Polling Duty (story) --Murthy KVVS
Notification of election schedule in today's paper brought the bygone days back for me.It is about almost a decade passed by.But those moments are fresh in my mind.EVM was something impossible to imagine in those days.I was drafted as a presiding officer to execute in a polling booth that situated in a remote village.There were four more employees in my team, and they were from different departments.
It was almost five in the evening as our vehicle reached the village.The vehicle provided by election commission has gone back with remaining staff to their respective places.Our team members comprised of different age groups.We five people boarded in the school along with the polling material.The very next day is polling day.We started pre arrangements soon after having a little rest.
We have surveyed the rooms and premises of the school to make a plan for various requirements like makeshift way for voters to come in and exit.And to prepare a corner to keep the ballot box on a table, with covering by a blanket for secrecy.Everything to be intact.Somehow, we have completed all the work including filling up required papers by seven O's clock in the night.Tomorrow is going to be the De day.By 7 a.m. sharp, the juggernaut of polling process will be commenced.Voters will be queuing up for exercising their franchise.
As having said, our team is of a high-octane five members including me.The duty like this can only be succeeded with team spirit and every one has to do their part to make it fruitful.The same thing has been uttered by me repeatedly.Fortunately, our team members were very cooperative.
It was almost eight O clock in the night as we have returned to our worldly business from our conversation of many other things.I went out to meet some villagers or find a small hotel to prepare meals for us.It was a moonlit night.Village looked so calm, no one was on the street.Dim lighting of bulbs kept pouring from the street electricity poles.Both sides, unruly bushes were growing.At last, I found a villager after walking a few yards to the corner.
"We are the polling staff deputed here in your village to accomplish the election process.It seems nobody is out there to ask something about."I introduced myself to the man.He was grim and thoughtful for a while.
"Here people used to go to bed by seven or seven thirty in the night.There was no hotel or any accommodation for the meals.You have to help yourself only," He answered in a businesslike tone.
"My God...What to do, is there any hotel nearby the village?"
"Yes...But it is about 20 k.m.s.' away.All the way is filled with wild animals apart from being stark dark."He informed me and rushed himself without heeding my further talk.I sighed for our fate.Came back to the school-cum-polling booth.On disclosing the fact,our second team member came up with a sweet news.
"Sir...don't worry.I have brought some fruits and biscuits with me.Let's have it.Of course,it can't be like a meal in any sense.."He appeared like a messiah. All our members were happier to have something instead of going hungry all the night.Each member got two bananas and two biscuits.Wow.What a great treat for our tummies.There was a tube well in the school premises to provide gallons of water.No problem, we can endure the starvation of some more days.We became more confident after having the water up to our throats.
We spread our blankets on the floor and rested our bodies cozily.Through the doors wide opened, Sky was looking like the old friend with starry lighting.Eerie silence everywhere.All of a sudden, somewhere a feeble howling like sound came from a distant place.That should be a fox for sure, howling from an half emptied belly like us? Or from an orgasm of night cap? Our pals were sleeping fast.Good God...You made me capture nature's pulchritude.
In the early morning, all of us completed face washing and bathing, etc., polling agents keep coming one by one.As a presiding officer,I have to provide them I.D.cards and at the same time have to check their credentials.Mock polling, paper sealing and other formalities have been done in their presence.All those were performed in time.We made them sit down on the benches allotted for them.
Voters were waiting in queues, and I nodded to the security person to send them in.Security personnel has joined us this morning though they have had to report the previous day.However,this is not the time for indulging in arguments.It would hamper all the polling process.One by one,voters got rolling in.Our team members sat in a row with eager to do their respective jobs such as verifying electors, putting tick mark in the electoral roll and indelible ink mark on fingers so on.
Work was going on smoothly.And our staff also immersed in the process.By the ten in the morning, almost 50 voters came and exercised their right.Now flow is slow.Meanwhile, a polling agent asked me about the details of breakfast whether we have had.I told him that the entire story of the last night and asked him to send any person to get it on payment.Our staff were having water for every now and then to keep them energetic.But their faces showing their real plight.
The polling agent nodded for my request but no firm answer came from him.I determined not to tell him again.Come whatever.We were ready to face it.I too gulped some water again.There was no dearth of water as we have a tube well in the polling booth.Certainly we will never die.But a huge wave of weakness was trying to defeat our spirit.We were determined to face it whatsoever.
And another spell of voters came into the booth.It was a heavy rush.in other words.We became busy and no time to think about our hunger now.Water bottles were aplenty at our side and consuming water like frogs.Almost four villages around this one fall into our list.So the voters turnout seemed big.It was around 2 o'clock and the agents were ready to go out.Their substitutes would come later.They promised us to send tiffin or meals from the nearby village.They left.And their substitutes attended with empty hands.No tiffin or meals were being sent by these new agents.
Everyone of us became mute and understood the situation.We consumed water abundantly.No expectations from anybody else.This day is the real eye opener.We have paid for what we have done.We should have brought some more food like breads, chapatis and fruits.Every village is unique in our country.Some could cooperate with us, but some couldn't.No right to blame anyone.That's how people behave, no humanity no bull shit.
At last we have completed our poll work.It was 5 O'clock in the evening.All our team members and I sighed with a note of satisfaction.All post poll work furnished and agents have also left.Everyone of us felt like a soldier, won a hard battle.We were talking less due to weakness but were raising in our spirits.After two hours spent in leisure, our bus came to the polling station.
I requested the driver to stop at the nearest hotel or at least at the small grocery outlet to eat something available there.The bus was heading through the wild forest, and we all closed our eyes as the cool breeze moving over our faces.--!
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The Guest Obsessed (Story) ---Murthy Kvvs
Count down started for the monkeys.The decision to control their naughty and eccentric ways has emerged from all our staff members of the school.One has to know the prelude or would get confused about it.Well, had that rogue monkey not bitten Venkat Master on that day, the situation would not have turned grim.However,
we are not going to kill them but determined to transport them into a dense forest of Chattisgarh.It's our border state with plenty of green cover.
You would ask that how many monkeys were there.Altogether thirty.They have been collecting the remains of mid day meals of our school children.They have never injured anyone except that one incident.So we let them go on their own as there are some kid monkeys to feed.The kid monkeys were cute and clung to the backs of mother monkeys.And often off to branches of trees to jump all over and what not.
As days go by, with increasing its number, becoming much naughtier than ever before.As a matter of fact, they maintain certain discipline even in such an unruly behavior.They would respect the cook of the mid day meals, even her helpers.The monkeys always wait until the meals preparation got ready.Patience pays, they know it well.Cooking staff is just like food givers for them.So they keep distance with them in reverence, even when they hoodwinked at times.
It's with children, different.They grow angrier by its growling upon any mischievous act of playful children.Sometimes, about pouncing over the parents who keeps visiting our school.Our village is so closed society and every news tend to spread like the wild fire.Some villagers requested the head master to drive out these rogue monkeys from the school before any unwanted thing happened, interestingly there were some fans or devotees of these creatures in our village and those warned the head master not to harm the monkeys physically.At last, upon many consultations, monkeys were decided to catch and transport them into a dense forest.Of course, expert workers have been given money as advance and they requested one week time to do this project as they were busy with the same kind of work in another village.
Meanwhile, some of the people belonging to electronic media came to our school to do a story on the revelry of monkeys.They attended with due equipment like shooting camera etc. All they kept waiting for hours.No trace of a monkey found even after the mid day meals time.
"Master ji...what's the matter?No monkeys are around here.Have they run away?"the press man asked me.
"It seems surprising to me.They should have been here by this time.Some would be hanging from the tree and some were jumping over helter-skelter across the premises.Exact time for their arrival.I am really clueless about it..."I lost in thought.
"We have waited long enough.Mid day meals time is crucial for them.It is almost two hours past after it.Perhaps the monkeys could sense our entry into the school with all these cameras and bags.And they must have communicated among them to escape from here."
"Yes.that could be the reason.Still I am wondering that even a kid monkey is nowhere to see.How they got united in the deed is a miracle.Vanished like nothing."
After a friendly chat, the press crew went out in despair.Thereupon I become a great enthusiast about the life style of monkeys.It will make a worth research indeed.I started unraveling the mystic behavior of these interesting creatures.Surprisingly the monkeys appeared in our school premises on the very next day.Exactly the mid day meals time.Strolling like old buddies.
God damns it.How clever they are.Who said animals were a novice.They could grasp things and do accordingly in great precision.They thought that today was the safest to come here.If they have ability to speak up like humans, that info can be an exciting story of struggle for existence on the earth.In fact, the humans live in a rather safe condition.
One day, I was sitting under a shade of neem tree.School children were sent out on the demand of Bharat. Bandh agitators.We the teaching staff remained in the school.Suddenly there is a rustle behind me.I looked at it.A monkey was there.First I scared a little bit.And I determined firmly to not shiver at whatever the situation.The monkey came closer to me.And seeing me with its innocent eyes.I keep calm and staring somewhere else.
After a few seconds, the monkey is still seeing towards me.I decided to make eye contact now.Perhaps it felt safety around here. That's why no sign of arrogance in its face.I never have a thought of attack this animal. My body language might have sent the indication.Some minutes went by.I wish to break the silence.
"My friend...What are you looking at? No food is prepared today.You know our school claims holiday.Go somewhere for this day," I said.The monkey glanced at me for a while.And it lowered its face calmly.As if it understood what I said.Then, face lifted to see me.There is some friendliness in its eyes.It has gone slowly towards the closed kitchen to check.Soon after, it vanished into the thickness of unruly wild greenery.
There was a bad news on the following day.That was about the biting of a monkey.An eighth class student was the victim.It was rather a sharp bite on the right leg and blood keeps running out.We the staff took him to the nearby hospital and sent him out to the home after due medical treatment.I was aghast.What makes the monkey to do so?Yesterday, It was behaved like a nice one.Who knows it could be the different monkey.
I inquired with a friend of the injured boy about the biting of the monkey.He unraveled the secret that his friend has first initiated provoking the monkey by his intimidating gestures with a stick and verbal hoodwinking.The monkey escaped at the moment and came back in the time of recession to attack him while he was rushing out alone.That means these creatures knew how to act in a strategic way.My Goodness.
"My dear boys...Don't try to harm them.They won't come to attack you unless you people provoke them.Is it, not the best example for that?" I asked the boy.He nodded as if he understood it.Though I advised so, my inner self sighed with a light tremor.
Our colleague Rameswara Rao started telling his experiences with the monkeys, during lunch time.Prior to this place, he worked in a village Narayana puram."these monkeys are very clever than we generally consider about them.In my last working place where I lived filled with a band of monkeys were always behaved like a disciplined group.They would give me the safe passage while heading to the house for the lunch, they just used to hide in the bushes of greenery for the time sake.They came out soon after I had left the house.They know how to respect a person who never meddles with their playful activities.
Some villagers got angry, and it led to electrocution to kill the monkeys.Some baby monkeys were also killed and on the incident, other enraged monkeys stirred like wild demons.They injured the people whoever were walking on the road.Both parties were at loggerheads.The entire village took it as a prestige point to get free of these creatures.All the monkeys got killed.To my surprise, the people who involved in the mayhem of the monkeys had been forced to leave the village on different causes..."Rao concluded.
"You go to any place in India, village, town or metro. No place is seen without these monkeys.Spreading like anything.What's the way out?And how to curb the menace of it?Both governments and people should think of the issue on the ground of realities.Once all these were hardly seen except the monkey tamer brought to our homes for having alms.Now it became a headache."I sighed.
"Just a couple of days back, a monkey rushed into our house,"Rao said.
"What happened then," I gasped with awe.
"We should remember one thing while dealing with them.Better not intimidate them by gestures.Just we remained calm as we were not conscious of them.They kept fumbling for eatables.After having a handful of morsels, they went out without damaging much.Thank God, they never tried to attack us, we should be so discreet with them, of course, for our own safety," Rao answered.
"O.k.sir...I too have experienced in that sort...Tell me how to get them out of our school?"I asked him.
"The foolproof way is to tranquilize them by alluring some fruits or so in order to transport to dense forest, the farther the better."
All the staff felt happy over the idea to implement.Villagers promised us to engage the best personnel to catch the monkeys.Everything is set aright.The concerned people were also provided with advance and in a few days the project has to be accomplished.
I have seen through the window of some interesting glimpses of monkeys.They were jolly as ever.The plans we're making were unknown to them.Some baby monkeys attached to their mothers.And some were jumping on the trees happily.And a monkey kept searching for lice, in his friend's hair.In turn, the latter assumed the same service.They were in the world of their own where everything seemed merriment.
All of a sudden, a baby monkey cried out of fear.Hearing it, all the remaining monkeys gathered in no time, around the bewildered baby monkey.The dog ventured against it fled away.The big monkeys were very protective about the baby monkeys.
One fine morning all the monkeys were caught and transported by a van.Everything went out as we have planned.Now our school is monkey-free and of serene ambiance.We sighed.Our Venkat master is much more happy.Do you know why particularly this master has been chosen by monkeys?He had always maintained a large stick for beating the monkeys whenever time permitted him to do so.That's a great fun for him.
