श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः
Tale of all
1
“My dear son, today I must go to your mama’s (Maternal Uncle) house in
Tirthahalli. Pour the water for areca plants. It is summer. If we do not give
enough water for Areca plants regularly, they will perish soon. In this village
Mouli it is very hard to protect areca plants from the disastrous disease
called Tunde Roga. It was started in Megur decades ago. Now it is
spreaded across the Sringeri Tehasil/Taluk. It is only the prime source of
income in this Malnad region.”
Last
year there were so many old areca plantations have perished due to Ele
Chukke Roga across the Malnad. Because of the blessings and guidance of His
Holiness Jagadguru of Sringeri Sri Sharadapeetham we the devotees of Jagadguru
performed a Laksha Gayatri Yajna. So we were able to protect our areca
plantation. Even though we have black Mirch creepers in between our areca
plantation and coffee plantation of 3 acres, still we will be dwarf if we would
loose areca. So I repeat don’t forget to pour the water to areca.”
Shrungeshwarayya was a Farmer of
Mouli a village located 8 k.m. away from Sringeri. He belongs to liberal
smartha shivalli brahmana family. His only son is Nagananda. Shrungeshwarayya
owns 3 acres of areca plantation, 3 and half acre of coffee plantation and 2
acres of paddy field. He studied only upto 8th standard. Besides
these he studies a few Vedic suktas and mantras related to day to day puja in
his home. Due to his father’s death in his early age due to severe disease he
could not continue his education, not even up to 10th std. In those
days there was a new government high school was built in Sringeri in 1955,
After a few years a bridge also built to the River Tunga in Jayapura
route. It was a comparatively high sighing facility to all of the people of
eastern part of Tunga. Because in that region
4 months of the monsoon season affects all the students. They cant cross
the river even through the boat. Because the river Tunga has such a speed current of
stream in rainy muddy water, crossing by boat was not so easy task. So maximum
number of parents decide not to send their children to high school in the rainy
season. So Srungeshwarayya also not so sticky upon his studies. Meanwhile his
father also died. He stopped to go to high school and stayed in home only. He
himself was very much interested to do the labour work in his farmland. So from
his early ages only he involved in agricultural work and got a tremendous
experience in that. Now in his age of fifty eight he can climb areca plant of
40/50 feet and spry Bordeaux Mixture in the rainy season. He himself ploughed his
2 acres of paddy field every day though bullocks in his early ages. And now
also through Power Tiller he ploughs his fields. He knows and each and every
agricultural work what his labours do and himself becomes ready to do in the
absence of labours. He avoids to do the same along with labours when they come,
because he knows that if he joins the labours in the field, they do not feel
happy to do with him. Because they don’t want to do in which speed
Shrungeshwarayya does. And they can take rest in between the work any time they
want if he keeps himself away from them. So, he takes the labourers to work field,
he briefs the work and procedure of doing the work. As soon as briefing completes the labourers
say “ we understood. You don’t worry. We finish it in a good manner. You please
go home and have your own time.”
He knows the psychology of labours very well. So he calls the labourers
only for such works which are so essential. Rest of the works are performed by
him only in later days. So he comes back to home and perform the daily puja.
But in these days the government fallows false appeasement programmes.
It gives free rice and other food grains to the ration card holders. So the
labours are not interested to do hard work. If hard work is assigned by land
owner, they demand double wages. Gradually grows a tendency of keep themselves
idle always in the minds of labourers. So the productivity in agricultural
sector becomes gradually low.
Shrungeshwarayya always thinks “If the government continues in the same
way for further more years, certainly State will become the land of lazy
people. If the state will be filled with lazy people, how can it survive? In
kannada one proverb is there “Kutu tindare kudike honnu saladu” which means
Even the potful gold will not be enough if one wants to pass the time without
doing any work. So politicians should think about the
flourishment of the state by hard working instead of appeasement. Poor people
should be supported through free medical, education, and insurance like
facilities by the government. But they should earn their food on their own.” He
shares his views with other villagers and relatives also. Most of them agree
him. But Vishal Hegde the son of Gopal Hegde thinks contrast. He works in the
department of sociology of Kuvempu
university Shivamoga.
He says “You people belong to the brahmin community, fallowers of Manu,
supress the lower castes since a long ago.”
Shrungeshwarayya says – “No, it is not true. It is only an allegation.
Do you have read the Manusmruti ?”
Vishal Hegde says with hesitation – “No, but I have read about Manu in
Majaavani news paper”
Shrungeshwarayya asks – “Who has written that in news paper ?”
Vishal Hegde says confidently – Original writer is Purandari Roy. She wrote
in an English News Paper. Someone translated the same into Kannada and
published in Majavani last week. I read it twice.
Shrungeshwarayya asks “Has the Purandari Roy known Sanskrit ? Actually
the original text is written in Sanskrit.”
Vishal Hegde says – “Probably she may not know. But she is a famous
writer. And she is also a product of JNU. So, I think she is a real
intellectual also.”
Shrungeshwarayya says –“She may be an intellectual. But if she has not
known Sanskrit, she can’t understand Manusmriti. Without understanding the
original text properly how can it be criticized ?”
Vishal Hegde says - “She might have read translated version of
Manusmruti.”
No, I do not believe it. According to me, if you want to praise someone,
you need not know him, but if you want to criticise anybody, you must know at
least one such criticizable aspect of personality with evidence. In the same
way Manusmruti also can be criticized only if you have found any such
contradictory aspect in that text”
Vishal Hegde was unable to answer Shrungeswarayya. So he says – “I will
bring the cut piece of news paper tomorrow.” However he thought himself that “How
this 10th passed this brahman old man active in these deliberations
and closed my mouth also ? ”
Shrungeshwarayya also does not have in-depth knowledge about Manusmruti
or else. He came across these issues through news paper only. Some times he
listened to His Holiness Sringeri Jagadguru regarding the holy texts like
Manusmruti Bhagavadgeeta and Upanishads. If he has any doubt discuss with
Hareesha. Hareesha then was studying in the department of Advaita Vedanta in
Sanskrit Collage.
***
Next evening Vishal Hegde brought the news paper to shrungeshwarayya
while he was talking to Hareesha beneath the mango tree, sitting on the bench
built through local stone slab. Shrungeshwarayya affectionately called the
Vishal Hegde and said – “please be seated here. How are you ? You did not have
collage today ?
