.

As I begin this series, I am humbled by the power of idioms and the indelible impact they can have on our lives. My father’s teachings, wrapped in these simple yet profound phrases, continue to guide me on my journey. Through this blog, I hope to unravel more of his wisdom, one idiom at a time, and share the treasure trove of life lessons he left behind.