Observed on the first Sunday of September every year, Grandparents’ Day is a celebration of the timeless love and wisdom that grandparents bring into our lives. This time, Grandparents’ Day has come on 7th September. First championed in the United States by Marian McQuade, an advocate for the elderly, the day was officially recognised in 1978 and has since found resonance across the world, including India. It offers families a special moment to pause and honour the irreplaceable role grandparents play; shaping values, nurturing bonds, and carrying forward a legacy of affection and guidance across generations.

• Shashi Gulati:

(Mrs. Shashi with her grandchildren Dev and Vani)

Children’s relationship with grandparents is generally like mother, or slightly more than this, filled with experiences and having more time. Generally, at this stage, grandparents have no pressure of responsibilities, thus they spend quality time with their grandchildren. Kids also enjoy their company and learn about their cultural rituals and much more. Grandparents create a bridge between two generations through their conscious efforts.

My grandmother is the root of my strength and the fragrance of my values. She was the Principal of Arya Kanya School in Haryana. Whenever I visited there, I used to go to her school. I am always proud of my Grandmother. For me, her company was the safest and richest place in the world. She taught me the meaning of simplicity, kindnessand silent strength. Even today, when I close my eyes, I feel her presence and feel that warmth and protection in me.

I am a Grandmother of 5 grandchildren. The eldest one is 15 years old and the youngest one is 2 years old. My grandchildren are the light of my present world. Through them, I relive my childhood once again. They carry forward the love I once received into the future. With them, I find myself reliving my childhood. I feel that the love I once received from my grandmother now flows through me into them. I tell them stories, my grandma told me. I play, readand do art and craft work with them. When I am with my grandchildren, I feel truly blessed that I am an important part of their lives. Their love constantly reminds me of how special I am to them. This relationship gives me strength every single dayand I feel a deep sense of belonging and value in their presence.

This is a circle of love:

Grandma → Me→ My Grandchildren.

I continue my Grandmother’s legacy in the way I love my grandchildren.

Love and values don’t end; they continue through generations.

• Sunil Lakhani

(Mr Sunil with his grandson, Arhaan)

This is what I’m doing for my grandsons. I started keeping a journal. I don’t write every day, probably once a week unless something major happens. I give a little summary of what’s been going onand then I write a reflection.

These are memories of mine from incidents in the past, the family tree, what I remember of my relatives, life advice, etc. and I fill in all of the little empty spaces with life advice quotes and inspirational quotes. He knows I’m writing it and he always wanna know what it says. But, he’s only 4 years old, so I tell them they have to wait til he’s older. 

I also write them short stories where they and I  go on special adventures with their cartoon heroes. 

He loves that!!!

• Rajeev Moothedath:

(Mr Rajeev with his eldest grandson, Aiden)

Some thoughts on being a Grandparent 

My wife Jitha and I cherish being grandparents. Here, I am sharing a poem I wrote, “ लम्बा  सफर/ Long Journey,” in January 2022 on the birth of our first grandson, Aiden, when we travelled long distances to meet him. This year, in 2025, we were blessed with another Grandson, Niyam, who was born in the same month of January as his brother.

Being a grandparent is sheer bliss. Yet, as the children live far away in Sydney, we longingly await their visit to Bangalore every year to rejoice, spend time with them. 

लम्बा सफर

हज़ारों मील के सफर  – बेंगलुरु से सिडनी,  के बाद 

मैं अपने पोता  से मिला, पहला बार 

सफर की थकान, हवाई अड्डा प्रणाली की तकलीफ

सब भूल गए मासूम चेहरा, देखते ही 

उसका कोमल माथा चूमते ही …

इस सफर  तो संपन्न हुआ 

पर यात्रायें और भी होंगे 

सोचे तो ,पूरा जीवन हम 

एक  सफर से  दूसरा सफर,

चलते रहने वाले , कठपुतलियाँ  है न ? 

दौड़ते रहेंगे  हम,  झेलते रहेंगे हम  

अंतिम सफर तक, जिस की  मंज़िल   

न तुम जानो या  मैं… 

राजीव मूतेडत   

NB:  Mr Rajeev also presented this poem during the “Poetry for seniors today”  event in April 2022.

English Translation of the poem:

Long Journey

After travelling thousands of kilometres

From Bangalore to Sydney 

I met my grandson for the first time 

The tiring long journey, problems of airport-related processes

Were all forgotten, on seeing the innocent face of the little one

The moment I kissed his soft cheeks  

This journey is completed, yet there would be many more 

Looked at this way, isn’t our whole life a journey? Like dolls we

Complete one journey and move on to another one 

Yes, we’ll continue running, take on many burdens 

Till the last final journey…

The destination of which is unknown 

Known neither to you or me! 

By Rajeev Moothedath

• Dolly Jaiswal

(Mrs. Dolly with her grandchildren Kavyanshi, Abhiraj, Krishh and Shivansh Raj)

It’s a day of special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. The connection with grandchildren is a unique bond of unconditional love, joyand legacy that enriches both generations.

Grandchildren bring immense joy, laughter and a deeper meaning to life, making the day brighter and filling an empty space in the heart. Grandchildren provide a sense of purpose and renewed youth for grandparents.

This timeless relationship connects generations, fostering mutual learning, creating cherished memories, and forming a strong, loving family foundation.

As we honour Grandparents’ Day, we celebrate not just individuals, but a legacy of love that continues to shape families across generations. Grandparents remind us that the simplest gestures, a story, a smile, a shared meal, often become the most lasting treasures. In cherishing them, we hold close the values and connections that ground us and we ensure that their love and wisdom continue to echo through time.