I have Christmas Vacation in these days. Next Monday I will go and join
my duty in the university. See, this is the Majaavani in which ‘Purandari Roy’s article is there. Glance it
once. I did not lie yesterday.
‘Why are you so exited ? replied Shrungeshwarayya. It is so silly thing.
Why are you bothered so much? It was a discussion for time pass. Don’t take it
very serious. Be cool… .’
Vishal Hegde interrupted “You might have thought that I was lying
yesterday. But it is true that Manusmruti and Bhagavdgeeta and all ancient
Indian texts are against humanity. See these quotations in this article – “न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यम् अर्हति” “चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सॄष्टम्”,
“मनु ने बताया कि अन्य वर्णों की सेवा ही शूद्र का कर्म है” , Is it not true ?
“I also heard these quotations. But I don’t think that these are against
humanity. Because our day to day life is not based on these quotations. Did you
put your mother ,sister, wife or any woman in jail ? are they feel any kind of
imprisonment in your home ? Do they not have any freedom in your home? We the
fallowers of Sanatana Dharma do not have such inhuman restrictions to women. In
this mater Hareesha can say more clearly with evidence than me as he is
studying Acharya in Sanskrit collage. “What do you say Hareesh ?”
Shrungeshwarayya asked.
Hareesha said –“ The coted line in the column is actually incomplete.
The full quotation is-
पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने । पुत्रो रक्षति वार्धक्ये न स्त्री
स्वातन्त्र्यमर्हति ॥
It means In the childhood and adolescence (up to the
marriage) Father protects his daughter. After the marriage husband protects and
in the old age son protects the mother. Ladies do not have freedom. That means
they are free from the responsibility of their protection. What is wrong with this? If you interpret it as
treatment with woman against humanity in true sense and blame the Manu
accordingly you should accept in the same way the lines of same text –
यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः । यत्रैतास्तु
न पूज्यन्ते सर्वा एवाफलाः क्रियाः ॥
It means – All the gods enjoys where women are honoured/respected. All
the efforts will be futile where women are not respected.
Vishal Hegde says – It is o.k. But how do you defend the suppression of
Shudras ?
Hareesha says – Manusmruti was written thousands of years back. Now we
can’t imagine social conditions of then society. It can hardly be believed in
present scenario the behaviour or social conditions of Kanuru Subbamma
Heggadati which was written only 100 years back by Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu in
Kannada. IN the same way Dr. S.L.
Bhairappa writes in “Bhitti” an Autobiography – when he was studying in Goruru
in 1947, he was getting weekly four days of Varanna(The system of free meals
served for poor students weekly basis) in the house of Sahukar Sampat Aiyangar
a brahman agriculturist. He serves not only for brahman students but 8/10
students without discrimination of cast and creed. It was also so generous
attitude of Ayyangar family that no one was feeding with half stomach. Daily
the foods was being served with full spoon of ghee and unlimited quantity of
items. Dr Beem Rao Ambedkar was taught and supported by a brahman teacher.
Intolerant Vishal Hegde said – I am working in Kuvempu University for
two years. I can understand your manipulating skill. I want the clarification
about the suppression of Shudras as explained in ancient Hindu Texts. I
don’t want to listen this kind of
lecture from student like you. Tell me -
is it not true that - “मनु ने बताया कि अन्य वर्णों की सेवा ही शूद्र का कर्म है” as quoted in this column?
Hareesha said confidently - It is translated sentence of the original text.
“एकमेव तु शूद्रस्य प्रभुः कर्म समादिशत् ।
एतेषामेव वर्णानां सुश्रूषामनसूयया ॥“ This is the original verse. And according to me the word
Shudra is not stands for lower casts of society what we have see today. Manu
told the Varna system in this Smruti
instead of Caste system. Varna system is totally different from Caste system.
Today this Varna system does not exist
in its original form. And this caste system is exist in each and every corner
of the world and including in every religion. Everybody thinks that caste
system is not good for harmonious society. No one dares to come out from this
system.
Because of this caste/race system
only, so many conflicts are remained unsolved in even developed countries like
USA and etc. Actual opponents of caste system the communists or their
offsprings could not eradicate yet in their own land like Russia or China.
But in India we are not
practicing Varna System in/against the value of Constitution weather it is good
or bad. In Bhagavadgeeta the Lord Sri Krishna said – चातुर्वण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्म विभागशः
। तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥ It means - according to the nature and work of the human
beings I formed the Varna system. Even though along with Maya I am the cause of
the creation of this system, but In the true sense you understand me as
non-cause as explained by Bhagavatpada
Shankaracharya in his commentary – यद्यपि मायासंव्यवहारेण तस्य कर्मणः कर्तारं अपि सन्तं मां परमार्थतो विद्धि
अकर्तारम्, अत एव अव्ययम् असंसारिणं च मां विद्धि” ।
According to Varna System, any
Brahmana may become Shudra, or any Shudra may become Brahmana. But this is
based on his work and nature. Manu says it clearly -
शूद्रो ब्रह्मणतामेति ब्रह्मणश्चेति
शूद्रताम् । It
means Shudra becomes Brahmana, and
Brahmana becomes Shudra because of his Karma. In this way Brahmanism or
position of brahman is not fixed for those who called as Brahmanas, and visa
versa. So what is wrong with Manusmruti ?
There are so many brahmans
who serve in such fields which are not prescribed to them as on Manusmriti,
like Military, Police Department, Business, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and
even works as Scavenger, Sweeper and etc. And in the same way there are so many people
who called as lower castes lead the life with noble works and become the model
for society. So by looking into present caste system we can’t consider this
caste belongs to this Varna.
Thousands of years back
when Manusmruti written, it might have considered as constitution of then
society. But now the seventy-five-year-old constitution we have with more than
hundred and twenty amendments. How can
we compel thousands of year old Manusmruti should be compatible with today’s
society without any amendment. And if it will not be compatible because of a
few mis understood verses should it be
totally rejected and burnt? There are so may doctrines & principles which
are so relevant in this modern ere also.