He would never care the advice of other staff to be restraint and he became more vengeful upon it.One day, he remained lonely in the office room.That's the chance the monkeys used perfectly.All they stormed into the office room and injured him unto dreaded injuries.They divided into three groups with each at the strategic point to let not him be escaped.Our Venkat master thundered with the incident.
Some months passed by.Rainy season at its peak.We never have attached bath rooms in those days.And one night I came out entering into the bath room built separately a few yards away in the backyard.I heard a mild rustle at the back side of the bath room.Out of curiosity, I have gone there to have a look what the sound about.It was a monkey with its infant in her lap.It looked helpless huddling her child, there was a sign of sorrow and repentance in her eyes. I understand that they both have sneaked in to protect from the ongoing rain in the leeward of bath room wall."Have a nice stay. You are our guest" I said to them.And got back into my house.No slightest provocation.The creature got it.
On the daybreak, I checked the place where the monkey was seen with its kid.No trace of the animals.They must have gone out before the sunrise, perhaps not to bother us.In every rainy season, my conscience provokes me to check the same place whenever I got out for the bath room if there were any of them.Amazing,I have never seen them again. (the End)
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Missing of an Old Woman (Story)---Murthy K v v s
Everybody in our pilgrim town knew that old woman, but I wonder whether anyone knew her whereabouts like her name and where she has hailed from and so on.The language she speaks can hardly be understood.Sometimes people used to stop there to listen her rantings.They laugh at her.For passers by, it's one kind of entertainment.Nothing more or nothing less.
She was always in her own world.Sometimes, she was staring in the sky as if there was some message being received.Sometimes, she keeps muttering herself in a gibberish language.Sometimes, sleeping with an old blanket wrapped over her.Our townsfolk is liberal.They never dare to touch her in any aspect, by letting her live like it.
People found her that she was no way hinder to their ongoing entertainment.But there was always a long heavy bamboo stick in her hands.Just like Kali mata holding a Trishul.Keeping it in view, a safe distance is maintained by the mob.As days rolling by, people lost interest in her.She became an unannounced integral part of our town.
Even the traffic police would not go against her though she made her bed on the dividers of the road.Fortunately vehicles were not dashing, such a precision in things would come to our people when seeing heart wrenched scenes like it out of compassion.And why should not they take initiative to send her the best hospital to cure this mental ailment? No hands to work, alas.
People empowered with great fortunes, coveted positions and influence would go on the road, seeing them with callousness.What can stop them if they are really determined to help these ill-fated poor ones?These mentally sick people on the streets belonged to none.Are these bound to die like a dog or a pig one day?What society we're living in?
Gopal, a friend of mine has a xerox shop, met me on the road one day.He told me an interesting news about the old woman. "Do you know something? I interacted with the woman who always was seen by the side of dividers which is exactly opposite to our shop.She was not so chronic of mental disorder.There was a little bit of confusion in her thought process.Had she been taken care by any of her family members, she would have become a normal person?She must have been on the verge of getting delusions by now.I afraid it worsens further more.."
"Gopal, you even ventured to talk to her.That's great.People like me posing as good samaritan never dared to approach her.She was bathing, sleeping and doing everything in that makeshift tent that can be washed out by any gutsy wind.Thank God, no vehicle claimed her life though it is on the road.As per your account, she could be all right by a small initiative taken by any kind person.But who would that be anyway.."I sighed.
"Your concern about a destitute one is laudable.Let's wait for a few more days.Then, we shall contact any NGO working on the cause of it.Or let's take the issue to concerned government authorities.Hope that will suffice on our part, I think."Gopal said.
"Hmm...you're right."I admitted.
Gopal and I were busy with our routine afterwards.But she was there all the time whenever I happened to be crossing the road on any work.Be it a hotter day or a colder day?It seems no matter for her.I tempted to interact with her to test her level of sanity.On seeing someone who does know me well, I was taken aback.
After a couple of weeks, I was called for interview in Chennai.I enjoyed my trip a lot, apart from the actual purpose.I took a bus journey from Vijayawada to our pilgrim town, in return.In fact,our nearest railway station is Bhadrachalam road.Ironically it is situated at Kothagudem, almost 40k.m. away.That has a story of a thriller written by a tollywood screenplay writer.So the lesser said is better.
It was almost past midnight returning from my journey.There was no sign of that old woman on the road.Shocked to discern the reality.I have had intently observed that no trace of her rags or makeshift tent around the dividers on the road.Clueless to guess.What happened to her in the mean time?Shifted to somewhere else?This is the safest place for her to abstain from all kinds of dangers. You could understand the sense.
Oh.who am I to think all of it,my conscience moaned.You're a human being like her, the other side of it resisted.How difficult it is to have empathy though which is the salt of the earth.With all these concerns, my brain heated up all along the night, in the bed.
"Gopal...How did she get disappeared from there? What happened to her, met any accident?" I inquired him the next day.He appalled at my curious concern and shook his head.(
"I was busy with my work and little known about it.My wife who looks after our shop, once said that the poor woman had transported by a van on some day.We don't know further details about the van to whom which belonged and where she had been to."Said Gopal.
I sighed.God, what the secret of your playing.She is already out of her mind.Where should she go and do?Once, way back in her life, she could have been a lady like any other.And now became a street ridden by the family of her own.And in this holy country which valued the family system a lot.
After a few days, being that old woman vanished clueless, I went to Aalubaka...a small village where one of my friends named Naren kept working as a science teacher in a high school.He is a bibliophile.We get engaged into talking for hours and hours whenever we meet and subjects varied to infinite.He answered one of my queries related to mental ill-health.
"schizophrenia is very prevalent among the people.There are five types in it.In our country, people think of insulting to meet a concerned doctor.And it gets chronic as time passes by.A survey report says every three person out of five needed this kind of check up but hardly cared by people.What to talk of empathy?the less we talk, the better..."Said Naren.
"You're right.We would see this kind of ill-fated ones on every street and no one gives a damn for them.Perhaps they must have been in advanced stage, unconscious of dressing and cleanliness..."
"Fortunately, there is a trend of recognizing such people have begun" Naren passed a news paper to me.It carried an interesting news article.To my surprise, It was about the old woman of our town.She was getting tonsured in the photograph.Our sub collector has taken initiative to send all these people to the special hospitals.At least one officer was there with a right spirit, let this tribe increase.
I don't know how I have had missed this paper on the day.However, with a happy note, the story ended.I was desperate to see the name of the sub collector.It was Yogita Rana by name.(The End)
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Rajani Kant ( Story)----Murthy K v v s
Rajani Kant met me yesterday, in the park.Quite unanticipated.He started telling me many things about his village where I have worked for some years.I felt the days of yore in front of me, of course, not all happier moments, though.Sometimes I was planning to flee from the village.To be in an executive post as a school head master was not an easier job.One has to withstand the politics of the staff and tussle seeking village leaders as well.
But,I would dare say now, those days were not at all toughest moments in my life.How ridiculous I was then.A naive teacher sans the knowledge of worldly ways turned into a high school head master on promotion has so much to learn how to deal with different people and which taught me new lessons.Enough of tribulations all along these years made me shrewd to face any given situation.Time gradually hardens my nerves.
Don't go away with Rajani Kant has something in common with that super star Rajani.In fact, this fellow's real name was Vikas.A student in our school once upon a time.Pursuing business administration course at present.One day, he had been sent to my chamber when he was in class ten.The complaint was simple but complex in nature.This fellow kept writing his name as Rajani Kant, not only on text books, even on the answer sheets of home exams.Teaching staff tried their level best to prevent the habit.But he never heeded to their words.So he was in front of me, with folded hands.
"What's your name?" I questioned him.
"My name is Vikas sir," He replied.
"That sounds good.Your parents gave you a beautiful name.Then, why are you writing your name as Rajani Kant all the time?Teachers complaining against you.If you do it again,I will call your parents and the last resort would be issuing the T.C. and you know one more thing, your name is not to be changed in the admission register according your fancies."
"Yes sir...I won't do it again," Vikas said.
Thereafter, no complaint received about him.Our teaching staff was also on high five about the change in that boy.However, a strange fact came to my notice.His friends, some how, learned the episode that has taken place regarding the nomenclature, wide spread over the village.Villagers too started calling him as Rajani kant in mockery.This brat was reported to be happier over the unexpected popularity.
I returned to my guest house soon after paying obeisance to the Lord Rama at the temple.My guest house was exactly in front of the park.This pilgrim town changed a lot in the recent years.On weekends and holidays,It's very difficult to get a room in the hotels.And what to talk about Sri Rama navami and Mukkoti festivals with swerving visitors.
I have taken rest in the room till evening.By seven'O clock, came out for a fresh air.Entered the park located nearby.Here, our Rajani kant, sorry Vikas the old student met me unexpectedly.He was first to identify me.He was no longer a boy now, transformed into youth.I connected to the past when he reminded me of the incident of his passion about the name Rajani kant.
"Oh...Vikas..! What a pleasant surprise...What are you doing now?"I asked him.
"I am pursuing business administration in Hyderabad sir.Came back in vacation.In fact, I have been waiting for a friend here.Really I am happy to meet you after some years."he flushed.
"I am here for having a darshan of Lord Rama.After retirement, I settled at Khammam.Seeing you like this is great.I would never forget your village where I worked and retired, my boy."
"Things changed a lot since you had exuded your services sir.A new state carved out from Andhra pradesh.Bifurcation hit our area, unlike any other place.Our village merged into Andhra, of course, along with many villages adjoining to this temple town.Students got problems with both states in terms of getting different certificates from different offices.Joining hostels became a big task.And nativity issue cropped up when attended recruitment drives."
"Yes...I am also reading in the news papers.All of a sudden, some areas cut off with old division and district administration due to the bifurcation.Adequate arrangement should have done before separation.This is what the real bunch of woes to be faced by the inhabitants living in the border areas of the states."
"Sir...nowadays, we people keep boasting of global citizens, can't we solve it all with a meaningful dialogue by sitting across the table?Whatever the states could be, we are all living in one country.Both state heads should come to amiable terms to soften the lives of the people.Am I wrong?"
"You're absolutely correct Vikas.See the further irony, Lord Rama's temple falls into Telengana.And his hundreds of acres of donated lands have gone to Andhra.Even some streets of Bhadrachalam merged into that state.If you wish to visit Parnasala,you have to cross Andhra merged villages.People of the area were never concerned when the act was perpetrated."
"They were saying it all due to Polavaram project."
"Whatever the project, people are to be preferred.Well.how about the iron gate we fixed in our school to prevent the stray animals?" I diverted the heated topic.
"That was fine sir.Hmm...I happened to meet old staff like Vasu sir and Raghu sir a couple of times.Ramesh sir was said to be passed away.I don't know the exact reason."
"Have you changed your name? In those days, you were passionate about."I smiled.
"I will never ever change my name sir.How foolish I was in those days to have such a crazy idea.That very thought drives me nuts even now."
"Vikas...It was not an act of shame or so.Childhood should be like that,fun and frolic.Well...convey my best regards to all of the village.It gave me a lot of sweet moments in my life," I said.
Moving towards the cement bench located in a corner.Godavari flows with a faint sound just behind the park, beneath the bridge which would never fail to showcase the best view of the Lord Rama's temple. (The End) --
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A Burial Ground and Memoirs (story)----Murthy Kvvs
He was nearing the house, assuming it could be the residence of that gentleman Krishna Rao.No more houses found around the place and the ambiance seemed dead calm, yet green fields covered the house just like a maze, fortunately there he discovered a small path to reach the gate of the house.He was excited that many things of the past days will be unraveled in a few minutes.The moment he meets Krishna Rao he might be of short of words in hurry.In view of that, he meticulously prepared a list of important queries to elicit key points, not to miss a trivial one from the loads of reminiscences of Krishna Rao.As a freelancer, he contributed many interesting stories to different publications.But this is somewhat special in nature.
This is all about the burials.Be not afraid.He was very much sober as much as we all do.He was going to write a story about the burials where several British people were buried before independence.It is now called as Dummugudem, a sleepy village on the surface for this generation and very few people are aware of the history how a lot of action had taken place here once upon a time.River Godavari flows at the mouth of the village and over where the locks were built to accommodate the water to paddy fields along with boat travelling by making another stream.All cargo was to arrive this way right from Rajamundry.In those days, it's the most used way for people for any communication.
Adjacent to the river, before entering Dummugudem, the hamlet was called as "Work shop", here navigation center was established by the British officers.A couple of rock laden buildings constructed by those colonial rulers were remained there as their signatures.With their high walls, slope roofs, gorgeous windows and abundant timber used inside make one transport into the past decades.And there were some colossal trees in the place must have planted by those people.Amazingly, those trees looked like what we could see in some European countries.However, the shade of trees is still the favorite place for domestic animals like cows and buffaloes.Sometimes children are playing in the cozy place.By night fall, nobody goes there since the place turned into a devils work shop.
