Vimal Nikore grew up in India during the 1947 Partition, a period of political turmoil and violence which created the modern borders between India and Pakistan. Vimal’s daughter, Monika, asked her how she got through that difficult chapter, and what advice she would pass on about motherhood.

Monika Nikore: So Mom, the notion of mental health or therapy, the concept didn't even exist in India. You know, it was barely there when I was growing up. How did you cope? How did you come out so positive and so full of life and — and so generous to everybody instead of cynical and bitter?

Vimal Nikore: Much depends on the life philosophy that you adopt or you see around you. The life philosophy that we were brought up in and we see our parents living through that, was minimal demands of materialistic demands. Having faith in the universe, having faith in the future, gripping oneself and accepting tragedies, difficulties as a gift of the universe — or if it's God or whatever supreme power, whatever name you may give it. So that is what bound — and then, there wasn't the insecurity that children these days experience of a broken home, of individualistic clash. Yes, the women sacrificed, but women also brought stability and children need nothing more than love, stability to grow wholesome.

Monika Nikore: What would be your advice to your daughters as mothers?

Vimal Nikore: Enjoy. Enjoy life. Enjoy the moment. Enjoy your children. Don't look at them as responsibilities. Grow with them. Play with them and you would — you will be returned manyfold the love that you put in. But at the same time, I mean, I have to say this also, that a part of you, part of you which is real, what we call as passion, so-called "know your bliss" and this and that, whatever terminology you use, you know what your inner urges are. Put it by any name. Do actualize those. You will be doing a benefit to your children. If you don't waste yourself, you are telling your children they won't waste their life and their talent. It's not a tragedy to your own self, but it is a tragedy at large also. So don't go into that mode of, you know, sacrificial goat, so to say.

Monika Nikore: Well, I'll always remember that, Mom —

Vimal Nikore: Do that.

Monika Nikore: — because you have really taught me how to enjoy my little boy and it's been so much fun to do that with you around.

Vimal Nikore: When you have the grandchildren, you see the tree that you planted. Relish the fruits also.

Monika Nikore: Yes.

Vimal Nikore: Relish the shade also and the breeze under it.

Monika Nikore: Yes.

Vimal Nikore: Longevity is a gift in itself because there is so much, so much you witness when you are older and truly know the value and relish it too.

This story was produced locally for GPB by Chase McGee and recorded in partnership with StoryCorps Atlanta.