International Day of Families: This Odisha family of 22 members defines true meaning of togetherness

They say family is where life begins and love never ends. Family is an important support system that teaches life lessons, and values and makes us better Individuals.

As the world celebrates the International Day of Families today, let's meet a family in Odisha’s Bargarh district in which the members are living together under one roof for generations.

This is the house of Trilochan Sahoo of Katapali village. Sahoo, along with his wife Mamata, five brothers, five sisters-in-law, their sons, daughters, and grandchildren, a total of 22 members live in the house. While women are responsible for taking care of the family members, the men look after the finances.

At a time when people prefer a nuclear family, the members of this joint family continue to cement their relationships by sharing their lives together under one roof, setting a major familial goal.

“I feel very lucky to be a daughter-in-law of this family. We have divided our responsibilities among ourselves. While two of us cook meal, two others serve the food to the family members,” said Kamalini Sahoo, wife of Trilochan’s brother.

“I along with my brothers, their wives, sons, daughters and grandchildren live under one roof. We are leading a joyful life and enjoying the benefits of living in a joint family,” said Trilochan.

The locals also admire the bonding among the family members and hail their efforts to safeguard the joint family culture.

“No one will believe how a joint family of 22 members leading a life full of harmony until one sees them,” said Arun Sahoo, a local resident.

Echoing the same opinion, Ranka Mani Kheti, another local said, “I wish love and harmony prevail in the family and they keep inspiring others to live in a joint family.”