He, our reporter, has seen all this an hour back and now got to the burial place which located at Lakshmi nagaram almost adjacent to work shop.He was approaching the lone house where Krishna Rao lives in.He stood in front of the gate.Never liked to call him loudly.Some instinct signals him the gentle man would come out on his own.He keeps examining the surroundings intently.All of a sudden,Krishna Rao came out from the foliage of his garden located at the corner of the gate.
"Are you Madhu, reporter of some magazine?" Krishna Rao asked.
"Yes.sir. I am.My friend should have informed you the matter," replied our reporter with a smile.
"Yes.very happy to meet you,I will tell you all the information that I know about the burials of that British people.."
"Oh.Great sir.I have met a right person at last."
"Please do one thing.See there, the dilapidated walls.Hardly just two furlongs.That's the burial ground.Keep watching the tombs yourself...And I will join you later soon after finishing my garden work in a while,"the old man said in a friendly tone.
The reporter started walking towards the direction mentioned by the old man.The narrow path leading to the broken gate of the burial ground is having unruly bushes.But it's not an arduous walk.A cool breeze seized to unleash from somewhere else.Is it an air of joy felt by the deceased souls on knowing the news of there was someone coming here this day? Of course not to be buried.
He entered the burial ground.Walls looked very weak and rustic, at any instance of a heavy blow they could be collapsed.Already some portion was broken into heaps of debris.The best part here is no trace of human activity around the area.Sea of serenity everywhere.Really souls rest in peace here, no doubt.
These people buried here must have been dispatched their services to move the juggernaut of the British empire, in their own capacities.What kind of dreams they had in their lives is difficult to imagine.Condemned here in eternal sleep for ever.There could be a dyer and an Arthur Cotton and many of several other characters.
Some tombs were made of polished granite.Their details ascribed on each tomb.On the first one he saw, was belonged to a young British civil servant.His name was furnished as Angus Alstair Fernandez.He served as Assistant Collector and special agent of Bhadrachalam Agency, in those days.Interestingly that ICS officer died so young at the age of 25.The maximum age limit for civil service was twenty one in those days.Maybe an epidemic caused his death, who knows.
He moved on to another tomb.In fact, these were two but constructed in close, one was Miss Sarah Claire and next was Miss Dorothy.They both were missionary teachers as per the details on the surface.And there was another tomb almost in the midst of the ground was belonged to a girl named as Charlotte Henrita.Died at the age of 15 years old.Her father was working as an inspector general of Medical and health department based at Madras.Almost the place cited here was more than 600 k.m. and how it happened to burying here?Clueless.
Most of the tombs had got a raw deal by some hooligans, maybe in search of hidden riches in the coffins or under them.Almost all burials were dug up and displaced in some extent.Sure to be vanished in a few years,if it continued.At least these are better to be preserved as historical monuments.
"Hello, "a voice was heard from behind him.He shuddered for a while.Came out from his thought process.The voice belonged to none other than Krishna Rao, the old man.They exchanged smiles.
"Oh..my goodness, In fact I am waiting for you sir," our reporter said.
"You seem to be absorbed in the past" old man smiled.
"Well said.I have been transported to the British era of ruling."
"Once upon a time, this village Lakshmi nagaram, considerably populated.I born and brought up here and at the age of twenty, left it for employment.In those days, surroundings were very busy with people."
"Then how come it turned into a desert look?"
"That's the magic of time.Dummugudem and Lakshmi nagaram were treated as twin villages.Several British families settled here in line of dispatching their services.To maintain navigation center, revenue works and survey, etc., apart from it, they established a church and hostel so on"
"Did you know any British employees personally?"
"Yes...I will tell you whatever I know.A person with enthusiasm like you is scarce anyway.You can still see the rock studded building of the hostel at the work shop area.Ms Sarah Claire and Ms Dorothy were in-charges of it.They had imparted basic education, lace knitting and carpentry to the boys and girls, mostly came from tribal and other oppressed classes.Food and accommodation free for inmates."
"Have we not exploited in colonial ruling? Apart from the facts you mentioned."
"Who said no. It was prevailed without any doubt.What here happened was happened everywhere, forms could be different.The nations first opened their eyes unleashed all over the underdeveloped nations.Apart from evil, eventually, some good also happened with their invasion.Education came down to common masses in our caste ridden society.Schools and colleges opened for girls.Superstitions like Sati were abolished.English language opened new windows among us. Even Swami Vivekananda said once 'because of you, the fetters of the age old superstitions loosen in this country,oh..British government, thanks to you'..."
"Countries like China and Japan developed with their own languages...You know."
"The soul of China and Japan is entirely different.They don't have hundreds of sub castes like us.Here diversity in languages, culture, local customs and political fabric all these are different.Everybody considers their language, and caste is superior to others.Political unity achieved by the British ruling or us could have been continued as hundreds of princely states."the old man analysed in his own way.
"I retired 20 years back.Sound health by God's grace.I have a vehicle facility to reach the nearest railway station if necessary.Commodities are available to live peacefully.Also blessed with Internet connectivity.My garden is there above all.What more should I long for? In addition, people hesitate to venture into my house because of the burial ground's proximity.Of course, except my doctor."Old man smiled.
"I don't know how to express my gratitude for your kind info about all these."
"Oh...that's my pleasure.Let's go to my residence to have more chatting over a frothy coffee.By the way, what will be the heading of your future story"
"Hmm...Probably 'A burial ground and memoirs'...how is it?"
"Just terrific..." tugged at the sleeve of his guest. (the End)
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On the Fateful day...! (A Story)---Murthy Kvvs
Is it true or something fiction?Or any other motive behind the news? Whatever it could be, which sent shock waves through my spine as the news got read by.You want to know about it?Yes.there I am for you.I have come across a queer news in "Orissa Post" daily a couple of days back.It was my hobby browsing online editions of different states to know how the things taking place in different public domains.
Let me forward a bit.The news I read on that day was all about Ghosts.Yes, you heard it right.Some people who belonged to the Indian Paranormal Society gave interview and wherein they disclosed their findings of haunting areas in and around Bhubaneswar, of course beyond it.The team was researching on abnormal entities, and which are difficult to be proved with physical evidence.They have had their own equipment to carry on their work.
You could ask me how the hell I was connected with such bizarre news.Had I not visited Bhubaneswar a month back, I would not have given a damn for it?
* * * *
Some times my travels go unplanned, however far they are and the woes they bore.It was nothing comparing to the excitement of the journey that would give a true relief from the daily chorus.Seeing a new place is my utmost priority of all.To be frank, going to Bhubaneswar is not the first time for me.This is one of the most adorable places for me for many reasons.Both the ancient history and modern spirit mingle here so comfortably with serene laid-back life.
I have reached the railway station of Master canteen area of Bhubaneswar.It was about past two thirty and it seemed almost midday.There were two ways leading to Jananpath Marg main road, from the station.I took left side one and after crossing the bus stop, turned to a small passage which leads to hotels in the lane.The locality was called as jhunjhun wala.Boarded in a modest hotel called hotel Ashok.It worth the money paid by me.It was under half way construction when I had been here last time, say, a two year back.People at the reception counter were humble and informative.
Some Ganesh Mishra was receptionist last time and he arranged a vehicle for sight seeing the tour at the reasonable price.He clears off all my queries about Orissa, with patience.I do not know where he is now.He was replaced by new ones now.Time moves with its own plans with the people it needed.For worse or better...!
The hotel room was comfortable with jasmine like white bed and another blanket in spare.I slept like a dead one till the evening.Maybe out of the tedious journey.Took a shower after waking up.Lodged the keys with the reception.
.Then, it was shown in that hall,a phenomenon wide eyed portraits of Puri Jaganath and his siblings.What could be the real concept behind the prominence of eyes?Never dared to interpret it for myself.
I came out of the hotel, keep walking slowly through the passage of Jhunjhun wala.Reached the Ashok nagar main road.It was turning at night.Heading straight and impulse to stand in front the Panda Mart shop to taste some street side food.I have taken Dahi vada-Aalu dam...a typical Odiya item.It satisfied my taste buds.Happened to see the hoarding of Toshali fest where handicrafts exhibition was going on, moreover there was a music show of Satyajeet Jena in the premises, the child prodigy came to lime light from Saregama li'l champs whom I like very much for his singing talent.
Why should I miss it? I have caught the bus heading towards Baramunda.Toshali premises was all busy with different stalls hailed from different states.People seemed like a swerving ocean.It's a time for checking out textiles and other handicrafts apart from chilling out.Sambalpur textile outfit was with special attraction by conducting the power show on how they make Ikkat sarees and so on.It took almost two hours having a round of all outlets to cover.Around eight o' clock, the music show commenced and which lasted unto ten o'clock.In return,the auto was engaged as the frequency of buses is low.
I have got down from the auto at the entrance of Jhunjhun wala.Conceived walking through the small passage and there was a shopping complex in dilapidated condition.It must have been under reconstruction work.Roads wear the deserted look.A chilly wind keeps swaying.Somewhere a dog was crooning.People were hardly seen.Got the hotel room at last.After fresh up, switched on the local tv channel for happenings around.There was a ruckus in the state assembly over the remarks made by some minister named Damodar rout on Brahmins.And he was also seemed to have sacked on the reason.Down south, nobody gives a damn when the Brahmin bash prevailed since the latter lost the political clout after independence.
Flipping through different channels eyes became wary.Switched off the tube light along with the tv.Closed my eyes to have a sleep.Within some minutes, I could have plunged into a deep sea of sleep, then, suddenly I felt like a sharp hand touched my back and dropped after a few moments.Surprised and bewildered.I wanted to open my eyes.Tried hard.My efforts went futile.This time, I wanted to cry out, no use.My God What is happening here for me.Paraplegic literally.
I understand for the first time what the spine chilling night meant by.
I desperately wanted some power to face this invisible enemy.Who will be that?My Spiritual Gurus came to my mind.They were appearing inside me with the playful smile.I prayed intensely to overcome this dreadful spirit, if it was so.My eyes kept opening slowly after five minutes.I remain triumphant at last.With the help of my invisible Gurus.Woke up from the bed to have some water.Switched on the tube all along the night.
Next morning proved that I was alive as usual.Daybreak brought the confidence, a thousand times.My attendance at several meetings required two more days.Surprisingly no trace of that invisible spirit experienced all these days.I can not say what the exact reason for it and even my imagination quips with no clue.
The receptionist maintained a mysterious silence when I asked him about the incident occurred to me.Also wanted him to come up with details whether anyone committed suicide around the place.He remains mum.I did not have time to insist, furthermore, as my train could leave in some minutes.As I was slipping out of the hotel gate, inordinately glanced back.He keeps staring at me.Perhaps he wanted to tell me something and his disability deterred, who knows? (The End)
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Dantewada (A Story)---MURTHY KVVS
It was almost ten o'clock in the morning as his bus reached Konta, a small town in Chattisgarh.The bus has not stopped in the premises of bus stand but at the entry point of the town.It's not certain to call that place as a town.Fairly bigger than a moderate village.That's for sure.Bhadrachalam,a pilgrim place of Telengana is roughly sixty-five kilo meters away from this town.Telugu population at Konta is considerably large.Mostly migrated in search of green pastures, be it in business, agriculture or employment.There was an air of exotic news whenever they come into the border places of the state.Dummugudem,Charla and Venkatapuram all these mandals of Bhadrachalam division have shortest routes to enter into the villages of Chattisgarh.
Srinu got off the bus.And start walking straightway.Deforestation is not at its peak around here, so there was a cool breeze from all directions as he resumes his way thoughtfully.Streets seem tidy, sans any excreta of humans or animals.Small things like these would display sober qualities of particular place.Red soil.And lush greenery all around.The concrete road has different shops both side.Roof tile houses and other concrete houses were there.A few of two storied buildings too.This was the prima facie.Srinu has taken left turn now.There was a bus stand and the bus kept gushing to leave the premises.He eyed a four wheel vehicle which transformed as a mini portable hotel.Srinu wanted to have a tea.Inevitable after a tedious journey.
"Ek chai dedo bhayya," said Srinu.
The vendor served it in a glass.Almost to the brim.Tea was very strong.Srinu was having it with taking reasonable intervals.
"Are you from a Telugu family? Tea vendor asked Srinu in impeccable Telugu.He was shell-shocked for the unexpected query.
"My goodness...do you know Telugu" Srinu shot the counter question?
"We are also from Telugu land sir...We have come here for the sake of business.
Our ancestors belonged to Razole area of East Godavari district in Andhra pradesh.They moved to Bhadrachalam, the renowned pilgrim place during the period of bridge construction in the fifties.Right now the place falls into Telengana after bifurcation.However, our family got here almost seven years back to earn some extra bucks like this," He said, reminiscing the older days.
"What the hell are you talking? It's more than ten years we have come here," his wife added the missing link and rushed towards the borewell to bring the pitcher of water.
"Oh...Yes.Sir, she must be true...how wonderfully the time keeps pacing up these days.Unimaginable you know," he admitted his mistake.