Shrungeshwarayya - Look dear Vishal, right now Hareesha may be a
student. But he has profound study over the subjects in contemporary issues
along with traditional shastras. Our priest always says that गुणाः पूजास्थानं गुणिषु न च
लिङ्गं न च वयः” (Qualities should be respected,
not age or gender). So I don’t know that you accept his views or not. But I
think his way of thinking and demonstrating his ideas is not destructive. It is
inclusive in nature. It is the indigenous way of thinking I think. I really like it. If we respect each other, where will be the case of dishonouring any
one ?
See in our village, in the
olden days all were living together with the livelihood of their own, based on their caste. All were living by
feeling of fragrance of peace everywhere . See Chammara, Kammara, Badagi,
Kshaurika, Akkasali, Kumbhara, Nekara, etc all were having their own livelihood
in the society they were living with mutual respect. There were harmonious
relationship among all the castes. All were inter dependents. Now we have independence to quit the
ancestral skilled work. But today we are
dependents on Government. Our children have anxiety to get government
job or else far away from their village, even after having higher education. European Invaders broke the interdependency of castes
in Indian society by introducing factory made products like Footwear, Aluminium
Vessels, garments and etc. So gradually all are becomming unemployed.
Hareesha interrupted - If the son of a weaver completes his higher
education in the same field with special skills, and make research on it, he
can establish his own start up to produce garments with additional
technological touch up. In the same way all the castes have their own inherited
skill sets which may be developed through education and training with the
support of the government. Now a days it is more easy than earlier. Our prime
minister is proactive especially in this area to achieve Atmanirbhar Bharat.
But the situation was not conducive in the biggening of Independence. The then
prime minister appointed five orthodox Muslim Education ministers continuously
one after another. The temporal requirement was Indigenous education for the
citizens of India. But Neharu did not want to flourish Indigenous education
system in India. He actually wanted to educate Indians in the western frame
work. Actually if you give Indigenous education to Hindu people they become
more and more generous than earlier. But if you give religious education to
Muslims they become more and more radicals. So Nehru denied Dharmik Shiksha to
Hindus and free hand to have religious education to Muslims through the
constitution.
Vishal Hegde did not say
anything. But he was not ready to accept wholeheartedly either Harisha’s clarification or Shrungeshwarayya’s
endorsement. He did not have so much textual proof for his stand. He could only
show some columns written in Majavani newspaper. The columns are considered as
secondary resources. Vishal Hegde did
not study Sanskrit even in the secondary school level. There are almost all of
the ancient Indian texts originally written in Sanskrit. Because of ignorance
about Sanskrit and mis consumptions about Hinduism, he slowly starts to hate
that language and Sanatana Dharma. So, he is knowingly or unknowingly does not
want to refer Sanskrit Texts as original resource. Without referring the
Sanskrit texts his deliberations will go futile. So he had to accept his defeat
before Hareesha even though he is a student. At the end, he came to the
conclusion that -both the Shrungeshwarayya and Hareesha are brahmins. So they
defended each other because of their caste. But actually Vishal Hegde knows
that, it was not so. For the sake of prevent himself from defeat feeling he
came to conclude in mind so. In a corner of mind he was willing to debate with
more textual evidence through the columns of Majavani News paper.
***
“Sorry Dad, I can’t do that. I came to know that one of the clerical
post is advertised in the town panchayat Sringeri. So, I have to go to Sringeri
today. I am going to apply for that job. Why are you suddenly decided to go to Tirthahalli?”
Nagananda wants to do the job in Sringeri so that he can get identity
and social respect in his village. There are so many people oftenly ask him ‘what
are you doing? Did you not get any job ? You should do any kind of job. Nobody
should keep quite in his/her adultery. You are a rare degree holder in our
village. In addition to that, you studied in JCBM collage’. Still, you are
unable to get even a small job in town ? These kinds of questions haunt
Nagananda when he is in solitary. Some times he tries to recall his collage
life -
JCBM collage is reputed institution in
Sringeri. Govt. 1st Grade Collage is started in Sringeri recently. Still, It
has no a sufficient no. of teaching staff and infrastructure. JCBM collage has
its unique identity in Sringeri. There are so many experienced teaching staff
in each department are doing their best. A good infrastructure with well
equipped labs, NSS, NCC and other cocurricular activities made the institution
unique. So youths around Sringeri feel proud to study in JCBM Collage. That’s why I also joined the JCBM collage to
study B.A.
After completion of B.A. Nagananda wanted to
get job in any of the institution of Sringeri. So he was searching for job. In
the beginning he asked for clerical job
in SBI, Canara Bank, Karnataka Bank, Indian overseas Bank and Bank of India.
But every where he was asked whether he has the knowledge of accounts. Actually
all the nationalised banks do not appoint any part time clerical hands. One who
able to pass the banking exam gets job in those banks. Nagananda doesn’t know about that exam. So he enquired the all
the nationalised banks. His next attempt was in the cooperative banks. In
Sringeri there are more than 10 cooperative banks are there. But they pay a
very low monthly salary and that also be given to close relatives of the board
of members of the bank. Nagananda did not have such connections to get job in
those banks. So his efforts to get job there become vain.
In these days so
many youths are called by so many shopkeepers of the Sringeri. But they offer
very less salary. In addition to this the Nagananda’s community doesn’t feel
good for these. So he is not happy with that kind of job.
****
Farmer – You know ? your Mama has called me to join them. Today one of
the groom is coming to his house to get alliance with his daughter Shreya.
Son – So what ? It will be enough to go for betrothal when fixed. Why
are you going now ? You do not have even a two wheeler. You have to go by walk
for 2KM to Kunchebail or Doddahonne for 3 KM where you get bus to Sringeri.
Then again you have to catch bus to Tirthahalli, which takes two hours.
Chittebail is located three KM away from Tirthahalli. You may take an autorickshaw
to go to Chittebail or opt to walk. Autowala takes not less than 75 rupees.
When will you return back if you start now at 9a.m. today? It is expected
hardly to return back at 7pm today. That means your entire day will be gone in
vain for only join them. So I think it is better to attend betrothal of Shreya
instead of getting these much of strain to unnecessary travel there.
Farmer – You fool. Shreya is 21 now. She just completed her B.A. with
minimum percentage of marks. If we bring her to our house, she not only will be
the good life partner for you, but also she will look after all our
agricultural works well.
