Being born into a traditional Iyengar family, and later becoming a part of another through marriage, I have been both a participant in and a quiet observer of the deeply rooted customs, affectionate oddities, and timeless rhythms that define our way of life. These experiences—rich, textured, and often amusing—formed the fertile ground from which this book Srirangam to Manhattan: The Flight of Freedom blossomed.
This book is my ode to the Iyengar households I’ve known and loved—where rituals anchor the day, conversations flow over filter coffee, and even silence carries meaning. It reflects the quirks, the quiet strength, the stubborn pride, and the subtle humour that inhabit our homes and hearts. The in-laws becoming outlaws is a cliched narrative, but many a time, a deep friendship is born out of these arranged unions.
Through the gentle unfolding of everyday events in Srirangam, this story celebrates the idea that age is not an ending, but a soft beginning—especially for those who have given their entire lives to family, tradition, and duty. It is also a light-hearted reminder that while customs bind us, it is our quirks that make us unforgettable.
-Shanti Arunkumar