"How is your business going on, sir" inquired Srinu?
"Especially Dosa, the pride of our region is in more demand, literally these people would die for it"
"That sounds great.Ah..by the way,do you know Rammohan who works as a teacher around here," Srinu asked him after making the payment for the tea.
"Aa..you mean Gurji? I do not know where he exactly resides.but better search after going further distance straightway.hmm... take a turn and make inquiries, I guess there were some Gurjees at the location."
What does he mean by Gurji..!Oh...that's for Guruji..!Thank God...came to understand his pronunciation Influenced by his mother tongue.Srinu thought it for himself.At last,he found the house of Rammohan without many problems.Rammohan seemed to have a good taste, his residence was more than a comfortable nestle for his family.There was a mini shopping complex in front of the house.Alongside a garden with different plants.
They exchanged pleasantries after a nap in the room allotted for Srinu.He slept like a dead one for about two hours.His body sandwiched in the bus due to the condition of the road.It was about crossing twelve o' clock in the midday.
"My brother-in-law has already informed me about your arrival,Srinu sir.He also told me to take extra care of your further course of the journey." Said Rammohan with a gentle smile.Srinu reciprocated with a courteous flush.Srinu got an urge to reveal the truth that Rammohan has been informed on his request only.But something stopped him.
Rammohan engaged his wife with preparing delicacies.He called his younger son to show him to Srinu, the guest.
"He is Vikram, my younger son.He is studying in class tenth, here only.Hindi medium.Help us a lot in our business transactions." Said Rammohan.
"What Rammohan sir...You have been a teacher here, if I am not mistaken" Srinu astounded.
"Have you got it informed from my brother-in-law? That's right.But here in Konta, teaching staff is underpaid and we have to adopt other source for a decent life.I take care of Cement business and my wife looks after Kirana shop, of course, all in our business complex situated in front of our house.
"Won't you get any problem being bunking the school duties?"
"Do you know something surprising?the real problem starts if you attend the school."
"It's really intriguing..."
"I have been working in an interior village of Konta block.There are many people in the village who do not want my presence there everyday.Hmm...Influence of "inside" people is imminent in the nutshell.My everyday presence hampers their activities and so on.If we mingle too much with locals,sleuths of police can be after us.Should we really need all these headaches since we are suffering from our own? That's why I go to school now and then to pay a visit to the village head, That's it."
"Oh.you got that problem. Well...Where is your elder son, not to be seen?"
"He is pursuing engineering in Chennai"
"Have you, not Engineering colleges around here?I mean like Jagdalpur..."
"Maybe out there, but children ought to know how the far off places fare with different things, you know." Said Rammohan.That sounds too good to believe. Srinu never wanted to move farther on the topic.
The wife of Rammohan beckoned to him to have the lunch.It was almost quarter past one.They are not aware of the passing time with their ramblings.
"Srinu sir...How about having a gulp of beer?" Rammohan asked Srinu.
"I used to take it once in a while...Why not.Let's go for it."
Both of them got into the special room situated in the complex.There were four chairs, a small table and an iron safe.It seems to be devoted for the activities like these.Well planned.We sat and relaxed.Rammohan poured beer in the two large goblets.They have taken one beer each.This time, for a change,Rammohan made cocktails of beer and Vodka.He had enough stock of Vodka bottles in the Iron safe.Srinu got aback for a second.
"Rammohan sir...My actual capacity is only one beer, now you got it cocktails with Vodka.getting me into trouble." Srinu smiled coyly.
"What's the purpose of boozing? to get off from all these mundane troubles and to have a good time,isn't it..? Do you know what the great Omar Khayam said once? Boozing is not a sin. The real sin is being sober after once you got boozed."
Srinu struck with the logical utterance of Rammohan.This is the day getting wisdom from this guy.Let it be.Srinu resigned and start sipping the cocktails along with Rammohan.
"Well.My friend tell me something about your journey towards here" a closeness felt in the tone of Rammohan.
"My father was suffering from a chronic kneel pain.Somebody told me that there was a particular guy in Dantewada of Chattisgarh with the expertise of Herbal medicine that comes from their ancestors.That's the reason.Your brother-in-law is my classmate, and he asked me to meet you here during my journey."
"Oh.that's nice.You can go there by bus.but the condition of roads is worse...Which will eat up all your time.Five to six hours journey.Do one thing, engage a private vehicle to save the time."
"Nothing to worry...I will make it."
"That's the spirit."
"Rammohan ji...how is your life in the alien state?"
"Not a moment I felt so...!We had been come here in my childhood.My father served in this place as a private medical practitioner, in those days we never have heard any disturbance.Everywhere lush green ambiance with sprawling woods.For the last ten years, things got worse.A big chunk of population here is Telugu speaking lot.And next Marwaris, of course a few Bengali families too.All the business vested in these three sections."
"Why things went haywire or disturbed."
"Different people say different reasons.But a portion of Adivasis allege that our Telugus were the real cause for all this wreaking havoc in their lives."
"Is it true?
"Hmm.Some extent."
"Had we read any news about Chattisgarh. It would have something regarding terrorism so on?
"Many villages remain deserted due to the tussle between the two sides.For livelihood, these poor people enter the border villages of our Telugu states...An exile within country," said Rammohan.
"Yes...we used read the news about things like that, their struggle for common facilities like water, land,sanitation and human trafficking etc. These people are seen near bus stand of Bhadrachalam waiting for their buses apart from travelling for dailywage works to nearest mandals like Paloncha,Manuguru and so on.They always look silent and mind their own business.I never have seen them to socialize with other people..."
"These are Maria tribes and mostly attracted to extremism.There is another tribe called Muria and those are comparatively progressive in all respects.Salwa judum is created with these folks to retaliate Maria dominated extremism.Of course, the organisation is no more now, that's a different story."
"Once I heard over a farmer based at Nellipaka village,the Maria tribes were skillful at the work of Chilli plucking.And they would never leave a piece of chilli in the field.They are not fussy about things like our local ones.By the ending of the season, they make money or chillies and leave the place..no extra word they utter without necessity"
"There is a link between so called civilization and communication skills.The more you want to appease others for your own ends, the more you need to brush up your communication skills.Else, what the need of extra talk?Sometimes, it's difficult to distinguish which is genuine talk or pretending act.Watch out on TV screens, whenever a cyclone hit some places, how greatly the residents articulate their woes and want benefits from the side of government. Have you ever seen the same serious coverage with these people?Because these people do not know how to showcase their problems with the intensity needed."
"You're true..."
"Can I tell you a shocking incident that I have seen in the nearest village? One day, on a request of an NGO, I accompanied their team, they were of a medical team.Almost four people were killed in that village, in an action taken between the police and extremists.There was a small baby, aged about one year, also killed in that incident..."
"My God...how painful to know. The parents must have been mourning like hell."
"No.Your guess went wrong.Mother of that baby was sitting about laying chin on her folded knees.No teardrops or no sobbing.Dead calm over there.She was also a mother like anybody in the world.She was also feeling anguish and sorrowful.But she doesn't know how to express her pain by crying out in order to get sympathy from others..." Rammohan keeps describing.The cocktail works so harder inside, piercing his heart to come out.
All of a sudden, mobile start buzzing.It was a call from the house to remind the lunch.Both of them moved."The journey to Dantewada is not possible today and I would start tomorrow whatsoever" Srinu thought so, but hesitated to reveal it.
"Why don't you set out tomorrow, take a nap after lunch," Rammohan said.Srinu exclaimed that whether he has anything like clairvoyance. (the End)
Srinivas peeped into the class to be sure of that boy, oh..yes,Ramesh was there in blue shirt in the second row.Ramesh was studying in class eighth.And Srinivas has been working as an English teacher in the school being run by Zilla Parishat management.Srinivas felt a little bit unnerved to face Ramesh.Anyhow he has to take next period, not to be avoided since time-table goes as it was.In the first place, why should a teacher become pissed off dealing a student not less than a fifteen years of age?The same thought boosted the morale of Srinivas.
It should not be termed as fear, to be frank, a repentance over an incident in which his role was defensive.It's a battle inside, not to get revealed whatsoever.Even he liked to speak up his mind, who is there to hear and what is there to judge upon.It's a matter of two hearts.His conscience throbs within to do something.That mistake should not have taken place, he whispered again.
We have to go back to yesterday to understand what really did happen.That was a small village Narsapuram.With fields either side of the main Tar Road, leading the pilgrim place Parnasala,was a high school equipped with sufficient buildings,lab and staff unlike any other so called sarkari institutions.Neem, Coromandal ebony and Millettia pinnata trees were abundantly seen all through the way and bless people with fresh air and shade.
About fifteen hamlets along with other blocks, from where the children keep coming here to pursue their studies.There was no intense publicity or hike up about the school like private ones.But each year it sees a fair competition having a seat in here.A Good school and a good ambiance with spacious play ground and enough of greenery would always be a great experience for any child when he looked back into his life.
We would start understanding the spirit and real value of childhood, once we had crossed it off.The fun and frolic life set us into the mundane world to feel the changeover as years move by.The life we had in the school was the real blissful life, yet, there were some children unfortunately to have underwent enough trauma not withstanding their age.The scars would perhaps be there and reflect all over the life, who knows.
Oh.Let's come back to our school, that was Monday.Not so a happy day to come back after a restful Sunday.At that moment, the wisdom comes to mind that everything was bound to transit or change.Even from Head Master to lay the student, the particular day was despised, but they have to obey the law of time, what to do.Some fortunate teachers who have leaves in their balance applied for the same and due to scarcity of the staff, Srinivas had been drafted to the extra period for eighth class.
"Good morning Children" he reciprocated the children soon after entering the class.Attendance was taken.He thought of having some discourse to let them know current issues.
"Children...Can anybody elucidate Swatch Bharat," Srinivas asked. A pupil called Vishnu got up and started telling the salient factors of the program.The way he explained was so nice to his age.He must have been a good reader.
" Vishnu...how nice of you...Do you follow news papers every day?" Srinivas questioned him.
"Yes..sir.Besides that,I would go to the library and read different kinds of books.My grand father, once, had taken me to library, thereafter I found great joy in reading.Above all, we could read all those at free of cost.To my surprise, the very little chunk of people keeps frequenting the library." Vishnu answered enthusiastically.
"My boy...you are so fortunate.You understood the sweetness in reading at the earliest.In these days, both parents and children are crazy about mindless dirty T.V.serials.The height of worse is both are watching and enjoying together.Keep up your good habit Vishnu" Srinivas said.
Apart from the ongoing interaction,Srinivas noticed an odd boy in the class.He was in the last bench.He was not responding to the current of the class atmosphere.Seemed to be apathetic.In fact, there is no sign of giggling, innocence or playfulness in his face which are all common in any child.Srinivas made eye contact with him to alert his behavior. No response found either.
"Hey..boy.you.the last one...Stand up," Srinivas said, a bit seriously.He got up where he was.The same face, no concealment of his careless nature.
"what is your name"
" Ramesh" he said.He did not use the word Sir.As a teacher, Srinivas felt something bad.He never confronted a student with this sort of headstrong nature.
"Ramesh...Come on, tell me...What did Vishnu tell us a few minutes back?
"I didn't hear it" The same reckless answer.
"Then...what are you doing here in the class room?It's not a place for reverie,"
"I said...I did not pay attention."
"Why...You are here for that only."
Ramesh remained silent.But no sorry feel in his face.Back to the same carelessness.Srinivas amazed himself that what kind of child this bloody fellow to remain long faced for all the questions.It's sheer disgrace to a teacher failing to have minimum respect from a student.
Srinivas lost his patience.He rushed to the last bench and slapped hard on the face of Ramesh.The poor brat fell on the floor.And he helped himself get up and silently sat on the bench.Still, there was no sign of tears or repentance in his face.Srinivas never have seen a student like him.
After getting into the staff room,Srinivas called for Vishnu and talked about Ramesh.
" Vishnu...what kind of idiot Ramesh is...he never behaved properly in the class,what the hell does happen with him" asked Srinivas.
"Sir...sometimes he behaves so, particularly on the days when his mother comes to see him,"
" Tell me in detail...what happens then"
"Sir, the parents of Ramesh were separated because of their internal conflicts.His mother married someone else.Occasionally she used to come here to see Ramesh.But his father wants him not to talk with her,
Had he talked,Ramesh would have beaten black and blue, that night, by his father."
"Oh... such a pathetic condition."
"And this morning, his mother visited our school and talked to him sir"
" Vishnu...I understand it now.thanks." Srinivas sent the student back.
Srinivas remained thoughtful for a while.Life is full of ups and downs.Tears and laughs.But childhood should be protected at least, from all these blows.How all these impressions could take into further forms when they have grown up are beyond the imagination.He became ashamed of his bashing in the class.Decided to relieve himself by saying sorry.Hmm.Saying sorry to a student? No, which hurts his ego before all other students.Then what to do...Yes.Not today, tomorrow.I should meet him in person and placate him by patting his back.Of course with a chocolate. (the End)
Notification of election schedule in today's paper brought the bygone days back for me.It is about almost a decade passed by.But those moments are fresh in my mind.EVM was something impossible to imagine in those days.I was drafted as a presiding officer to execute in a polling booth that situated in a remote village.There were four more employees in my team, and they were from different departments.
