Vadodara: At a time when dining tables are getting smaller and homes quieter, the Thakkar family in Vadodara stands as a heartwarming reminder of the warmth of togetherness. Ten members of the family — spanning four generations — live under one roof, bound not only by blood ties but also by affection, shared responsibilities and strong family values.“In an era of nuclear families, ours is one big happy joint family, and each one of us truly enjoys the togetherness,” said 32-year-old chartered accountant Aakash Thakkar.The family lives in the Manjalpur area of Vadodara and includes grandparents, their son and daughter-in-law, two grandsons and their wives, along with two young children.Aakash’s elder brother, Keval Thakkar, 35, recalls how the family’s close bond strengthened over the years. “Aakash and I grew up together in Anand while our father, Bharat Thakkar, travelled to Kawant for business. Later, the entire family shifted to Vadodara. Even though we eventually entered different professions, we never felt the need to live separately. We have always shared a strong bond,” Keval told TOI.For the brothers, continuing the joint family tradition was never a difficult choice — even after marriage.“There was never any discussion about living separately,” said Keval. “We had already decided that we would continue staying together as a family.”Aakash echoed the sentiment. “Before my marriage, I had clearly told my wife, Janki, that we would be living in a joint family setup. She agreed wholeheartedly,” he said.For 62-year-old Bharat Thakkar, now retired, the biggest strength of a joint family is the support system it offers. “Every important decision is taken collectively. My sons never have to worry about their children because there is always someone at home to care for them,” he said.At the centre of the family are 86-year-old Champaklal Thakkar and his wife Chandrika, who now spend their days surrounded by their son, grandsons, daughters-in-law and great-granddaughters, Kriva and Aanshi.“Living in a joint family teaches patience, understanding, and the importance of sharing responsibilities and spaces,” said Champaklal with a smile.In a fast-changing urban world where individualism often takes precedence, the Thakkars continue to preserve the spirit of the traditional Indian joint family — proving that togetherness can still thrive amid modern lifestyles.
