The author reflects on a lifelong passion for agriculture, deeply rooted in a rural upbringing and generations of farming heritage. Despite this strong agricultural background, the author's father became the first in the family to join government service. This career shift was necessitated by the turbulent British colonial era, marked by oppressive indigo cultivation and local tyranny. To safeguard the family against widespread injustices, the author's grandfather strategically arranged for the father to join the police administration, aided by his physical stature and determination.
Even while serving in the government, the father never abandoned farming. Throughout his thirty-year career and well into his retirement, he maintained a profound connection with the land. Agriculture was never merely a livelihood for him; it was a cherished family tradition and an integral way of life. This deep reverence for the soil left an indelible mark on the family's values, shaping the author's own worldview.
Though the author's parents passed away about two decades ago and the family now resides abroad, agricultural activities on the ancestral land continue to this day. However, distance and a lack of direct oversight have led to certain irregularities regarding land management and possession. Recognizing that ancestral property entails not just inheritance but also the responsibility of proper stewardship, the author feels a pressing need to address these issues effectively.
Presently residing in Sweden, the author finds solace in farming during leisure time, specifically cultivating traditional Bangladeshi vegetables. Continuing this agricultural practice abroad for several years has served as a bridge to the homeland, keeping cultural roots alive thousands of miles away. This enduring passion for the soil demonstrates that physical relocation does not sever one's timeless bond with ancestral heritage.