It was almost five in the evening as our vehicle reached the village.The vehicle provided by election commission has gone back with remaining staff to their respective places.Our team members comprised of different age groups.We five people boarded in the school along with the polling material.The very next day is polling day.We started pre arrangements soon after having a little rest.
We have surveyed the rooms and premises of the school to make a plan for various requirements like makeshift way for voters to come in and exit.And to prepare a corner to keep the ballot box on a table, with covering by a blanket for secrecy.Everything to be intact.Somehow, we have completed all the work including filling up required papers by seven O's clock in the night.Tomorrow is going to be the De day.By 7 a.m. sharp, the juggernaut of polling process will be commenced.Voters will be queuing up for exercising their franchise.
As having said, our team is of a high-octane five members including me.The duty like this can only be succeeded with team spirit and every one has to do their part to make it fruitful.The same thing has been uttered by me repeatedly.Fortunately, our team members were very cooperative.
It was almost eight O clock in the night as we have returned to our worldly business from our conversation of many other things.I went out to meet some villagers or find a small hotel to prepare meals for us.It was a moonlit night.Village looked so calm, no one was on the street.Dim lighting of bulbs kept pouring from the street electricity poles.Both sides, unruly bushes were growing.At last, I found a villager after walking a few yards to the corner.
"We are the polling staff deputed here in your village to accomplish the election process.It seems nobody is out there to ask something about."I introduced myself to the man.He was grim and thoughtful for a while.
"Here people used to go to bed by seven or seven thirty in the night.There was no hotel or any accommodation for the meals.You have to help yourself only," He answered in a businesslike tone.
"My God...What to do, is there any hotel nearby the village?"
"Yes...But it is about 20 k.m.s.' away.All the way is filled with wild animals apart from being stark dark."He informed me and rushed himself without heeding my further talk.I sighed for our fate.Came back to the school-cum-polling booth.On disclosing the fact,our second team member came up with a sweet news.
"Sir...don't worry.I have brought some fruits and biscuits with me.Let's have it.Of course,it can't be like a meal in any sense.."He appeared like a messiah. All our members were happier to have something instead of going hungry all the night.Each member got two bananas and two biscuits.Wow.What a great treat for our tummies.There was a tube well in the school premises to provide gallons of water.No problem, we can endure the starvation of some more days.We became more confident after having the water up to our throats.
We spread our blankets on the floor and rested our bodies cozily.Through the doors wide opened, Sky was looking like the old friend with starry lighting.Eerie silence everywhere.All of a sudden, somewhere a feeble howling like sound came from a distant place.That should be a fox for sure, howling from an half emptied belly like us? Or from an orgasm of night cap? Our pals were sleeping fast.Good God...You made me capture nature's pulchritude.
In the early morning, all of us completed face washing and bathing, etc., polling agents keep coming one by one.As a presiding officer,I have to provide them I.D.cards and at the same time have to check their credentials.Mock polling, paper sealing and other formalities have been done in their presence.All those were performed in time.We made them sit down on the benches allotted for them.
Voters were waiting in queues, and I nodded to the security person to send them in.Security personnel has joined us this morning though they have had to report the previous day.However,this is not the time for indulging in arguments.It would hamper all the polling process.One by one,voters got rolling in.Our team members sat in a row with eager to do their respective jobs such as verifying electors, putting tick mark in the electoral roll and indelible ink mark on fingers so on.
Work was going on smoothly.And our staff also immersed in the process.By the ten in the morning, almost 50 voters came and exercised their right.Now flow is slow.Meanwhile, a polling agent asked me about the details of breakfast whether we have had.I told him that the entire story of the last night and asked him to send any person to get it on payment.Our staff were having water for every now and then to keep them energetic.But their faces showing their real plight.
The polling agent nodded for my request but no firm answer came from him.I determined not to tell him again.Come whatever.We were ready to face it.I too gulped some water again.There was no dearth of water as we have a tube well in the polling booth.Certainly we will never die.But a huge wave of weakness was trying to defeat our spirit.We were determined to face it whatsoever.
And another spell of voters came into the booth.It was a heavy rush.in other words.We became busy and no time to think about our hunger now.Water bottles were aplenty at our side and consuming water like frogs.Almost four villages around this one fall into our list.So the voters turnout seemed big.It was around 2 o'clock and the agents were ready to go out.Their substitutes would come later.They promised us to send tiffin or meals from the nearby village.They left.And their substitutes attended with empty hands.No tiffin or meals were being sent by these new agents.
Everyone of us became mute and understood the situation.We consumed water abundantly.No expectations from anybody else.This day is the real eye opener.We have paid for what we have done.We should have brought some more food like breads, chapatis and fruits.Every village is unique in our country.Some could cooperate with us, but some couldn't.No right to blame anyone.That's how people behave, no humanity no bull shit.
At last we have completed our poll work.It was 5 O'clock in the evening.All our team members and I sighed with a note of satisfaction.All post poll work furnished and agents have also left.Everyone of us felt like a soldier, won a hard battle.We were talking less due to weakness but were raising in our spirits.After two hours spent in leisure, our bus came to the polling station.
I requested the driver to stop at the nearest hotel or at least at the small grocery outlet to eat something available there.The bus was heading through the wild forest, and we all closed our eyes as the cool breeze moving over our faces.--!
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The Guest Obsessed (Story) ---Murthy Kvvs
Count down started for the monkeys.The decision to control their naughty and eccentric ways has emerged from all our staff members of the school.One has to know the prelude or would get confused about it.Well, had that rogue monkey not bitten Venkat Master on that day, the situation would not have turned grim.However,
we are not going to kill them but determined to transport them into a dense forest of Chattisgarh.It's our border state with plenty of green cover.
You would ask that how many monkeys were there.Altogether thirty.They have been collecting the remains of mid day meals of our school children.They have never injured anyone except that one incident.So we let them go on their own as there are some kid monkeys to feed.The kid monkeys were cute and clung to the backs of mother monkeys.And often off to branches of trees to jump all over and what not.
As days go by, with increasing its number, becoming much naughtier than ever before.As a matter of fact, they maintain certain discipline even in such an unruly behavior.They would respect the cook of the mid day meals, even her helpers.The monkeys always wait until the meals preparation got ready.Patience pays, they know it well.Cooking staff is just like food givers for them.So they keep distance with them in reverence, even when they hoodwinked at times.
It's with children, different.They grow angrier by its growling upon any mischievous act of playful children.Sometimes, about pouncing over the parents who keeps visiting our school.Our village is so closed society and every news tend to spread like the wild fire.Some villagers requested the head master to drive out these rogue monkeys from the school before any unwanted thing happened, interestingly there were some fans or devotees of these creatures in our village and those warned the head master not to harm the monkeys physically.At last, upon many consultations, monkeys were decided to catch and transport them into a dense forest.Of course, expert workers have been given money as advance and they requested one week time to do this project as they were busy with the same kind of work in another village.
Meanwhile, some of the people belonging to electronic media came to our school to do a story on the revelry of monkeys.They attended with due equipment like shooting camera etc. All they kept waiting for hours.No trace of a monkey found even after the mid day meals time.
"Master ji...what's the matter?No monkeys are around here.Have they run away?"the press man asked me.
"It seems surprising to me.They should have been here by this time.Some would be hanging from the tree and some were jumping over helter-skelter across the premises.Exact time for their arrival.I am really clueless about it..."I lost in thought.
"We have waited long enough.Mid day meals time is crucial for them.It is almost two hours past after it.Perhaps the monkeys could sense our entry into the school with all these cameras and bags.And they must have communicated among them to escape from here."
"Yes.that could be the reason.Still I am wondering that even a kid monkey is nowhere to see.How they got united in the deed is a miracle.Vanished like nothing."
After a friendly chat, the press crew went out in despair.Thereupon I become a great enthusiast about the life style of monkeys.It will make a worth research indeed.I started unraveling the mystic behavior of these interesting creatures.Surprisingly the monkeys appeared in our school premises on the very next day.Exactly the mid day meals time.Strolling like old buddies.
God damns it.How clever they are.Who said animals were a novice.They could grasp things and do accordingly in great precision.They thought that today was the safest to come here.If they have ability to speak up like humans, that info can be an exciting story of struggle for existence on the earth.In fact, the humans live in a rather safe condition.
One day, I was sitting under a shade of neem tree.School children were sent out on the demand of Bharat. Bandh agitators.We the teaching staff remained in the school.Suddenly there is a rustle behind me.I looked at it.A monkey was there.First I scared a little bit.And I determined firmly to not shiver at whatever the situation.The monkey came closer to me.And seeing me with its innocent eyes.I keep calm and staring somewhere else.
After a few seconds, the monkey is still seeing towards me.I decided to make eye contact now.Perhaps it felt safety around here. That's why no sign of arrogance in its face.I never have a thought of attack this animal. My body language might have sent the indication.Some minutes went by.I wish to break the silence.
"My friend...What are you looking at? No food is prepared today.You know our school claims holiday.Go somewhere for this day," I said.The monkey glanced at me for a while.And it lowered its face calmly.As if it understood what I said.Then, face lifted to see me.There is some friendliness in its eyes.It has gone slowly towards the closed kitchen to check.Soon after, it vanished into the thickness of unruly wild greenery.
There was a bad news on the following day.That was about the biting of a monkey.An eighth class student was the victim.It was rather a sharp bite on the right leg and blood keeps running out.We the staff took him to the nearby hospital and sent him out to the home after due medical treatment.I was aghast.What makes the monkey to do so?Yesterday, It was behaved like a nice one.Who knows it could be the different monkey.
I inquired with a friend of the injured boy about the biting of the monkey.He unraveled the secret that his friend has first initiated provoking the monkey by his intimidating gestures with a stick and verbal hoodwinking.The monkey escaped at the moment and came back in the time of recession to attack him while he was rushing out alone.That means these creatures knew how to act in a strategic way.My Goodness.
"My dear boys...Don't try to harm them.They won't come to attack you unless you people provoke them.Is it, not the best example for that?" I asked the boy.He nodded as if he understood it.Though I advised so, my inner self sighed with a light tremor.
Our colleague Rameswara Rao started telling his experiences with the monkeys, during lunch time.Prior to this place, he worked in a village Narayana puram."these monkeys are very clever than we generally consider about them.In my last working place where I lived filled with a band of monkeys were always behaved like a disciplined group.They would give me the safe passage while heading to the house for the lunch, they just used to hide in the bushes of greenery for the time sake.They came out soon after I had left the house.They know how to respect a person who never meddles with their playful activities.
Some villagers got angry, and it led to electrocution to kill the monkeys.Some baby monkeys were also killed and on the incident, other enraged monkeys stirred like wild demons.They injured the people whoever were walking on the road.Both parties were at loggerheads.The entire village took it as a prestige point to get free of these creatures.All the monkeys got killed.To my surprise, the people who involved in the mayhem of the monkeys had been forced to leave the village on different causes..."Rao concluded.
"You go to any place in India, village, town or metro. No place is seen without these monkeys.Spreading like anything.What's the way out?And how to curb the menace of it?Both governments and people should think of the issue on the ground of realities.Once all these were hardly seen except the monkey tamer brought to our homes for having alms.Now it became a headache."I sighed.
"Just a couple of days back, a monkey rushed into our house,"Rao said.
"What happened then," I gasped with awe.
"We should remember one thing while dealing with them.Better not intimidate them by gestures.Just we remained calm as we were not conscious of them.They kept fumbling for eatables.After having a handful of morsels, they went out without damaging much.Thank God, they never tried to attack us, we should be so discreet with them, of course, for our own safety," Rao answered.
"O.k.sir...I too have experienced in that sort...Tell me how to get them out of our school?"I asked him.
"The foolproof way is to tranquilize them by alluring some fruits or so in order to transport to dense forest, the farther the better."
All the staff felt happy over the idea to implement.Villagers promised us to engage the best personnel to catch the monkeys.Everything is set aright.The concerned people were also provided with advance and in a few days the project has to be accomplished.
I have seen through the window of some interesting glimpses of monkeys.They were jolly as ever.The plans we're making were unknown to them.Some baby monkeys attached to their mothers.And some were jumping on the trees happily.And a monkey kept searching for lice, in his friend's hair.In turn, the latter assumed the same service.They were in the world of their own where everything seemed merriment.
All of a sudden, a baby monkey cried out of fear.Hearing it, all the remaining monkeys gathered in no time, around the bewildered baby monkey.The dog ventured against it fled away.The big monkeys were very protective about the baby monkeys.
One fine morning all the monkeys were caught and transported by a van.Everything went out as we have planned.Now our school is monkey-free and of serene ambiance.We sighed.Our Venkat master is much more happy.Do you know why particularly this master has been chosen by monkeys?He had always maintained a large stick for beating the monkeys whenever time permitted him to do so.That's a great fun for him.
