RAJINDER WAS my mother’s first name – as common a name among the speakers of Punjabi as are Emily and Jack for those whose mother tongue is English. It is rooted in the Hindi word raj – ‘to rule’. My mother’s parents, very simple, unsophisticated villagers, hoped and prayed that their first daughter, Rajinder, would enjoy all the pleasures of ruling and reigning supreme over her rasoi – her kitchen. Their heartfelt prayers were fully answered. Rajinder exemplified all the knowledge and skills and the intense creative joyfulness of being the undisputed, renowned and revered queen of her rasoi.
The ...
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