Son – No dad, I completed my B.A. just 3 years back. My friends will
humiliate me if I get married in this young age. I will get married only when I
get a job at least in Sringeri.
Nagananda does not want to go Banglore to hunt a job, just like his
friends are doing. He knows his limitations. Actually he was scared when he
went to tour 8 years back. Then he was studying in 10th standard in
Govt Highschool Sringeri. School Headmaster decided to arrange all students a three-day
educational tour to Mysore and Banglore. The then Yeddyurappa Govt had an attractive
plan of Free Educational Tour for school students. So Nagananda got a chance to
visit Mysore and Bangalore. Nagananda was so delighted to visit Chamundeshwari
Temple, Zoo, Palace and KRS Vrindavana Gardens. But during visit to Banglore he
was very much tired. So he could not enjoy any of the sight in Banglore.
Instead he was scared to see crowded areas, all roads jammed with traffic and
huge air pollution. This first experience itself closed the doors of future
earning life in Banglore.
Nagananda is a
typical Malnad youth. He completed his primary education in a Govt. Primary
school Mouli where he completed his 4th Std. From 5th to
7th he studied in the Govt. Higher Primary School Kunchebailu. This
school is 2 K.M. away from his house. In the Mouli School he had homely
atmosphere. There was a teacher Ambuja from Kadur who was appointed in 1997.
The then education minister Sri Govinde Gowda had appointed thousands of
teachers for primary and high school across the Karnataka State. So almost all
of the trained (Tch.) candidates selected whoever applied for the post. In
malnad region there was no any training(TCH) collage. So no any malnad man was
able to be trained. Some of them somehow managed to get trained from
neighborhood districts like Udupi, Manglore, Shimoga. And a small number of
people are trained in Chikkamagaluru. So
in all the schools of the malnad region does not have a good number of native
teachers appointed. In the earlier days there was no need of T.Ch. (Now it is
called as D.Ed.) to get appointed in
primary schools. Only 10th Pass certificate with 2 months of in-service
training was enough. So before 1996 appointments, there were so many native
teachers who either trained in neighborhood districts or they might be
appointed even earlier when certificate of T.Ch. was not mandatory. But when
Nagananda entered the Primary School of Mauli there were no any native teacher
found. Ambuja madam was newly appointed teacher only the Head miss of the
school. Shyamala a neighborhood girl was appointed by School Betterment
Committee. She was completed her PUC in Govt. Junior Collage Sringeri. She has
been paid Rs. 2000/- per month by School Betterment Committee. Nagananda in his
childhood did not feel unfamiliarity in his school because there were only 12 students were studying. In the fourth
standard Mahesh and Vibha, in third std Lokesh, Jayanti and Naveen, in the 2nd
std Vasanti, Sheela and Sukesh, In the 1st std Nagananda, Hareesha, Suresha and
Mala. He knew very well all of these before admitting school itself. So, he did
not scare when he entered to school first time as most of the children do.
Among his schoolmates Vibha completed B.A. in JCBM Collage and she got married
with a Guruprasad M. a High School Teacher of Kammaradi Govt. High School as
soon as her B.A. exams finished. Vasanti got married with Lacchu who climbs the
areca tree to pluck arecanuts in and around Mauli. Sheela and Mala got married
with grooms of Balehonnuru. Jayanti married with Raju who works in the Goshala
of Sringeri Sri Mutt. Among the male
schoolmates nobody is got married. So it also one of the reasons from Nagananda’s
side for denying to get married. In addition to that, Nagananda wants to listen
respectfully from his villagers about himself. He thought that it will only be
possible if he gets job atleast in Sringeri. His inner mind is very much disturbed about
his unemployment. So he was trying to get job in Sringeri for three years. So
he said to his father that “No
dad, I completed my B.A. just 3 years back. My friends will humiliate me if I
get married in this young age. I will get married only when I get a job at
least in Sringeri”
Farmer – I was also thinking about it when you completed your B.A. But
now there were so much of water flown in the river Tunga. It is better to pay
attention on our agricultural land instead of hunting the job in Sringeri.
Son – No dad. I am educated. So I have to work in the city, not in the
farmland. If I do the work in the areca plantation, people will not give me
respect. It would have enough to stop education after completion of 10th itself If I need to work in farmland.
But now I am a graduate from JCBM.
Once Raju, Jayanti’s husband who works in the goshala of Sringeri Mutt
told Nagananda, Ayya, why are you not trying to get job in Sringeri Sri Mutt ?
There are so many people working who belong
to your community. They need youth like you to serve Annaprasadam to devotees
twice in a day. They are also paying a good amount of salary which is quite
higher than outside the Mutt people are getting. Besides the salary you will
get free meals also.
The villagers always say that such people go to
get job in Sri Mutt those who are not able to get job outside. So Nagananda does not want to get job in Sri
Mutt. He thinks that there are so many workers in Sri Mutt who have not passed
even SSLC. ‘I am B.A. from JCBM collage’. He feels that he is more educated
than any of the worker who serves prasadam in Sri Mutt. “If I work in Sri Mutt
villagers will not respect me.”
Farmer – Don’t think so, my dear son. Hard worker always gets respect
everywhere. Idle people are not respected in any society.
Son –. Look at my friend Hareesha. He is still studying in Sanskrit
Collage. He always goes to mutt to have lunch. All the Sanskrit Collage
students go there only to have mahaprasadam. I think they all are go to
Sanskrit collage for so many years because Sri Mutt provides free lunch. Look
at me, I completed my college education within three years. But after 8 years
of studying they are still going to college. If I ask anybody they say that we
are doing Ph.D. Is it not time pass studying ? I competed my graduation within
3 years. Am I look like idle ? I don’t want to pass the time. So I am trying to
get job in the city.
Shrungeshwarayya wanted to tell him that he also wasted 3 years after
completion of the graduation in the name of hunting the job. But he did not
tell, because if he tell that Nagananda will be discouraged and his only son
may be take it not so easy. Consequently/gradually he may be mentally disturbed
and it may cause mental illness also.
Farmer – Its really good my dear son. But until you get the job, you
must do some work whatever you can. You can do something in our agricultural
field.