He would never care the advice of other staff to be restraint and he became more vengeful upon it.One day, he remained lonely in the office room.That's the chance the monkeys used perfectly.All they stormed into the office room and injured him unto dreaded injuries.They divided into three groups with each at the strategic point to let not him be escaped.Our Venkat master thundered with the incident.
Some months passed by.Rainy season at its peak.We never have attached bath rooms in those days.And one night I came out entering into the bath room built separately a few yards away in the backyard.I heard a mild rustle at the back side of the bath room.Out of curiosity, I have gone there to have a look what the sound about.It was a monkey with its infant in her lap.It looked helpless huddling her child, there was a sign of sorrow and repentance in her eyes. I understand that they both have sneaked in to protect from the ongoing rain in the leeward of bath room wall."Have a nice stay. You are our guest" I said to them.And got back into my house.No slightest provocation.The creature got it.
On the daybreak, I checked the place where the monkey was seen with its kid.No trace of the animals.They must have gone out before the sunrise, perhaps not to bother us.In every rainy season, my conscience provokes me to check the same place whenever I got out for the bath room if there were any of them.Amazing,I have never seen them again. (the End)
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Missing of an Old Woman (Story)---Murthy K v v s
Everybody in our pilgrim town knew that old woman, but I wonder whether anyone knew her whereabouts like her name and where she has hailed from and so on.The language she speaks can hardly be understood.Sometimes people used to stop there to listen her rantings.They laugh at her.For passers by, it's one kind of entertainment.Nothing more or nothing less.
She was always in her own world.Sometimes, she was staring in the sky as if there was some message being received.Sometimes, she keeps muttering herself in a gibberish language.Sometimes, sleeping with an old blanket wrapped over her.Our townsfolk is liberal.They never dare to touch her in any aspect, by letting her live like it.
People found her that she was no way hinder to their ongoing entertainment.But there was always a long heavy bamboo stick in her hands.Just like Kali mata holding a Trishul.Keeping it in view, a safe distance is maintained by the mob.As days rolling by, people lost interest in her.She became an unannounced integral part of our town.
Even the traffic police would not go against her though she made her bed on the dividers of the road.Fortunately vehicles were not dashing, such a precision in things would come to our people when seeing heart wrenched scenes like it out of compassion.And why should not they take initiative to send her the best hospital to cure this mental ailment? No hands to work, alas.
People empowered with great fortunes, coveted positions and influence would go on the road, seeing them with callousness.What can stop them if they are really determined to help these ill-fated poor ones?These mentally sick people on the streets belonged to none.Are these bound to die like a dog or a pig one day?What society we're living in?
Gopal, a friend of mine has a xerox shop, met me on the road one day.He told me an interesting news about the old woman. "Do you know something? I interacted with the woman who always was seen by the side of dividers which is exactly opposite to our shop.She was not so chronic of mental disorder.There was a little bit of confusion in her thought process.Had she been taken care by any of her family members, she would have become a normal person?She must have been on the verge of getting delusions by now.I afraid it worsens further more.."
"Gopal, you even ventured to talk to her.That's great.People like me posing as good samaritan never dared to approach her.She was bathing, sleeping and doing everything in that makeshift tent that can be washed out by any gutsy wind.Thank God, no vehicle claimed her life though it is on the road.As per your account, she could be all right by a small initiative taken by any kind person.But who would that be anyway.."I sighed.
"Your concern about a destitute one is laudable.Let's wait for a few more days.Then, we shall contact any NGO working on the cause of it.Or let's take the issue to concerned government authorities.Hope that will suffice on our part, I think."Gopal said.
"Hmm...you're right."I admitted.
Gopal and I were busy with our routine afterwards.But she was there all the time whenever I happened to be crossing the road on any work.Be it a hotter day or a colder day?It seems no matter for her.I tempted to interact with her to test her level of sanity.On seeing someone who does know me well, I was taken aback.
After a couple of weeks, I was called for interview in Chennai.I enjoyed my trip a lot, apart from the actual purpose.I took a bus journey from Vijayawada to our pilgrim town, in return.In fact,our nearest railway station is Bhadrachalam road.Ironically it is situated at Kothagudem, almost 40k.m. away.That has a story of a thriller written by a tollywood screenplay writer.So the lesser said is better.
It was almost past midnight returning from my journey.There was no sign of that old woman on the road.Shocked to discern the reality.I have had intently observed that no trace of her rags or makeshift tent around the dividers on the road.Clueless to guess.What happened to her in the mean time?Shifted to somewhere else?This is the safest place for her to abstain from all kinds of dangers. You could understand the sense.
Oh.who am I to think all of it,my conscience moaned.You're a human being like her, the other side of it resisted.How difficult it is to have empathy though which is the salt of the earth.With all these concerns, my brain heated up all along the night, in the bed.
"Gopal...How did she get disappeared from there? What happened to her, met any accident?" I inquired him the next day.He appalled at my curious concern and shook his head.(
"I was busy with my work and little known about it.My wife who looks after our shop, once said that the poor woman had transported by a van on some day.We don't know further details about the van to whom which belonged and where she had been to."Said Gopal.
I sighed.God, what the secret of your playing.She is already out of her mind.Where should she go and do?Once, way back in her life, she could have been a lady like any other.And now became a street ridden by the family of her own.And in this holy country which valued the family system a lot.
After a few days, being that old woman vanished clueless, I went to Aalubaka...a small village where one of my friends named Naren kept working as a science teacher in a high school.He is a bibliophile.We get engaged into talking for hours and hours whenever we meet and subjects varied to infinite.He answered one of my queries related to mental ill-health.
"schizophrenia is very prevalent among the people.There are five types in it.In our country, people think of insulting to meet a concerned doctor.And it gets chronic as time passes by.A survey report says every three person out of five needed this kind of check up but hardly cared by people.What to talk of empathy?the less we talk, the better..."Said Naren.
"You're right.We would see this kind of ill-fated ones on every street and no one gives a damn for them.Perhaps they must have been in advanced stage, unconscious of dressing and cleanliness..."
"Fortunately, there is a trend of recognizing such people have begun" Naren passed a news paper to me.It carried an interesting news article.To my surprise, It was about the old woman of our town.She was getting tonsured in the photograph.Our sub collector has taken initiative to send all these people to the special hospitals.At least one officer was there with a right spirit, let this tribe increase.
I don't know how I have had missed this paper on the day.However, with a happy note, the story ended.I was desperate to see the name of the sub collector.It was Yogita Rana by name.(The End)
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Rajani Kant ( Story)----Murthy K v v s
Rajani Kant met me yesterday, in the park.Quite unanticipated.He started telling me many things about his village where I have worked for some years.I felt the days of yore in front of me, of course, not all happier moments, though.Sometimes I was planning to flee from the village.To be in an executive post as a school head master was not an easier job.One has to withstand the politics of the staff and tussle seeking village leaders as well.
But,I would dare say now, those days were not at all toughest moments in my life.How ridiculous I was then.A naive teacher sans the knowledge of worldly ways turned into a high school head master on promotion has so much to learn how to deal with different people and which taught me new lessons.Enough of tribulations all along these years made me shrewd to face any given situation.Time gradually hardens my nerves.
Don't go away with Rajani Kant has something in common with that super star Rajani.In fact, this fellow's real name was Vikas.A student in our school once upon a time.Pursuing business administration course at present.One day, he had been sent to my chamber when he was in class ten.The complaint was simple but complex in nature.This fellow kept writing his name as Rajani Kant, not only on text books, even on the answer sheets of home exams.Teaching staff tried their level best to prevent the habit.But he never heeded to their words.So he was in front of me, with folded hands.
"What's your name?" I questioned him.
"My name is Vikas sir," He replied.
"That sounds good.Your parents gave you a beautiful name.Then, why are you writing your name as Rajani Kant all the time?Teachers complaining against you.If you do it again,I will call your parents and the last resort would be issuing the T.C. and you know one more thing, your name is not to be changed in the admission register according your fancies."
"Yes sir...I won't do it again," Vikas said.
Thereafter, no complaint received about him.Our teaching staff was also on high five about the change in that boy.However, a strange fact came to my notice.His friends, some how, learned the episode that has taken place regarding the nomenclature, wide spread over the village.Villagers too started calling him as Rajani kant in mockery.This brat was reported to be happier over the unexpected popularity.
I returned to my guest house soon after paying obeisance to the Lord Rama at the temple.My guest house was exactly in front of the park.This pilgrim town changed a lot in the recent years.On weekends and holidays,It's very difficult to get a room in the hotels.And what to talk about Sri Rama navami and Mukkoti festivals with swerving visitors.
I have taken rest in the room till evening.By seven'O clock, came out for a fresh air.Entered the park located nearby.Here, our Rajani kant, sorry Vikas the old student met me unexpectedly.He was first to identify me.He was no longer a boy now, transformed into youth.I connected to the past when he reminded me of the incident of his passion about the name Rajani kant.
"Oh...Vikas..! What a pleasant surprise...What are you doing now?"I asked him.
"I am pursuing business administration in Hyderabad sir.Came back in vacation.In fact, I have been waiting for a friend here.Really I am happy to meet you after some years."he flushed.
"I am here for having a darshan of Lord Rama.After retirement, I settled at Khammam.Seeing you like this is great.I would never forget your village where I worked and retired, my boy."
"Things changed a lot since you had exuded your services sir.A new state carved out from Andhra pradesh.Bifurcation hit our area, unlike any other place.Our village merged into Andhra, of course, along with many villages adjoining to this temple town.Students got problems with both states in terms of getting different certificates from different offices.Joining hostels became a big task.And nativity issue cropped up when attended recruitment drives."
"Yes...I am also reading in the news papers.All of a sudden, some areas cut off with old division and district administration due to the bifurcation.Adequate arrangement should have done before separation.This is what the real bunch of woes to be faced by the inhabitants living in the border areas of the states."
"Sir...nowadays, we people keep boasting of global citizens, can't we solve it all with a meaningful dialogue by sitting across the table?Whatever the states could be, we are all living in one country.Both state heads should come to amiable terms to soften the lives of the people.Am I wrong?"
"You're absolutely correct Vikas.See the further irony, Lord Rama's temple falls into Telengana.And his hundreds of acres of donated lands have gone to Andhra.Even some streets of Bhadrachalam merged into that state.If you wish to visit Parnasala,you have to cross Andhra merged villages.People of the area were never concerned when the act was perpetrated."
"They were saying it all due to Polavaram project."
"Whatever the project, people are to be preferred.Well.how about the iron gate we fixed in our school to prevent the stray animals?" I diverted the heated topic.
"That was fine sir.Hmm...I happened to meet old staff like Vasu sir and Raghu sir a couple of times.Ramesh sir was said to be passed away.I don't know the exact reason."
"Have you changed your name? In those days, you were passionate about."I smiled.
"I will never ever change my name sir.How foolish I was in those days to have such a crazy idea.That very thought drives me nuts even now."
"Vikas...It was not an act of shame or so.Childhood should be like that,fun and frolic.Well...convey my best regards to all of the village.It gave me a lot of sweet moments in my life," I said.
Moving towards the cement bench located in a corner.Godavari flows with a faint sound just behind the park, beneath the bridge which would never fail to showcase the best view of the Lord Rama's temple. (The End) --
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A Burial Ground and Memoirs (story)----Murthy Kvvs
He was nearing the house, assuming it could be the residence of that gentleman Krishna Rao.No more houses found around the place and the ambiance seemed dead calm, yet green fields covered the house just like a maze, fortunately there he discovered a small path to reach the gate of the house.He was excited that many things of the past days will be unraveled in a few minutes.The moment he meets Krishna Rao he might be of short of words in hurry.In view of that, he meticulously prepared a list of important queries to elicit key points, not to miss a trivial one from the loads of reminiscences of Krishna Rao.As a freelancer, he contributed many interesting stories to different publications.But this is somewhat special in nature.
This is all about the burials.Be not afraid.He was very much sober as much as we all do.He was going to write a story about the burials where several British people were buried before independence.It is now called as Dummugudem, a sleepy village on the surface for this generation and very few people are aware of the history how a lot of action had taken place here once upon a time.River Godavari flows at the mouth of the village and over where the locks were built to accommodate the water to paddy fields along with boat travelling by making another stream.All cargo was to arrive this way right from Rajamundry.In those days, it's the most used way for people for any communication.
Adjacent to the river, before entering Dummugudem, the hamlet was called as "Work shop", here navigation center was established by the British officers.A couple of rock laden buildings constructed by those colonial rulers were remained there as their signatures.With their high walls, slope roofs, gorgeous windows and abundant timber used inside make one transport into the past decades.And there were some colossal trees in the place must have planted by those people.Amazingly, those trees looked like what we could see in some European countries.However, the shade of trees is still the favorite place for domestic animals like cows and buffaloes.Sometimes children are playing in the cozy place.By night fall, nobody goes there since the place turned into a devils work shop.
