A Journey Back to the Roots: A Legacy of Love, Learning, and Belonging
I was born in the beautiful state of Kerala, in the historic town of Kannur, and my early life was deeply shaped by the years I spent in Cherukunnu—a place that remains forever etched in my heart. While my parents lived in Tamil Nadu, my formative years from sixth through eleventh grade were spent in Cherukunnu under the loving care of my grandparents. Those years, I can say with deep conviction, were among the most meaningful and formative of my life.
Formative Years in Cherukunnu
I completed my secondary education in 1960, and even at that young age, I was fortunate to experience something rare and invaluable—unconditional love, disciplined guidance, and a nurturing environment that allowed me to grow not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually.
I was the youngest in my class, yet my teachers recognized my curiosity and eagerness to learn. The foundation they laid—of discipline, inquiry, critical thinking, and ethical values—became the bedrock of everything I later achieved in life.
The warmth of my grandparents’ home, their gentle discipline, their stories, their faith, and their unwavering belief in education shaped the person I became. It was in Cherukunnu that I learned to think independently, to respect tradition while embracing progress, and to believe that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Those formative years taught me resilience, humility, and gratitude—qualities that would guide me through every stage of my life.
Life’s Journey Beyond Home
Over the years, life carried me far from those early surroundings. I built a career, raised a family, and was blessed with two remarkable sons—each of whom has achieved distinction in his own right. My elder son is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, and my younger son a highly accomplished litigation attorney.
Today, we all live in the United States. Time, responsibilities, and professional commitments meant that while my sons visited India occasionally, they never had the opportunity to truly experience the place where I grew up or understand the roots that shaped my values and worldview.
That changed recently.
A Return with Purpose
With deep intention and emotion, we decided to make a meaningful journey together—bringing my children and grandchildren to Cherukunnu during the Christmas season. It was not merely a visit; it was a pilgrimage of memory, identity, and legacy.
We visited four places that are deeply woven into my life story.
Annapoorneswari Temple
The first was the Annapoorneswari Temple, a place I visited almost daily during my school years. It was here that I learned devotion, humility, and the power of quiet reflection.
Kalari Temple – Our Ancestral Bond
The second was the Kalari Temple, our ancestral temple, where generations of our family have been connected through tradition. During my childhood, the sacred ornaments used for the annual Theyyam festival were kept in our home. I vividly remember the responsibility entrusted to me—carrying these sacred items to the temple and returning them afterward. That sense of trust and duty left an indelible mark on me.
My Childhood Home
The third place was my childhood home itself. Though it is no longer ours, having been sold years ago to a relative, standing there once again stirred powerful memories of a simpler, grounded life—of evenings filled with conversation, discipline, affection, and learning.
The School That Shaped Me
The fourth was my school—the institution where the foundations of my intellectual journey were laid. Walking through its grounds with my children and grandchildren was profoundly emotional. It allowed them to see where my journey truly began and to understand the roots of my curiosity, discipline, and drive.
A Bridge Across Generations
Watching my children and grandchildren experience these places was deeply moving. They listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on how different—and yet connected—their own upbringing has been.
For them, this visit was not just a trip to a distant place; it was a bridge across generations. It allowed them to see, feel, and understand the values that shaped their grandfather’s life.
I believe this experience will remain with them forever. It will help them appreciate the privileges they enjoy, the sacrifices that came before them, and the importance of staying grounded in one’s roots. More importantly, it will remind them that identity is not just inherited—it is cultivated through understanding, gratitude, and respect for the past.
The Meaning of Legacy
This journey to Cherukunnu was not merely a return to a place; it was a reaffirmation of legacy. A reminder that while the world may change, the values instilled in us through love, family, education, and tradition continue to guide generations forward.
And in that continuity—between past, present, and future—lies the true meaning of legacy.
— Dr. Mohan Ananda
Founder, DRAI Health
Scientist • Entrepreneur • Policy Innovator