Harbhajan Kaur – The Woman behind “Bachpan Yaad Aajaye”

We all are always fond of our childhood memories which is filled with our Grandma’s stories. The unforgettable memory which we always want to relive is the bedtime stories by our Grandma’s. King – Queen, Prince – Princess story or so many fairytale or horror stories which are connected to our heart not because the stories were amazing, It’s just because the story contains the love and affection. But do we really ask her “What’s her side of the story? What’s her dream, passion and goals??”. I wish we had asked them once. If we had courage to ask those questions we might be able to see our Grandma’s real story.  Feeling so overwhelmed to share the story of a Grandma who is the owner of a kind soul & proving “Age is just a number”.

Mrs. Harbhajan Kaur, a 94yrs old woman,a kind soul from Chandigarh, India proving age is just a number. She started her business with her signature dish “Besan Ki Barfi”. She started at the age of 90 as a sheer occurrence with her daughter on her feeling to be independent and earn for herself. This led her not only financial success, but a huge emotional and confidence booster. She was about 20-22 years old when she got married. She hails from Tarn Taran, a small town close to Amritsar – where she grew up and completed her school education till Standard 8 (that was the maximum during those times) in that town and for the remaining years – one had to go to Amritsar and study.

Unfortunately, girls in those times were not given such opportunities. So she learnt her way through and got involved in household chores, learnt knitting and especially cooking. Since she was an avid foodie and still is – this was her favorite thing to do. Having as many as 8 siblings it was a huge family to feed but they were very content with the limited resources available. Food was of prime importance in their household, with the focus of making everything at home from scratch and having a great time as a family. Her father had a mill/factory and was also a great foodie/cook. Her mother was a housewife  and was a great companion. Her husband was in the Govt. services and was posted in Amritsar around the time they got married.

One fine day, closer to turning 90 she happened to have a candid conversation with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Raveena Suri about how life has been so far and if there is an unfulfilled desire. Upon hearing this, Mrs. Harbhajan spoke her heart out seeing her family, children and grand-children all well-settled and busy in their respective day to day routines. She expressed her desire to not sit idle at home and perhaps make a living for herself. She wanted to know how it feels being independent. (however late it left at that time, truly age is no bar). Her daughter suggested her to do what she’s been doing all her life happily and make the world taste her delicacies. It started off with one or two fortnightly pop-ups within Chandigarh. Her stuff sold over the counter instantly and she received so much love. 

The recipe of “Besan ki Barfi” has been inherited by her father and ages to over a 100 years or so. She learnt it in her teen years as it was made regularly as well as on special occasions. She has now been making this for over 8 decades. She now even knows the exact stage of the Barfi by only looking at the color/form now. Beyond that, seasonality is a key element in all her dishes including Aam ke Achar & Badaam Sharbat during Summers to different kinds of Halwa during winters. This also reflects in everyday home-cooking where she has emphasised the importance of eating local yet rich food to her family. Surprisingly how we now speak of zero-wastage among the young gen. This is a skill they inculcated much earlier in life due to limited resources and utilized everything which came their way. For eg – Melon seeds are not thrown but roasted and used in garnish of Besan Barfi.

Her simple motive in life is to never give up. Try one, you might fail Try again you might not achieve it all together, but definitely by the third time, you will find success, and this is only the start. I’d sign by what she truly believes in – It’s better to wear out, than rust. Do not waste your precious time….once lost it is lost forever!!! Make the most of and don’t lose heart. Success comes when you step out of your comfort zone!

Her proudest moment by far was the first earning at the local pop-up. That feeling was beyond explanation. Apart from making her offerings to the almighty, she treated her daughters at the old school ‘Indian Coffee House’ and fondly remembered her husband who had been instrumental in her journey earlier in life.

Patience, never give up attitude, keep trying, passion and daring to dream. Also very rare these days, but being content with what one really has and making the most of it. She truly believes in moving out of her comfort zone for personal & professional growth. That has indeed opened many doors for her – without expecting much in return. Her humility is another thing to learn from – ofcourse she is overwhelmed by the response but in the same breath – asks herself – ‘Yeh to maine purii umar kiya hai, ab aisa kya different’?

Special Message from her side

Whatever talent you have, use it to the optimum. All of us have potential. Have belief in yourself!!” If not you, then who!” Also, all of this wouldn’t have been possible without the the support of family is extremely crucial – they are truly her army apart from her extended family (insta-fam, well-wishes, customers). She extends her gratitude to the universe and believes in thought manifestation.