Raised by my
grandmother, I seem to have developed many of her enthusiasms, particularly her
religious nature and belief in God. My grandma greatly worships Lord Ganesh. As
fancy as it may sound, whenever something went missing at home, grandma
just had to bribe Ganeshji to offer him his favorite Laddu. And then
mysteriously, one way or the other, that particular object at the end
of the day would be discovered! These happenstances always mystified me.
However seeing her utmost faith in Ganesh has invoked in me sense of
hope and optimism that is not to cease. Although being a Hindu Deity,
devotion to Ganesh is widely extended to Janis and Buddhists as well.
Although he is known by many attributes,
Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesha is widely revered
as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of
intellect and wisdom.As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of
rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and
learning during writing sessions.
While in Grade 7, two significant events
occurred in my life. One shook me greatly, the demise of my grandfather, my
hero and the other was my considerably outstanding academic performance
throughout the year. Startled by incidents, I started worshipping Lord Ganesh
profoundly beginning from this year with all the more vigor (that continues
till date) and the very year, I made a sketch of this deity who, I believe, has
been my savior and life guide.
