Recently, a course I was teaching had this challenge, “Describe a childhood song that you find memorable from your childhood. Explain how it influenced you and your development.” The chapter showed a mom singing a lullaby to her daughter. This brought back memories of their mothers to a few students who were struggling to maintain their sanity. I thought how difficult it’d be. And I gave it a try…
On the still, starry nights when I was a little kid, my mom would sing “Papa Jaldi Aa Jana” in a soft voice that would fill our home with comfort and safety. This Hindi lullaby, made famous by the movie Taqdeer, released in 1967, was more than just a tune for sleep; it became an important part of my childhood and shaped my emotional, intellectual, and cultural growth in ways I still feel today.
Choosing to Feel Comforted
In those days, my father was away in the US pursuing a degree in community development. She’d sing this to assure us that he’d return home soon, all the way from seven seas away with all the toys for me and dolls for my sister. The sweet words “Papa Jaldi Aa Jana,” which means “Dad, come home soon,” made me feel safe and secure. I felt safe when I was in my mom’s arms. This lullaby wasn’t just a song; it was a way for me to show my mother love and comfort. It was the foundation of a strong bond with her that my sister and I grew up with. These nightly habits helped me build emotional connections that made it easier for me to have good relationships later.
Melody Can Help Your Brain Grow
As the lullaby danced through the air, I didn’t realize it, but its beat and words helped me improve my language skills. The repeated structure and melodic flow of “Papa Jaldi Aa Jana” helped me learn language early on, giving me an extensive vocabulary and a sense of rhythm still deep in my brain. These nightly serenades were more than just soothing music; they helped shape my brain and ignited a love of words and music that would last a lifetime.
Another way to connect with my roots
“Papa Jaldi Aa Jana” was more than just a song; it was a piece of culture passed down from generation to generation. Each note held the weight of custom and linked me to my Indian background. Every night, the lullaby reminded me of where I came from and gave me a sense of identity and connection rooted in a rich cultural tapestry. This song gave me my first taste of how rich my background is and helped me build my social and cultural identity – my Indian mother married my Nepali father, and that was quite common in those days.
The Beats of Daily Life
As a part of our nightly routine, this lullaby gave us a sense of stability and order. The song’s predictable tune and words let me know that the day was almost over. It taught me how essential routines are and how much comfort they can bring. This knowledge of time and routine was a big step forward in my early development. It made me feel safe in the steady flow of daily life.
Taking care of memories and nostalgia
Even after all these years, “Papa Jaldi Aa Jana” makes me feel nostalgic. This song or tune brings back warm and happy memories of the love and care that shaped my childhood. The lullaby has had a lasting effect on my mental health and personal history, as shown by the memories that are woven into the melody.
Sparking the imagination
In addition to making me feel better right away, the lullaby also sparked my mind. As a child, the thought of a kid waiting for their father to come home made me think of many stories. While listening to the song and thinking quietly, my imagination was stirred, setting the stage for a lifetime of creative thinking.
“Papa Jaldi Aa Jana” wasn’t just a lullaby; it was a trip through the different stages of my early growth. A caring voice in the night shaped my feelings, thoughts, knowledge of other cultures, and imagination. When I think back, this simple song was one of my first teachers. It helped me find my way through the tricky world of growing up.
Note: It was difficult for me to write about the days I spent as a child with my mom, and at one moment, I couldn’t continue on… May her soul rest in peace.
Thinking Out Loud 