"In every religion there is love, yet love has no religion" goes a quote by legendary Persian poet Rumi.
This is evident in the relationship between this Hindu grandmother and her Muslim grandson, in Kangar, Perlis.
Although pushing 71, M Vanitha, has no complaints about dishing out delicious thosais for her youngest grandson Afeef Faeq Khan Affendi Rajini Kanth, 10, for breaking fast during the Ramadhan month.
"I start making the thosai just about five minutes before breaking fast, to make sure the dish is hot and delicious.
"Although it is a bit tiring to cook the dish one by one while standing by the stove, it is nothing compared to Afeef who has to fast the whole day," Bernama quoted the loving grandmother saying recently.
Vanitha, who has been living alone since her husband died, cherishes the experience of cooking for her son, who converted to Islam by marriage, and his family, everytime Ramadhan approaches.
In fact, the grandmother of seven even cooks extra thosais and delivers the delicacy to three of her grandchildren who live within a five kilometre radius of her home in Kangar, almost every week.
To Afeef, his grandmother's thosai is the best, and there can be no competition.
In fact, the boy can even finish three sugar and ghee-filled thosais with dhal, in one sitting, without touching other types of food when breaking his fast.
"It is very delicious, soft, and I always yearn for more. I always come here to eat with Atta (grandma) and want her to feed me," quipped Afeef.
Such a heartwarming story indeed. While there are families who live apart due to conversions and differing religions, Vanitha and her family are a prime example that people can live happily, beyond racial and religious lines, as long as there is love and understanding.
May this beautiful relationship last for many more years to come.
Source: Bernama
Photo source: Bernama
Video source: Bernama
Shuman
Fri Apr 23 2021