It is September 16, 2016. God is in Heaven, and so also is Kunjamma.
Kunjamma is going about her chores, stringing heavenly flowers, singing melodious songs, putting rangoli, and generally having a wonderful time with God around.
Today, God comes by and stops her, and asks, “Kunjamma, do you know what is today?”
”No Lord, I thought we just passed Ganesha Chaturthi and Vijayadashami is a couple of weeks still to come!”
”Kunjamma, today is your birthday!”
”What!? You mean I am going to be born today?”
”No, silly. It is the day you were born the last time on earth”.
“Oh, really, I never remember such dates, Lord, especially after I came here.”
“Let me tell you, Kunjamma, what is happening on earth, as they celebrate your 100th birthday. You know, on earth, for someone to be remembered on his or her 100th birthday is very rare. They are not alive, and as you sang in Bhaja Govindam yourself, old people don’t really matter much to the world. .....But in your case, in several places, they are playing your songs, remembering your life”.
“Really, God!?”
“Yes, some are also giving concerts with your famous songs. Some people are telling their own stories.”
“What kind of stories?”
“Some are saying that you told them they sang better than you. Some are claiming how your fame was built up by a lot of planning and politics.”
“Oh, really! And...!?”
“Some have made films on you. Some are telling your private family life anecdotes.”
”And what more, Lord?”
“There is one really funny guy, Kunjamma. He is telling people that they are celebrating your name and birthday all wrong, and cheaply and falsely. He says that you were neither a saint, nor a real person, but a story all made up by crafty people around you!”
“But Lord, how does he claim to know all this, and how does he know what is true!?”
“Kunjamma, what can I tell you. Do you know why we call this heaven?”
“Tell me, please.”
“We don’t automatically admit people who say a lot of things. Or those who get a lot of awards. Or become popular singers. Or write a lot of such articles. Or those that keep on telling others that they are bad, or wrong, or false.”
“Yes, of course, I can understand what you mean, God. Even on earth, such people are neither happy nor make others happy.”
After a few thoughtful moments, Kunjamma asks, “But then, Lord, why did you have me come over here!?”
“Kunjamma, because heaven will be a better place with you around.”