Son – No dad, you don’t insist me to do that. I must be employed by
getting even a small job in town. Afterwards you ask me anything about other
work.
***
Hareesha became friend of Nagananda when he goes to house of Harish Bhat
a Pujari of Durgadevasthanam while learn Some Vedic Suktas like Purusha Sukta,
ShreeSukta, Rudraprashna Chamakaprashna, Ganesha Atharvasheersha Durga Sukta
etc. Actually Nagananda was not interested in learning Vedic Mantras. But his
father forcefully made him joined in this class when he was in I PUC. His
father Shrungeshwarayya always calls Harish Bhat for any kind of rituals
performed in his house especially Durgapuja and two Shraddhas of his parents.
Once Harish Bhat asked Shrungeshwarayya about Nagananda’s studies when
he was studying in 10 std. Harish Bhat insisted – “Srungeshwarayya, please get admitted Nagananda in Sadvidya
Sanjeevini Pathashala after completion of 10th std. An average
student like Nagananda if join in the Pathashala he can learn Veda completely
and if he wish to study further he can get command over the Shastras also.
Beacause of the blessings of Jagadgurus and because of the grace of Godess
Sharadamba your son will become good Vidwan with profound Indian traditional
knowledge.” But after completion of 10th Nagananda denied to get
admitted in Pathashala. When Shrungeshwarayya asked the reason, Nagananda told
–“Dad, Shikha is compulsory if I get
admitted in Pathashala. I don’t want to put Shikha in my head”.
“Why my dear son ? All of the students in Pathashala put shikha. Not
only you. In Srimutt also each and every priest put Shikha. What is wrong with
that ?” Shrungeshwarayya asked.
Dad, there are thousands of brahmana families In and around Sringeri we
can see. There are only a few Purohitas put Shikha. I saw some elderly people
are teasing for their shikha among our relatives also. In my class also one of
the tamil ayyangar student put Shikha, was being teased always by all the
students. So I don’t want to get admitted in Pathashala.
Srungeshwarayya understands the psychology of Nagananda and asked to
Harish Bhat – “I know the most sacred texts of Sanatana Dharma are Vedas. They are called the primary source
of Scientific, religious, spiritual knowledge. They should be learnt by every
sanatani. But this Shikha will be the main obstacle to learn such great texts.
Should not this tradition be reformed ?”
Harish Bhat told – “Srungeshwarayya, don’t think so. Indeed, Vedas are
sacred texts. These texts are not simple to learn as others texts. One who
gives importance to the views of others upon him than his studies, how can he
attain such a sacred knowledge ? The person who wants to study such sacred
texts, he should not be bothered about what others opine his appearance. He
should render himself entirely into his studies.”
“But Harish Bhatre, I can understand this. In the olden days the
gurukulas were in the middle of deep forests. Once a child enter to the
gurukulam, he come out only after the completion of his education there for at
least 12 years. There were no any questions of discouraging the students by
society regarding their Shikha or else. But now a days Vedas and Shastras not
remained as only source of knowledge for livelihood. So people think education
means schools and collages, that’s it.”
“I agree Shrungeshwarayya. Only a few of people sacrifice their life by
doing extra ordinary work in each and every filed. But others claim for their
share of fruit of that hard work to relish it without doing any sacrifice. Let
me give you an example – Vinayaka Damodar Savarkar was punished for two times
of Life imprisonment. That means 25=25=50 years of imprisonment. Vasudeva
Balavanta Phadke, Chapekar Brothers, Chandrashekhar Ajad, Bhagat Sigh, Lal,
Bala, Pal, … had sacrificed their lives for the sake of Independence India. But
who enjoyed the independence ? All the Indians or not. ( It is different thing that one man enjoyed the power of prime ministership for
17 years without doing such struggle and without having the ability to lead the
nation in right direction) Likewise in the field of Vedic education some
people should work hard and do sacrifice for the welfare of mass. It doesn’t
matter whether your son get admitted into Pathashala or not. But a true
disciple of Pathashala/Gurukula should be ready to sacrifice his
worldly/materialistic desires while studying.
Ha, let me tell you one thing that you can send Nagananda to my house
every evening. I will teach him some vadic suktas if your son will not be
convinced to go to Pathashala. He need not put Shikha also.
Nagananda suddenly said “It is O.K for me”. He thought that instead of
get admitted into Pathashala by putting Shikha, it is better to learn Suktas in
evening in the Harish Bhat’s house. Srungeshwarayya also nodded to send
Nagananda there.
***
2
Hareesha is from a middle class religious/ family.
He born and brought up in his village Kabbinale of Udupi District. His father owned
16 acres of agricultural land in that village. Kabbinale is situated in the
western ghat edge of coastal district Udupi. It falls in the middle of thick
forest of western ghats with the climate of coastal belt. Hareesha studied up to 4th
standard in the Govt. Primary School, Melmata Kabbinale. This school was situated 1 KM away from his
house. It is adjacent to Melmata Lakshminarayana Temple of Kabbinale Village.
So it is called as Melmatha School (Mitta Shale). He started to go to school
with his two sisters and two brothers when he was in the age of three years.
The sole teacher of the school Venkappa Master does not teach small kids. Kid
like Hareesha sits with his sisters or brothers in any class which doesn’t
mater to anybody including teacher Venkappa Master. When Hareesha was admitted to
first standard there were 8 students in his class. In second standard there
were only four students Anitha, Ashwath, Umakant and Karunakar. In 3rd
standard there were Sudhakara Pujari, Manjula and Ratna.
In the 4th std. there was no any student.
In each Saturday Venkappa Master does not take the classes. In that day
students of all classes gather in the back portion of the school and start to
sing the bhajans. Some of the students put the Portrait/Photo of the Lord
Lakshminarayana in the chair before the students and decorate it with local
flowers collected by students. In the end of the session one of the senior
students goes to the Portrait/Photo, performs the Puja with Neerajanam. In
between Bajan Venkappa Master silently comes and sits in his chair and does his
record keeping work. There are two coconut trees in the school premises. There
yields about 200 coconuts annually. So in each Saturday one coconut is used to
prepare Panchakajjaya of Avalakki. Venkappa Master brings boll of Jaggary and
250 grams of Avalakki and hand it over to senior students who prepare the
panchakajjaya. As soon as puja get completed panchakajjaya will be distributed
to all students as prasadam and then they get disbursed.
