19.3.17, Sundiay
Today my mother returned from her native village in Uttar
Pradesh. During my upbringing, I never really visited my village. Even when I
did, I wasn’t very keen on village life. However, today having seen city people
and the experiences I have had, I find the life on the other side more
intriguing.
My mother and I got into a hearfelt session which went on
for six long hours. A discussion which was a rewind into the past. Time like ice just melted
away and memories like water flooded in. A space where present stared at past.
We discussed how much her village got changed, condition of
education, infrastructure, roads, civic facilities, neighbourhood, food,
farming, besides my maternal Aunt and Uncle. My mother was all praise
for her niece and nephews who have done well for themselves despite limited
resources.
What particularly stood out in her experiences was the
simplicity of village people and generous heart. Unlike city people, they are
warm, helpful, trustworthy and honest fellows. Life is much simpler there. What
they sow, is cooked and eaten together. The joy is unbeatable. Nothing
compared to a restaurant meal, or a meal eaten in front of TV. We complicate
life and then cry about it.
My Uncle is a farmer. All his life he has lead a simple
life. His life stories were served along with the supper which made the meal more delicious. She also loved going to the fields and harvesting mustard seeds.
The freshness of the farms just filled in the void a city life dents in. The
same neighbourhood where she grew up along with my grandparents was an
emotional experience every time she pays a visit there. She says “there is
magic in the soil. Something inside comes alive. It’s my turf.”
Often, we got question in English exam where we would be asked to contrast city life
from the village. Back then, I didn’t understand the depth of the real
difference which I do now. It lies in
big heart. People in city are more smart which causes problems within which
they get embroiled. Village people are simple and sweet. They enjoy
in the moment and live for today. Isn’t life just about the passing moment?
Then, why fret so much and waste so much energy over things which are beyond
our control.
Do read my next post. Bye for now.
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