I am not very old, yet I am no longer a child. Still, memories of my childhood often come back to me and whenever they do, they fill my heart with peace and happiness.

Last month, I had the chance to relive some of those joyful childhood memories. I visited my village to attend the wedding of a cousin. During the stay, I lived in our old ancestral house for a few days. The house looked quiet and empty, as it had been unused for a long time. But the moment I opened its doors, countless childhood memories came rushing back. It felt as if I had traveled back to the golden days of my early life.

This was the very house where I was born and raised. Here I had received the love of my caring parents and affectionate grandparents. I remembered growing up with my brothers and sisters, sharing laughter, games and little adventures. I could still hear my grandmother telling stories at night and my grandfather walking with his stick sometimes helping me with lessons, sometimes taking me along to the village temple.

I visited the village temple and there stood the old banyan tree where we used to play. Faces of my schoolmates flashed before my eyes and the river behind the temple flowed as calmly as ever. I remembered the fun we had swimming and playing in its waters.

Next, I went to my old school. I told the Headmaster that I was a former student and he welcomed me warmly. He informed me that the old Headmaster had passed away, but two teachers I remembered well were still there. I was delighted that they recognized me and were so happy to see how I had grown.

I entered the small school library, where I had first discovered the joy of reading and spent hours with the works of great writers. The library had grown bigger since my time and the playground was just as lively in my memories. Walking past the classrooms, I remembered my classmates’ faces and I could see the small hall where I had delivered my very first speech, how nervous I had been and how the students had laughed!

I also walked around the village, visiting the houses of my school friends, the milkman, the potter and the cobbler. Every step brought back sweet memories. For a while, it felt as if childhood problems never existed and I lived those days all over again. This trip into nostalgia was truly special and I promised myself that I would return again one day.