Hareesha did not speak Kannada till he admitted to school. Even though
everybody knows Kannada in his house, still he started to speak Kannada after
admitting to school. Actually almost all families are speaking Tulu as mother
tongue in Udupi and Manglore Districts except the Kundapura Taluk.
Hareesha’s mother was from Hemmadi of
Kundapura where all the people speak only Kannada, and most of them even can’t
understand Tulu. Because of Hareesha is the last son of his parents, his mother
and all his siblings speak Tulu, he also started with Tulu only.
In the first day itself when Hareesha returned to home for lunch he
spoke his mother that “Amma nanu snana madtene ”. His mother was so happy to
listen his son a Kannada sentence at first time.
Sudarshana his
cousin was also admitted to the 1st standard and his elder brother
Raghupati in the 4th standard. Their house is there in Perala which
is 2 .5 KM away from his house. 1.5 KM of pathway in the paddy field of
Shivaramadi, Aruvara, Bailumane, Kudumannu and Chinkmaru. Two revers should be
crossed and 1 KM of pathway in the thick forest also to reach home.
One Saturday after
having the lunch in Hareesha’s house Sudarshana Invited Hareesha to his house.
In the beginning Hareesha’s father denied to send. But Raghpati told him that
Balu will come to Majjigudde to carry them where forest route starts. So Hareesha’s
father agreed to send. Hareesha and Sudarshana become so happy and the were
hurry to depart from there. All of the three Hareesha Sudarshana and Raghupati reached
Majjigudde within 20 minutes. They thought to wait for Balu in the entrance of
the forest way only. They waited for another 30 minutes. No sign of Balu they
got. Again they spent 30 more minutes. Still Balu was not reached there. Now it
is becoming dark. 5.45 crossed. Now all of they decided to start journey by
talking very loudly, so that any wild animal may not attack them because of
loud voice. When they reach the top most up in the forest Balu was coming
towards them. All of the three now took a long breath/sighed with anger in a
corner of the mind. Anyway they reached their destination Perala. Chikkamma
also become tension free now to see her children with Hareesha and Balu. She
served Uddina Kadubu and tea for all of the three with Sambar of cucumber. Balu
already had Kadubu twice before departing to Majjigudde to bring his younger
brothers.
After having the Kadubu, Sudarshana asked his mother to give Pagade Mane
by which they play Pagadeyata with full of joy.Chikkamma herself brought the
Pagademane and Pagadekayi and started as one among them. All are happy to play
with her.
Perala is a 12 acres of agricultural land stretched inside the thick
forest owned by Hareesha’s Chikkappa. From Majjigudde it takes 15 minutes by
walk. Beacause Perala is located in the top of steep hill it takes that much of
time to reach there. Actual distance is only 01 KM. from Majjigudde.
Besides 12 acres of agricultural land Chikkappa encroached additionally
10 more acres of forest land not to develop as an estate but to protect
agricultural land from immediate attack of wild animals. He himself ploughs the
8 acres of paddy field every year with the help of Sanjeeva Hasala. He had 2
pairs of buffaloes. One pair used by Chikkappa and other pair by Sanjeeva to
plough. He grows paddy yearly twice. Hitta Bettu and Mittabettu are two groups
of paddy fields each carries 4 acres. Remaining 4 acres of land used for Areca
Plantation and residential purpose including goshala and front yard and back
yard.
In 1983 Chikkapa Purchased a
Huller a machine which make rice from paddy. Chandranna of Sampige had given
him the information about that machine and helped to purchase that. Chikkappa
built a shed for that machine. There was no dust remover. So chikkamma herself
was doing that job with Tadpe/mora whenever urgency. Otherwise Gowri the wife of Sanjeeva Hasala
does that job.
There was a comparatively big goshala of 16 cows and 4 buffaloes. All
the cows were native breaded called Malnad Gidda. They give very less quantity
of milk. But the milk is very very pure and medicinal in quality. The cows are
divine in nature. They are nature-friendly also. They never fall ill.
Hareesha stayed in Perala in that day and continued in Sunday also.
Monday morning directly he came to school with Sudarshana and Raghupati. In
this way started to visit Perala often. But when he comes to 2nd
standard Raghupati and Sudarshan sent to Konkanarabettu Higher Primary School. So
next three years he did not visit Peral.
****
In the month of Sona
Hareesha used to
go temple daily from his early school days. In the temple premises all the youths are used to
play Kabaddi before Shakha Preyer. Even though
Hareesha was so young, (when he studying in 1st standard) still he
was joining to play with elders like youths. Affectionately they used to sent
him to ride some times. Sometimes his rides become succeed. So the Shakha Pramukh Hampe Chandranna loves him very well. Hampe
Chandranna was the leader for all youths of the village. He was the role model for all the
villagers. He is also the administrative
chief of the temple also. After the Kabbaddi all are go to Kalyani(Pond of the
temple) to wash their hands. And then gather in the temple to do bhajans. After
the bhajan all of them come to ground to perform prayer of Shakha. After the
Shakha prayer Puja-Arathi will be held. Panchakajjaya Prasadam is distributed.
Then all are disbursed to their home at about 9.30 pm.
Chandranna is the son of Hareesha’s uncle Hampe Anantayya Hebbar(called
as Doddappa). When ever Chandranna comes to temple to look after the
infrastructural work of temple if sees Hareesha affectionately bring him up and
put him in his shoulder even though his clothes were dirty due to playing in
the ground with mud. Usually if anybody sees children in this condition may
talk to them affectionately but keeps distance. Chandranna was not so. He loves
children very much especially Hareesha. Actually he was then 28 year old. He
was unmarried. He fell in love with a girl of Shivaramadi. He helps villagers
in many ways. He owned a Goods Tempo. In
those days there was no any four wheeler in the village except his tempo. To
carry the bags of areca nuts to city like karkala and bring grocery and
fertilizers from the city, all the villagers used to ask Chandranna only. For
that he charges very less amount, so that people can afford it. He arranged
rice making Hullers to so many villagers who are staying in remote area. In those days
3
Venkappa Master never went to
school before 11.30am. He has 7/8 cows in his Goshala. So he always used to cut
two heaps of grass for them. And 2 heaps of green leaves for bedding of cows in
his goshala. His wife passed away when she delivered Vinay. He had 5 daughters
and five sons. Vinay was eldest one. Venkappa Master loves his daughters more
than sons. He behaves rude with his sons also as with his students. He beats
his students by wooden scale when they unable to understand what he teaches.
