Chief Medical Officer, CenterWell Senior Primary Care | Dedicated to helping patients & clinicians thrive
Grateful to have spent time with my “Ammaji”, my eldest relative and grandmother, in my father’s home town of Anupshahar, India. At 96 (!), Ammaji’s beliefs, values, and love reverbate across decades and continents, guiding six children (two settled in the US - an engineer and a doctor), a dozen grandchildren, and scores of great grandchildren. Living in the same house for decades, Ammaji is surrounded by three generations of family. When she calls your name, you come to her side no matter what you’re doing and listen. Her issues and desires are the subject of international WhatsApp chats and phone calls. And in this town, where a school for rural youth bears her late husband’s name and she raised her family, she is known. As I reflect on work to support seniors in the US, this familial example of connectedness, dignity, and community will live on as a guidepost. We are all interdependent.
So very true Vivek Garg, MD, MBA Connectedness, community , and the interdependency - all which give a sense of belonging, purpose and responsibility. I am in India right now meeting great uncles, other elders, spending time with my father and have travelled the rural areas of Konkan. While medical infrastructure here is very different or challenging in rural areas, the social infrastructure and community support is strong and palpable. Lifeline for so many seniors for sure! Lessons from these experiences we can adopt in the US healthcare system and the work we do!
Your ammaji reminds me of mine. We are blessed because of them and owe it to them to pay it forward ❤️
Vivek, this is wonderful photo and post. How wonderful yhat you got to spend time in India with your grandmother.
Have a very similar relationship with my grandma. It feels like the right way to age, surrounded by love and family.
Your post brought a smile to my face... so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in India with your Ammaji.
How wonderful her wisdom, grace and love are still impacting you, as you care for others. What a gift!
How special. That last line resonates so much. Your Amaji must be so proud of you, Viv.
I can see the resemblance.
That is such a blessing
Medical Director, Value Based Care and Provider Networks, Sentara Health Plans
1wVery nice 👍 This reminded of my Dadi in rural Aurangabad, Bihar. All of 4’10”s raising 10 kids and the driving force behind my Dad and 4 of his brothers going to the UK, Canada and the US for better futures. She managed to live till her late 80s rarely seeing a doctor or ever going to the hospital. I think there is a lesson somewhere in there!