Add Row 
Add 
A 91-year-olds' Instagram journey
Meet Chandrakant and Sharda Chandarana, a charming couple from Birstall, Leicestershire, who have become Instagram sensations at the age of 91. What started as light-hearted videos showcasing their daily life has spiraled into an impressive following of over 84,000. This delightful duo, lovingly called Nini and Nanu, offers a glimpse into not just their relationship, but also a rich tapestry of Gujarati culture.
Why sharing Gujarati culture matters
Their granddaughter, Rupa Nathwani, embarked on this journey inadvertently. Originally, she aimed to showcase the humorous banter between her grandparents, particularly a quarrel about her grandmother’s lengthy prayers. The unexpected response to the clip, viewed millions of times, spurred Rupa to embrace a more purposeful motive. "We must teach our children the Gujarati language and make them proud to become Gujarati," says Mr. Chandarana. This statement encapsulates their mission.
Risks in losing linguistic heritage
Statistics reveal a worrying trend: the number of Gujarati speakers in England and Wales has dropped from over 213,000 in 2011 to about 189,000 a decade later. Rupa identifies a disconnect among young Gujaratis who gravitate toward English, often at the expense of their heritage language. She argues that while English is essential for communication in Britain, neglecting Gujarati would mean losing a precious part of their identity.
The role of social media in cultural preservation
What can a couple's playful arguments do in the grand scheme of language preservation? The key lies in social media's power. The Chandaranas’ Instagram is more than a social media account; it's a cultural artifact. Through their posts, they bridge generational gaps between young and old Gujaratis. The charming content they create invites curiosity among the youth, who find their stories relatable yet distinctly tied to their roots.
Community and cultural pride
As their popularity grows, so does their influence. Followers aren’t just drawn to their videos; they are inspired by the couple’s unabashed pride in their Gujarati culture. Mrs. Chandarana declares, “We shouldn’t forget our sanskriti, our culture.” This dedication encourages local families in Leicestershire—whether Gujarati or not—to explore and embrace their own cultural heritages.
Charming personalities creating connections
Rupa attributed much of their charm to their vibrant personalities. “They have so much energy and warmth—people can't resist being drawn to them,” she explains. The affectionate bickering and joyous expressions have not only entertained thousands but also fostered unexpected dialogues about culture and language.
Celebrate local culture through social media
The public's reaction illustrates a longing for authentic and relatable content in an era of curated perfection on social media. This case emphasizes a need for local cultural expressions to be celebrated and preserved. As we scroll through endless feeds, could we add a touch more authenticity? Why not share stories that matter?
As the Chandarana couple continues to inspire, it's time for us to reflect on our own roots. If you, too, have stories that celebrate your or your family's background, share them! Let's continue to build a community that values our rich tapestries of culture.
Write A Comment