Sometimes if he does not get any unbroken scale he used to squeezes ears of
students or beats the cheeks of the students well. So many students frightened
to him and deny to go to school. Because his harsh attitude a very less number
of students get admitted to school.
He teaches less to first and second standards but more to 3rd
and 4th standards. 3rd and 4th std students
have both half yearly and annual exam. When Hareesha was studying in second
standard Venkappa Master wrote down a patriotic song “Vijayee Vishwa Tiranga
Pyara” on the black board and taught how to sing it. In the month of June he
wrote it and keep that for three months. Further nothing he taught for 3
months. In those days there was no half yearly exam or annual exam for 1st
and 2nd std students. So Venkappa Master simply ignore to teach 1st
and 2nd std students. Hareesha and his classmates simply glance at
the black board and begin to start chat with each other through out the day.
Venkappa Master has a skill of singing melodiously. Actually he is
trained to sing Yakshagana Verses in his early ages only. He sang oftenly Yakshagana verses as Bhagavataru in
the village in several occasions. Bhagavata means one who sings Yakshagana
Verses and total commanding authority of total presentation of Yakshagana Play.
Because of singing skill he used to sing the Kannada poems of each of the
classes nicely. Hareesha and others like it very much. He always put emphasis on correct
pronunciation of Kannada letters. That’s why Hareesha and all other students
don’t feel any problem regarding the
pronunciation of any language in their future life.
Venkappa Master always wear Dhoti and a towel as upper garment. In the
costal Districts of Karnataka temperature falls always 30*C to 40*C. In
addition to that he works for 3/4 hours in his agricultural land before going
to school. So his body temperature automatically goes high. So he doesn’t want
to wear shirts while going to school. He wears shirt only when he goes outside
the village. Students were very happy to play games in school for long time.
Because he never reaches school before 11.30 am. After noon he reaches after
3.30 pm. He takes the one period for each 3rd and 4th
classes. So afternoon also students get huge time to play in the field.
***
Hareesha’s elder brother Karuna became a classmate in 2nd
standard. He is 2 and half year elder than him. When Karuna took
birth he did not get enough milk from his mother’s breast. It caused him
starvation. Because of starvation so many neighbours used to loose some
comments upon him. He become gradually ignored child among the society. So he
could not do well in the school days in early ages. He was unable to respond to
teacher in classroom. So Venkappa Master
failed him once in 1st std. and again once in 2nd
standard. So he became classmate to Hareesha in 2nd std. After
getting Hareesha as a beloved companion the enthusiasm is being sprouted
gradually in Karuna. Hareesha and Karuna became good friends for ever.
Umakanta is the son of Ramanna Hebbar of
Jarnabettu. His age was same to Karuna’s age. He was also put in the same 2nd
std by Venkappa Master even though he was the close relative. Santosha a
younger bother of Umakanta has the same story that he failed to come to second
standard when Hareesha passed to 2nd std. Both the Umakanta and
Santosha were over cared by their mother. If Venkappa Master squeezes the ears
of any one of the sons once, the their mother Saraswati stops from go to school
both sons for two days. There is a small river between the house of Hareesha
and the school which has no bridge. There is a wooden bridge near by the
Kambala Gadde of Kelamane which connects Gulelu, Hondadarkal, Langadu and
Darkasu dwellers with school and temple. But Hareesha and his Karuna don’t want
to use that bridge because that bridge always become slippery due to rain.
Hareesha and his friends cross the rever nearby the Posamata which was the one
of the paddy fields of Hareesha’s father owns. Here wooden bridge is not built
every year. Hareesha and Karuna were so dare that they cross the river by
holding some shoots of plants called Nekki Soppu grown in the river. But Saraswati
fears to send her sons to school when ever it rains heavy and river flows with
huge current of rainy water. So her both sons absent in school almost half of
the monsoon season. Sometimes adivasi dwellers of Mattavu come
and build a wooden bridge by cutting 3 or 4 old areca trees of Hareesha’s father’s
areca plantation. It survives for 4 to 6 months. During the rainy season of four months there will be
huge water flows in this river with tremendous speed. So it is so risky to
cross the river without bridge.
School is situated 1 km away from Hareesha’s
house. Still he with Kaaruna starts at 8.30 am only. Teacher Venkappa Master
come only after 11.30am. The elders resist them not to leave the home before
9.30am. But Hareesha and Karuna want to go to school so early to play with
other schoolmates there. After the rainy season even though the flow of water
in the river becomes very low still Hareesha and Karuna don’t want to go school
nearest Posamata route. At first go to Jarnabettu which is 500 meter away,
where he joins Umakanta and Santosha and then all the four go through the paddy
fields of Jarnabettu, Bandarabettu and Areca Plantations of Shivaramadi and
Kemmoli. And the they get road to school near the house of Kemmoli Vishnumurty
Bhat. If the walk for 500 meter in this road they get their school. Totally
Hareesha hand his brother start their journey at 8.30 am from their home and
gothrough the above said route of 2.5 KM. and reach the school at 9.30am.
Nearby the Shivaramadi one of the Jamboo Tree is there. Jamboo tree is such a
tree that gives fruits thrice in a year. The red blossom of the Jamboo tree
looks so beautiful. These boys do not wait for fruit become very well grown and
sweety. In the beginning itself red
flowers of the future Jamboo fruit are also can be consumed. Hareesh and his
team don’t miss this chance ever. After ten fifteen days all the stingy petals
of Jamboo flowers fall down. The tender jamboo fruit which tastes very sour.
Still it is not being untouched by them. Some times owner of that tree
Shivaramadi Appana becomes angry to see these boys plucking the flowers and
consume, but he controls himself not to scold these naive boys. In the same way Hareesha and team
collect some other junglee fruits(Cheermullu Kayi, Bolmaru Parndu, Beerpuli
etc.) in the both sides of the road.
