Meaning: This quote by V. Naipaul, a renowned novelist, reflects the experience of many individuals who have migrated from their home countries. It speaks to the sense of disconnection and loss that can accompany migration, particularly when individuals are cut off from their ancestral roots and history. Naipaul's words convey a poignant realization that the opportunity to learn about one's origins and the families left behind is often lost once the process of cultural assimilation and adaptation is underway.

The quote captures the sense of regret and missed opportunities that can accompany the journey of migration. It reflects the idea that individuals often become so absorbed in the process of adapting to a new culture and way of life that they neglect to inquire about or preserve the knowledge of their ancestral heritage. Naipaul's words suggest that by the time the desire to learn about one's origins arises, it may be too late, as the connections and information that could have facilitated this understanding have been lost or obscured.

Naipaul's reference to the lack of inquiries about India or the families left behind highlights the emotional and cultural distance that can emerge as individuals settle into new lives in foreign lands. The shifting of "our ways of thinking" signifies the transformation and adaptation that occurs as individuals acclimate to a new environment, often leading to a detachment from their roots. The phrase "it was too late" conveys a sense of finality and irreversible loss, suggesting that the opportunity to connect with and understand one's ancestral heritage has passed.

The author's personal reflection on his own limited knowledge of his father's side and the vague understanding that "some of them came from Nepal" underscores the widespread experience of cultural disconnection and the erasure of ancestral history that many migrants face. Naipaul's words capture the sense of longing and curiosity that can arise later in life, prompting individuals to seek out their roots and family history, only to find that the opportunity to do so has been lost.

V. Naipaul, a Trinidadian-born British writer of Indian descent, often explored themes of migration, identity, and cultural displacement in his works. His own experiences as a person of Indian heritage living in the Caribbean and later in England likely informed his understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by migrants. Through his writing, Naipaul shed light on the psychological and emotional dimensions of migration, including the loss of connection to one's ancestral roots and the struggle to reconcile multiple cultural identities.

In conclusion, V. Naipaul's quote encapsulates the emotional and cultural complexities of migration, particularly the sense of disconnection and loss that can accompany the process of adapting to a new environment. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and understanding one's ancestral heritage, even as individuals embark on new chapters in their lives. Naipaul's words resonate with the experiences of countless migrants who grapple with the longing to reconnect with their roots and the realization that the opportunity to do so may have slipped away.