He, our reporter, has seen all this an hour back and now got to the burial place which located at Lakshmi nagaram almost adjacent to work shop.He was approaching the lone house where Krishna Rao lives in.He stood in front of the gate.Never liked to call him loudly.Some instinct signals him the gentle man would come out on his own.He keeps examining the surroundings intently.All of a sudden,Krishna Rao came out from the foliage of his garden located at the corner of the gate.
"Are you Madhu, reporter of some magazine?" Krishna Rao asked.
"Yes.sir. I am.My friend should have informed you the matter," replied our reporter with a smile.
"Yes.very happy to meet you,I will tell you all the information that I know about the burials of that British people.."
"Oh.Great sir.I have met a right person at last."
"Please do one thing.See there, the dilapidated walls.Hardly just two furlongs.That's the burial ground.Keep watching the tombs yourself...And I will join you later soon after finishing my garden work in a while,"the old man said in a friendly tone.
The reporter started walking towards the direction mentioned by the old man.The narrow path leading to the broken gate of the burial ground is having unruly bushes.But it's not an arduous walk.A cool breeze seized to unleash from somewhere else.Is it an air of joy felt by the deceased souls on knowing the news of there was someone coming here this day? Of course not to be buried.
He entered the burial ground.Walls looked very weak and rustic, at any instance of a heavy blow they could be collapsed.Already some portion was broken into heaps of debris.The best part here is no trace of human activity around the area.Sea of serenity everywhere.Really souls rest in peace here, no doubt.
These people buried here must have been dispatched their services to move the juggernaut of the British empire, in their own capacities.What kind of dreams they had in their lives is difficult to imagine.Condemned here in eternal sleep for ever.There could be a dyer and an Arthur Cotton and many of several other characters.
Some tombs were made of polished granite.Their details ascribed on each tomb.On the first one he saw, was belonged to a young British civil servant.His name was furnished as Angus Alstair Fernandez.He served as Assistant Collector and special agent of Bhadrachalam Agency, in those days.Interestingly that ICS officer died so young at the age of 25.The maximum age limit for civil service was twenty one in those days.Maybe an epidemic caused his death, who knows.
He moved on to another tomb.In fact, these were two but constructed in close, one was Miss Sarah Claire and next was Miss Dorothy.They both were missionary teachers as per the details on the surface.And there was another tomb almost in the midst of the ground was belonged to a girl named as Charlotte Henrita.Died at the age of 15 years old.Her father was working as an inspector general of Medical and health department based at Madras.Almost the place cited here was more than 600 k.m. and how it happened to burying here?Clueless.
Most of the tombs had got a raw deal by some hooligans, maybe in search of hidden riches in the coffins or under them.Almost all burials were dug up and displaced in some extent.Sure to be vanished in a few years,if it continued.At least these are better to be preserved as historical monuments.
"Hello, "a voice was heard from behind him.He shuddered for a while.Came out from his thought process.The voice belonged to none other than Krishna Rao, the old man.They exchanged smiles.
"Oh..my goodness, In fact I am waiting for you sir," our reporter said.
"You seem to be absorbed in the past" old man smiled.
"Well said.I have been transported to the British era of ruling."
"Once upon a time, this village Lakshmi nagaram, considerably populated.I born and brought up here and at the age of twenty, left it for employment.In those days, surroundings were very busy with people."
"Then how come it turned into a desert look?"
"That's the magic of time.Dummugudem and Lakshmi nagaram were treated as twin villages.Several British families settled here in line of dispatching their services.To maintain navigation center, revenue works and survey, etc., apart from it, they established a church and hostel so on"
"Did you know any British employees personally?"
"Yes...I will tell you whatever I know.A person with enthusiasm like you is scarce anyway.You can still see the rock studded building of the hostel at the work shop area.Ms Sarah Claire and Ms Dorothy were in-charges of it.They had imparted basic education, lace knitting and carpentry to the boys and girls, mostly came from tribal and other oppressed classes.Food and accommodation free for inmates."
"Have we not exploited in colonial ruling? Apart from the facts you mentioned."
"Who said no. It was prevailed without any doubt.What here happened was happened everywhere, forms could be different.The nations first opened their eyes unleashed all over the underdeveloped nations.Apart from evil, eventually, some good also happened with their invasion.Education came down to common masses in our caste ridden society.Schools and colleges opened for girls.Superstitions like Sati were abolished.English language opened new windows among us. Even Swami Vivekananda said once 'because of you, the fetters of the age old superstitions loosen in this country,oh..British government, thanks to you'..."
"Countries like China and Japan developed with their own languages...You know."
"The soul of China and Japan is entirely different.They don't have hundreds of sub castes like us.Here diversity in languages, culture, local customs and political fabric all these are different.Everybody considers their language, and caste is superior to others.Political unity achieved by the British ruling or us could have been continued as hundreds of princely states."the old man analysed in his own way.
"I retired 20 years back.Sound health by God's grace.I have a vehicle facility to reach the nearest railway station if necessary.Commodities are available to live peacefully.Also blessed with Internet connectivity.My garden is there above all.What more should I long for? In addition, people hesitate to venture into my house because of the burial ground's proximity.Of course, except my doctor."Old man smiled.
"I don't know how to express my gratitude for your kind info about all these."
"Oh...that's my pleasure.Let's go to my residence to have more chatting over a frothy coffee.By the way, what will be the heading of your future story"
"Hmm...Probably 'A burial ground and memoirs'...how is it?"
"Just terrific..." tugged at the sleeve of his guest. (the End)
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On the Fateful day...! (A Story)---Murthy Kvvs
Is it true or something fiction?Or any other motive behind the news? Whatever it could be, which sent shock waves through my spine as the news got read by.You want to know about it?Yes.there I am for you.I have come across a queer news in "Orissa Post" daily a couple of days back.It was my hobby browsing online editions of different states to know how the things taking place in different public domains.
Let me forward a bit.The news I read on that day was all about Ghosts.Yes, you heard it right.Some people who belonged to the Indian Paranormal Society gave interview and wherein they disclosed their findings of haunting areas in and around Bhubaneswar, of course beyond it.The team was researching on abnormal entities, and which are difficult to be proved with physical evidence.They have had their own equipment to carry on their work.
You could ask me how the hell I was connected with such bizarre news.Had I not visited Bhubaneswar a month back, I would not have given a damn for it?
* * * *
Some times my travels go unplanned, however far they are and the woes they bore.It was nothing comparing to the excitement of the journey that would give a true relief from the daily chorus.Seeing a new place is my utmost priority of all.To be frank, going to Bhubaneswar is not the first time for me.This is one of the most adorable places for me for many reasons.Both the ancient history and modern spirit mingle here so comfortably with serene laid-back life.
I have reached the railway station of Master canteen area of Bhubaneswar.It was about past two thirty and it seemed almost midday.There were two ways leading to Jananpath Marg main road, from the station.I took left side one and after crossing the bus stop, turned to a small passage which leads to hotels in the lane.The locality was called as jhunjhun wala.Boarded in a modest hotel called hotel Ashok.It worth the money paid by me.It was under half way construction when I had been here last time, say, a two year back.People at the reception counter were humble and informative.
Some Ganesh Mishra was receptionist last time and he arranged a vehicle for sight seeing the tour at the reasonable price.He clears off all my queries about Orissa, with patience.I do not know where he is now.He was replaced by new ones now.Time moves with its own plans with the people it needed.For worse or better...!
The hotel room was comfortable with jasmine like white bed and another blanket in spare.I slept like a dead one till the evening.Maybe out of the tedious journey.Took a shower after waking up.Lodged the keys with the reception.
.Then, it was shown in that hall,a phenomenon wide eyed portraits of Puri Jaganath and his siblings.What could be the real concept behind the prominence of eyes?Never dared to interpret it for myself.
I came out of the hotel, keep walking slowly through the passage of Jhunjhun wala.Reached the Ashok nagar main road.It was turning at night.Heading straight and impulse to stand in front the Panda Mart shop to taste some street side food.I have taken Dahi vada-Aalu dam...a typical Odiya item.It satisfied my taste buds.Happened to see the hoarding of Toshali fest where handicrafts exhibition was going on, moreover there was a music show of Satyajeet Jena in the premises, the child prodigy came to lime light from Saregama li'l champs whom I like very much for his singing talent.
Why should I miss it? I have caught the bus heading towards Baramunda.Toshali premises was all busy with different stalls hailed from different states.People seemed like a swerving ocean.It's a time for checking out textiles and other handicrafts apart from chilling out.Sambalpur textile outfit was with special attraction by conducting the power show on how they make Ikkat sarees and so on.It took almost two hours having a round of all outlets to cover.Around eight o' clock, the music show commenced and which lasted unto ten o'clock.In return,the auto was engaged as the frequency of buses is low.
I have got down from the auto at the entrance of Jhunjhun wala.Conceived walking through the small passage and there was a shopping complex in dilapidated condition.It must have been under reconstruction work.Roads wear the deserted look.A chilly wind keeps swaying.Somewhere a dog was crooning.People were hardly seen.Got the hotel room at last.After fresh up, switched on the local tv channel for happenings around.There was a ruckus in the state assembly over the remarks made by some minister named Damodar rout on Brahmins.And he was also seemed to have sacked on the reason.Down south, nobody gives a damn when the Brahmin bash prevailed since the latter lost the political clout after independence.
Flipping through different channels eyes became wary.Switched off the tube light along with the tv.Closed my eyes to have a sleep.Within some minutes, I could have plunged into a deep sea of sleep, then, suddenly I felt like a sharp hand touched my back and dropped after a few moments.Surprised and bewildered.I wanted to open my eyes.Tried hard.My efforts went futile.This time, I wanted to cry out, no use.My God What is happening here for me.Paraplegic literally.
I understand for the first time what the spine chilling night meant by.
I desperately wanted some power to face this invisible enemy.Who will be that?My Spiritual Gurus came to my mind.They were appearing inside me with the playful smile.I prayed intensely to overcome this dreadful spirit, if it was so.My eyes kept opening slowly after five minutes.I remain triumphant at last.With the help of my invisible Gurus.Woke up from the bed to have some water.Switched on the tube all along the night.
Next morning proved that I was alive as usual.Daybreak brought the confidence, a thousand times.My attendance at several meetings required two more days.Surprisingly no trace of that invisible spirit experienced all these days.I can not say what the exact reason for it and even my imagination quips with no clue.
The receptionist maintained a mysterious silence when I asked him about the incident occurred to me.Also wanted him to come up with details whether anyone committed suicide around the place.He remains mum.I did not have time to insist, furthermore, as my train could leave in some minutes.As I was slipping out of the hotel gate, inordinately glanced back.He keeps staring at me.Perhaps he wanted to tell me something and his disability deterred, who knows? (The End)
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Dantewada (A Story)---MURTHY KVVS
It was almost ten o'clock in the morning as his bus reached Konta, a small town in Chattisgarh.The bus has not stopped in the premises of bus stand but at the entry point of the town.It's not certain to call that place as a town.Fairly bigger than a moderate village.That's for sure.Bhadrachalam,a pilgrim place of Telengana is roughly sixty-five kilo meters away from this town.Telugu population at Konta is considerably large.Mostly migrated in search of green pastures, be it in business, agriculture or employment.There was an air of exotic news whenever they come into the border places of the state.Dummugudem,Charla and Venkatapuram all these mandals of Bhadrachalam division have shortest routes to enter into the villages of Chattisgarh.
Srinu got off the bus.And start walking straightway.Deforestation is not at its peak around here, so there was a cool breeze from all directions as he resumes his way thoughtfully.Streets seem tidy, sans any excreta of humans or animals.Small things like these would display sober qualities of particular place.Red soil.And lush greenery all around.The concrete road has different shops both side.Roof tile houses and other concrete houses were there.A few of two storied buildings too.This was the prima facie.Srinu has taken left turn now.There was a bus stand and the bus kept gushing to leave the premises.He eyed a four wheel vehicle which transformed as a mini portable hotel.Srinu wanted to have a tea.Inevitable after a tedious journey.
"Ek chai dedo bhayya," said Srinu.
The vendor served it in a glass.Almost to the brim.Tea was very strong.Srinu was having it with taking reasonable intervals.
"Are you from a Telugu family? Tea vendor asked Srinu in impeccable Telugu.He was shell-shocked for the unexpected query.
"My goodness...do you know Telugu" Srinu shot the counter question?
"We are also from Telugu land sir...We have come here for the sake of business.
Our ancestors belonged to Razole area of East Godavari district in Andhra pradesh.They moved to Bhadrachalam, the renowned pilgrim place during the period of bridge construction in the fifties.Right now the place falls into Telengana after bifurcation.However, our family got here almost seven years back to earn some extra bucks like this," He said, reminiscing the older days.
"What the hell are you talking? It's more than ten years we have come here," his wife added the missing link and rushed towards the borewell to bring the pitcher of water.
"Oh...Yes.Sir, she must be true...how wonderfully the time keeps pacing up these days.Unimaginable you know," he admitted his mistake.
"How is your business going on, sir" inquired Srinu?
