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6 things indian women learned from nani and dadi that still help today

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| etimes.in | Last updated on - May 30, 2026, 12:15 IST
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6 things indian women learned from nani and dadi

There is something magical about growing up with a nani or dadi in the house. Their stories, advice, warm hugs, and simple life lessons stay with us forever. Many Indian women may not even realize it, but so much of what helps them today comes from those little things Nani and Dadi taught us while sitting in the kitchen, folding clothes, or chatting during summer vacations.

Here are six beautiful lessons that still make life easier and better.

2/7

Har problem ka solution hota hai

Nani and Dadi had a particular way of solving problems. They never, hardly ever, panicked if it was a money problem, a family strain, or a health problem. Instead they'd say, 'Sab theek ho jayega.' And this lesson still helps women today. Life is busy and stressful with work, family, children, and responsibilities. But staying calm, thinking clearly, and trusting that bad times will pass is something many women unknowingly learned from their grandmothers.

3/7

Home remedies before medicines

A cold? Haldi wala doodh. Stomach pain? Ajwain. Sore throat? Ginger tea. Before running to medicines, Nani and Dadi always had a small desi solution ready. Of course, today medical help is important, but many women still trust these comforting home remedies for small problems. And honestly, nothing feels more comforting than a warm cup made with Dadi's secret ingredients.

4/7

Food is love

Indian grandmothers never said “I love you” too much, but they showed it through food. 'Khaya ki nahi?' was their favorite question. From giving you extra rotis to cooking your favourite dish when you were sad, they showed us something beautiful – caring for people through food and small efforts makes a difference. This custom is still brought by many women into their homes, making festivals, family dinners, and small moments feel special.

5/7

Saving for difficult days

Dadi’s purse or Nani’s carefully folded savings - it never was haphazard. They believed in saving little by little, because “kal kisne dekha hai.” They taught smart spending and planning even if money was limited. Many women today understand the importance of savings, emergency funds, and careful spending because they saw it at home growing up.

6/7

Family needs time, not just phones

The grandmothers believed in sitting together, talking, laughing and eating as a family. Evenings were stories, gossip, chai and camaraderie. In our busy lives today, where everyone is glued to their screens, this lesson seems even more important. Sometimes just sitting with parents or laughing over dinner brings more happiness than scrolling endlessly on a phone.

7/7

Strength can be soft too

Many Nani and Dadi took care of responsibilities, pain and sacrifices without showing off quietly. They were strong, but gentle. Practical, but sincere. They showed women that strength doesn't always mean yelling or fighting. Strength is sometimes patience, protecting your family, moving forward with love and dignity. Even today, Indian women have this quiet strength in them.

At the end of the day, Nani and Dadi were not just elders of the house - they are life teachers. They had simple but significant lessons. In so many ways Indian women still carry a little piece of their nani and dadi in the way they care, cook, save, love and stay strong every single day.

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Copyright © May 31, 2026, 12.24PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service