Roots and Reflections — My Childhood & Upbringing

 

from Memoirs of a CA – “Aap Toh CA Hain” by CA Sanjivv Shiv Kapoor

Before I ever stepped into a boardroom or held a balance sheet, my life had already been shaped — not by numbers or ledgers, but by the quiet wisdom of elders, the laughter of cousins, and the irresistible aroma of paranthas on winter mornings.

My story doesn’t begin with law books or account ledgers. It begins in the soul of Old Delhi and in the loving lap of my maternal grandparents in Kanpur.

Those early years in Kanpur were peaceful, almost poetic. The mornings carried the smell of freshly made paranthas, and the soft murmur of elders reading the newspaper set the tone for the day. Life there was unhurried, grounded, and filled with affection. I grew up surrounded by love, by people who valued simplicity and sincerity more than anything else.

It was in that environment that I learned humility, respect for elders, and the importance of discipline — values that would later become my compass in professional life.

But while Kanpur gave me calmness, Old Delhi — or Delhi 6, as we fondly call it — gave me energy, color, and soul.

Our ancestral home in Chandni Chowk was tucked deep inside lanes that seemed to sing with history. Every brick had a story. Every corner was alive with sound, color, and aroma. The smell of street food, the chants from temples, the laughter of neighbors — it was a world of its own.

We were a large joint family — over twenty members under one roof. Looking back now, I consider it one of life’s greatest blessings. We shared everything — meals, joys, dreams, and even disagreements. There was no concept of “my space” or “your space.” The dining table was where generations met — where stories from the past mixed effortlessly with hopes for the future.

From that vibrant, bustling household, I learned to listen deeply, to adapt, to value relationships, and to stand my ground respectfully. Those lessons didn’t come from textbooks; they came from daily life.

Culturally, Chandni Chowk was a universe in itself. Festivals were not just celebrations — they were grand experiences that filled every lane and every heart.

Diwali meant a house glowing with oil lamps and hearts glowing with joy. Holi was pure madness — colors, laughter, and community. Janmashtami meant midnight aartis and decorated swings for little Krishna. Eid brought trays of sweets from neighbors, and Raksha Bandhan came with the softest silken rakhis, tied with laughter and affection.

There was no division of religion — only unity of spirit. We celebrated everything, together. That was Old Delhi — a place where humanity always came first.

And then, of course, there was the food — the kind that tells stories with every bite.

Early morning jalebis dripping with syrup, kebabs that melted on the tongue, chhole-kulche from roadside vendors, and the delicate daulat ki chaat that felt like clouds in a bowl. To this day, no fine-dining experience can match the soulful satisfaction of those simple meals. They were part of who we were — traditions passed down, one plate at a time.

But Old Delhi wasn’t always cheerful. I still remember the uneasy silences of curfews during tense times — when the vibrant lanes went still, and whispers replaced conversations. Those moments taught me the fragility of peace and the strength of community. They reminded me that life, like business, needs balance — between prosperity and compassion, ambition and empathy.

In 1977, we moved to Greater Kailash-II — a quieter, more modern neighborhood. The move gave us more space and comfort, but the soul of Old Delhi never left me. Even today, whenever I return to those narrow lanes, I feel as if I’m reconnecting with a part of myself that has never aged.

That upbringing — between the calm of Kanpur, the vibrancy of Chandni Chowk, and the togetherness of a joint family — formed the core of who I am. It gave me a cultural spine, an appreciation for people, and a way of seeing leadership not as authority, but as connection.

Before I learned to manage accounts, I learned to balance emotions. Before I understood tax codes, I learned the language of love, respect, and resilience. And before I learned how to file returns, I learned how to return — again and again — to my roots, to draw strength and remain grounded.

That was my childhood. Not just a chapter in my life — but the foundation of everything that followed.

And if you’ve ever grown up in a family like that — filled with noise, warmth, food, and love — I’m sure you’ll find a part of yourself in my story.

My book, “Memoirs of a CA – Aap Toh CA Hain”, is not only about my journey as a Chartered Accountant. It’s about life itself — about roots, relationships, nostalgia, and the values that shape who we become.

So, if you believe that success is more than balance sheets… if you love stories that make you smile, reflect, and travel back to your childhood lanes — then I invite you to read my journey.

Get your copy of “Memoirs of a CA – Aap Toh CA Hain” today — and walk with me through the streets of Old Delhi, where every memory still breathes, and every value still lives.

Because before I became a CA… I became me.



CA Sanjivv Shiv Kapoor
Author 


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