"Especially Dosa, the pride of our region is in more demand, literally these people would die for it"
"That sounds great.Ah..by the way,do you know Rammohan who works as a teacher around here," Srinu asked him after making the payment for the tea.
"Aa..you mean Gurji? I do not know where he exactly resides.but better search after going further distance straightway.hmm... take a turn and make inquiries, I guess there were some Gurjees at the location."
What does he mean by Gurji..!Oh...that's for Guruji..!Thank God...came to understand his pronunciation Influenced by his mother tongue.Srinu thought it for himself.At last,he found the house of Rammohan without many problems.Rammohan seemed to have a good taste, his residence was more than a comfortable nestle for his family.There was a mini shopping complex in front of the house.Alongside a garden with different plants.
They exchanged pleasantries after a nap in the room allotted for Srinu.He slept like a dead one for about two hours.His body sandwiched in the bus due to the condition of the road.It was about crossing twelve o' clock in the midday.
"My brother-in-law has already informed me about your arrival,Srinu sir.He also told me to take extra care of your further course of the journey." Said Rammohan with a gentle smile.Srinu reciprocated with a courteous flush.Srinu got an urge to reveal the truth that Rammohan has been informed on his request only.But something stopped him.
Rammohan engaged his wife with preparing delicacies.He called his younger son to show him to Srinu, the guest.
"He is Vikram, my younger son.He is studying in class tenth, here only.Hindi medium.Help us a lot in our business transactions." Said Rammohan.
"What Rammohan sir...You have been a teacher here, if I am not mistaken" Srinu astounded.
"Have you got it informed from my brother-in-law? That's right.But here in Konta, teaching staff is underpaid and we have to adopt other source for a decent life.I take care of Cement business and my wife looks after Kirana shop, of course, all in our business complex situated in front of our house.
"Won't you get any problem being bunking the school duties?"
"Do you know something surprising?the real problem starts if you attend the school."
"It's really intriguing..."
"I have been working in an interior village of Konta block.There are many people in the village who do not want my presence there everyday.Hmm...Influence of "inside" people is imminent in the nutshell.My everyday presence hampers their activities and so on.If we mingle too much with locals,sleuths of police can be after us.Should we really need all these headaches since we are suffering from our own? That's why I go to school now and then to pay a visit to the village head, That's it."
"Oh.you got that problem. Well...Where is your elder son, not to be seen?"
"He is pursuing engineering in Chennai"
"Have you, not Engineering colleges around here?I mean like Jagdalpur..."
"Maybe out there, but children ought to know how the far off places fare with different things, you know." Said Rammohan.That sounds too good to believe. Srinu never wanted to move farther on the topic.
The wife of Rammohan beckoned to him to have the lunch.It was almost quarter past one.They are not aware of the passing time with their ramblings.
"Srinu sir...How about having a gulp of beer?" Rammohan asked Srinu.
"I used to take it once in a while...Why not.Let's go for it."
Both of them got into the special room situated in the complex.There were four chairs, a small table and an iron safe.It seems to be devoted for the activities like these.Well planned.We sat and relaxed.Rammohan poured beer in the two large goblets.They have taken one beer each.This time, for a change,Rammohan made cocktails of beer and Vodka.He had enough stock of Vodka bottles in the Iron safe.Srinu got aback for a second.
"Rammohan sir...My actual capacity is only one beer, now you got it cocktails with Vodka.getting me into trouble." Srinu smiled coyly.
"What's the purpose of boozing? to get off from all these mundane troubles and to have a good time,isn't it..? Do you know what the great Omar Khayam said once? Boozing is not a sin. The real sin is being sober after once you got boozed."
Srinu struck with the logical utterance of Rammohan.This is the day getting wisdom from this guy.Let it be.Srinu resigned and start sipping the cocktails along with Rammohan.
"Well.My friend tell me something about your journey towards here" a closeness felt in the tone of Rammohan.
"My father was suffering from a chronic kneel pain.Somebody told me that there was a particular guy in Dantewada of Chattisgarh with the expertise of Herbal medicine that comes from their ancestors.That's the reason.Your brother-in-law is my classmate, and he asked me to meet you here during my journey."
"Oh.that's nice.You can go there by bus.but the condition of roads is worse...Which will eat up all your time.Five to six hours journey.Do one thing, engage a private vehicle to save the time."
"Nothing to worry...I will make it."
"That's the spirit."
"Rammohan ji...how is your life in the alien state?"
"Not a moment I felt so...!We had been come here in my childhood.My father served in this place as a private medical practitioner, in those days we never have heard any disturbance.Everywhere lush green ambiance with sprawling woods.For the last ten years, things got worse.A big chunk of population here is Telugu speaking lot.And next Marwaris, of course a few Bengali families too.All the business vested in these three sections."
"Why things went haywire or disturbed."
"Different people say different reasons.But a portion of Adivasis allege that our Telugus were the real cause for all this wreaking havoc in their lives."
"Is it true?
"Hmm.Some extent."
"Had we read any news about Chattisgarh. It would have something regarding terrorism so on?
"Many villages remain deserted due to the tussle between the two sides.For livelihood, these poor people enter the border villages of our Telugu states...An exile within country," said Rammohan.
"Yes...we used read the news about things like that, their struggle for common facilities like water, land,sanitation and human trafficking etc. These people are seen near bus stand of Bhadrachalam waiting for their buses apart from travelling for dailywage works to nearest mandals like Paloncha,Manuguru and so on.They always look silent and mind their own business.I never have seen them to socialize with other people..."
"These are Maria tribes and mostly attracted to extremism.There is another tribe called Muria and those are comparatively progressive in all respects.Salwa judum is created with these folks to retaliate Maria dominated extremism.Of course, the organisation is no more now, that's a different story."
"Once I heard over a farmer based at Nellipaka village,the Maria tribes were skillful at the work of Chilli plucking.And they would never leave a piece of chilli in the field.They are not fussy about things like our local ones.By the ending of the season, they make money or chillies and leave the place..no extra word they utter without necessity"
"There is a link between so called civilization and communication skills.The more you want to appease others for your own ends, the more you need to brush up your communication skills.Else, what the need of extra talk?Sometimes, it's difficult to distinguish which is genuine talk or pretending act.Watch out on TV screens, whenever a cyclone hit some places, how greatly the residents articulate their woes and want benefits from the side of government. Have you ever seen the same serious coverage with these people?Because these people do not know how to showcase their problems with the intensity needed."
"You're true..."
"Can I tell you a shocking incident that I have seen in the nearest village? One day, on a request of an NGO, I accompanied their team, they were of a medical team.Almost four people were killed in that village, in an action taken between the police and extremists.There was a small baby, aged about one year, also killed in that incident..."
"My God...how painful to know. The parents must have been mourning like hell."
"No.Your guess went wrong.Mother of that baby was sitting about laying chin on her folded knees.No teardrops or no sobbing.Dead calm over there.She was also a mother like anybody in the world.She was also feeling anguish and sorrowful.But she doesn't know how to express her pain by crying out in order to get sympathy from others..." Rammohan keeps describing.The cocktail works so harder inside, piercing his heart to come out.
All of a sudden, mobile start buzzing.It was a call from the house to remind the lunch.Both of them moved."The journey to Dantewada is not possible today and I would start tomorrow whatsoever" Srinu thought so, but hesitated to reveal it.
"Why don't you set out tomorrow, take a nap after lunch," Rammohan said.Srinu exclaimed that whether he has anything like clairvoyance. (the End)
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A Boulder in the stream (story)--Murthy KvvsSrinivas peeped into the class to be sure of that boy, oh..yes,Ramesh was there in blue shirt in the second row.Ramesh was studying in class eighth.And Srinivas has been working as an English teacher in the school being run by Zilla Parishat management.Srinivas felt a little bit unnerved to face Ramesh.Anyhow he has to take next period, not to be avoided since time-table goes as it was.In the first place, why should a teacher become pissed off dealing a student not less than a fifteen years of age?The same thought boosted the morale of Srinivas.
It should not be termed as fear, to be frank, a repentance over an incident in which his role was defensive.It's a battle inside, not to get revealed whatsoever.Even he liked to speak up his mind, who is there to hear and what is there to judge upon.It's a matter of two hearts.His conscience throbs within to do something.That mistake should not have taken place, he whispered again.
We have to go back to yesterday to understand what really did happen.That was a small village Narsapuram.With fields either side of the main Tar Road, leading the pilgrim place Parnasala,was a high school equipped with sufficient buildings,lab and staff unlike any other so called sarkari institutions.Neem, Coromandal ebony and Millettia pinnata trees were abundantly seen all through the way and bless people with fresh air and shade.
About fifteen hamlets along with other blocks, from where the children keep coming here to pursue their studies.There was no intense publicity or hike up about the school like private ones.But each year it sees a fair competition having a seat in here.A Good school and a good ambiance with spacious play ground and enough of greenery would always be a great experience for any child when he looked back into his life.
We would start understanding the spirit and real value of childhood, once we had crossed it off.The fun and frolic life set us into the mundane world to feel the changeover as years move by.The life we had in the school was the real blissful life, yet, there were some children unfortunately to have underwent enough trauma not withstanding their age.The scars would perhaps be there and reflect all over the life, who knows.
Oh.Let's come back to our school, that was Monday.Not so a happy day to come back after a restful Sunday.At that moment, the wisdom comes to mind that everything was bound to transit or change.Even from Head Master to lay the student, the particular day was despised, but they have to obey the law of time, what to do.Some fortunate teachers who have leaves in their balance applied for the same and due to scarcity of the staff, Srinivas had been drafted to the extra period for eighth class.
"Good morning Children" he reciprocated the children soon after entering the class.Attendance was taken.He thought of having some discourse to let them know current issues.
"Children...Can anybody elucidate Swatch Bharat," Srinivas asked. A pupil called Vishnu got up and started telling the salient factors of the program.The way he explained was so nice to his age.He must have been a good reader.
" Vishnu...how nice of you...Do you follow news papers every day?" Srinivas questioned him.
"Yes..sir.Besides that,I would go to the library and read different kinds of books.My grand father, once, had taken me to library, thereafter I found great joy in reading.Above all, we could read all those at free of cost.To my surprise, the very little chunk of people keeps frequenting the library." Vishnu answered enthusiastically.
"My boy...you are so fortunate.You understood the sweetness in reading at the earliest.In these days, both parents and children are crazy about mindless dirty T.V.serials.The height of worse is both are watching and enjoying together.Keep up your good habit Vishnu" Srinivas said.
Apart from the ongoing interaction,Srinivas noticed an odd boy in the class.He was in the last bench.He was not responding to the current of the class atmosphere.Seemed to be apathetic.In fact, there is no sign of giggling, innocence or playfulness in his face which are all common in any child.Srinivas made eye contact with him to alert his behavior. No response found either.
"Hey..boy.you.the last one...Stand up," Srinivas said, a bit seriously.He got up where he was.The same face, no concealment of his careless nature.
"what is your name"
" Ramesh" he said.He did not use the word Sir.As a teacher, Srinivas felt something bad.He never confronted a student with this sort of headstrong nature.
"Ramesh...Come on, tell me...What did Vishnu tell us a few minutes back?
"I didn't hear it" The same reckless answer.
"Then...what are you doing here in the class room?It's not a place for reverie,"
"I said...I did not pay attention."
"Why...You are here for that only."
Ramesh remained silent.But no sorry feel in his face.Back to the same carelessness.Srinivas amazed himself that what kind of child this bloody fellow to remain long faced for all the questions.It's sheer disgrace to a teacher failing to have minimum respect from a student.
Srinivas lost his patience.He rushed to the last bench and slapped hard on the face of Ramesh.The poor brat fell on the floor.And he helped himself get up and silently sat on the bench.Still, there was no sign of tears or repentance in his face.Srinivas never have seen a student like him.
After getting into the staff room,Srinivas called for Vishnu and talked about Ramesh.
" Vishnu...what kind of idiot Ramesh is...he never behaved properly in the class,what the hell does happen with him" asked Srinivas.
"Sir...sometimes he behaves so, particularly on the days when his mother comes to see him,"
" Tell me in detail...what happens then"
"Sir, the parents of Ramesh were separated because of their internal conflicts.His mother married someone else.Occasionally she used to come here to see Ramesh.But his father wants him not to talk with her,
Had he talked,Ramesh would have beaten black and blue, that night, by his father."
"Oh... such a pathetic condition."
"And this morning, his mother visited our school and talked to him sir"
" Vishnu...I understand it now.thanks." Srinivas sent the student back.
Srinivas remained thoughtful for a while.Life is full of ups and downs.Tears and laughs.But childhood should be protected at least, from all these blows.How all these impressions could take into further forms when they have grown up are beyond the imagination.He became ashamed of his bashing in the class.Decided to relieve himself by saying sorry.Hmm.Saying sorry to a student? No, which hurts his ego before all other students.Then what to do...Yes.Not today, tomorrow.I should meet him in person and placate him by patting his back.Of course with a chocolate. (the End)
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