Girls of the school collect huge quantity of
red seed which is called in local language as Channe Kayi. It has strong shell
like Badam. But girls easily break the shell by putting and biting in
between the jaws. Once Hareesh astonished to see the underneath of the bench of
the girls where the heap of the shell of red seed was there. He asked them how
to cut the seed shell and learned to cut and came to know the taste of the
seed. From that day onwards he also started to collect the seed and consume it
with his friends.
Since the month of February his team changed
the route of returning from school. It is by entering into the coconut
plantation of Melmane and go through Paddy field of Kelamane they get Kambala
gadde (A large paddy field used to traditional race of buffaloes) In the
eastern side of the Kambla Gadde there is a areca plantation of Kajane
Venkatesha Hebbar. In between the
Kambala Gadde and Areca plantation a line of mango trees of near about twenty
in number. Venkatesha Hebbar is very old aged agriculturist who lost his 28
year old son. Even though he has two daughters, still death of his son haunts
him severely. His house is in hilly area Kajane which is 2 K.M. away from this
areca plantation. So he is not interested to develop his areca plantation. He
come to the plantation only twice in a year, once to spray Bordeaux mixture and
again once to pluck the areca nut. That’s all. He simply ignores the mangroves
and doesn’t want to sale the mangos. So the Hareesha and team utilise this
opportunity to pluck the mangoes each and every day in the month of February
and March and from tender to fully grown.
Actually Hareesha was taught to pluck mangoes there by Raghavendra of
Gulelu who was studying in 4th standard when Hareesha was in 2nd
std.
When Hareesha admitted to 3rd
standard with Karuna and Umakanta, Shivaprasa and his sister Jayamala of Kelabettu got admitted into 4th
and 2nd standard respectively. Earlier they were studying in Ujire
where their maternal grandfather’s house is situated. After admitting
shivaprasad into 4th standard there become two boys in that class,
Shivaprasad and Ashwath Bhat who was studying from beginning itself in that
school. He is the fifth son of priest Madhusudana Bhat of Kelamata. Both
Shivaprasad and Ashwath were so cute. One has dark complexion and another
is white. Whike teaching mathematics Venkappa Master doest not mess to
beat in smooth cheeks of Shivaprasad which look like burnt black brinjal, and squees into three twists of white ears of
Ashwath Bhat which look like red slice of tomato.
Once Vasanti a daughter of Pokru Hasala of
Gampa comes to school after a long leave of one and half month. She was
studying in 2nd standard.
Venkappa Master became very angry and
called her to him where he sat in the chair. She reached him with so much of
fear. She was trembling when she reaches him. He caught her right ear and
started squeezing it through his left hand and beaten her left cheek by his
right hand. Because of shock Vasanti could not control the flow of her urine
which fell upon Venkappa Master’s feet. His anger become boundless. You can
imagine what happened then. All these were happening in front of third standard students Hareesha, Karuna and
Umakanta only. And girls Sahana, Varalakshmi and Usha and Shyamala. Whenever
Umakanta sees this kind of furious actions, reports it to his mother as soon as
he arrives the house. She becomes so
frightened and denies to send Umakant and Santosh two three days. Then again
Venkappa Master becomes angry and punishes in the same way. It happens always.
So after the annual exam Umakant became fail in 3rd standard.
In those days most of the parents do not be
bothered by these kinds of actions of Venkappa Master. If students compliant it
in their homes elders simply ignore it or used to say that “you children only
might have committed some mischievous mistakes. That’s why he gives punishment
to you”. So maximum number of students don’t complaint parents. They know it will be futile.
***
Kurumbilu is a tenant living in a small hut
with her five children in the corner of areca plantation of Bandarabettu
Narayana Bhat. She belongs to Gowda
community which is not connected with the popular Okkaliga community in other
parts of Karnataka. In Kabbinale Gowdas are called as Girijans who are categorised
in a scheduled tribe. In front of her hut in the eastern side there is a small
stream of about 10 feet width flows. The other side of the stream there is a
stretched agricultural land of Hareesha’s father.
The youngest daughter of Kurumbilu Jayalakshmi
was the classmate of Hareesha in first standard. She leaves the school later
on.
Bandarabettu
Narayana Bhat has nearly 8 acres of agricultural land. He needs a family of labours
to maintain his land. But was unable to pay attention to his land. Kurumbilu
also has on idea of planned work sequence. She can do the work if Narayana Bhat
asks to do any particular work. But she doesn’t have such a talent or skill to do
with her own. Narayana Bhat always goes outside to work as cook in programmes.
So he minimum 3 days out of a week stays outside. So she felt uncomfortable to
do labour work in his agricultural land without any instruction. Meanwhile
Hareesha’s father and Jarnabettu Shamanna Hebbar once offered Kurumbilu to work
in their agricultural land. They promised her that if she agree they will help
to construct a hut to her in between the two agricultural lands of Both
Ramanna and Shamanna Hebbars.
Kurumbilu discussed with her children Susheela,
Ratna, Govinda Rama and Jayalakshmi. Govinda feels no more extra benefit
because he always goes to forest to collect Honey, Dalchinni flowers,
Ramapatre, and etc. By selling this in the town he earns enough money. Do does
not go to any house of agriculturist to do labour work. So he was neutral. Rama
also followed his brother. Susheela and Ratna agreed to accept the offer.
Because they thought that anyhow house will be new one, whether it will be
grass roofed or else. Both are agreed to work in Ramanna and Shyamanna Hebbar’s
agricultural land.
Within 6 months a big hut with one kitchen, a
living room and a narrow sit out with a raised platform is inaugurated. The inaugural ceremony of that house
celebrated with some local ritual with Chau Chau Bhaath and badam milk.
Hareesha with Karuna Sudarshana Umakanta and Santosha happily joined the
ceremony. Actually all the children were vey happy to have Kesaribhath by
sitting on the raised platform of sit out of the house.
After two days Susheela and Ratna started to do
the labour work in the Hareesha’s Agricultural land. They come at 9 am. Do the
work for an hour. They cut the shoots of
the plants in the non agricultural land stretched behind the house of Hareesha.
They make two Hore of shoots of the
plants. It takes about 1 hour to them. Then
they get a break of half an hour for break fast with tea. Then again start the
work up to 1 o’clock. Make again two Hore
of shoots of the plants. It takes time upto 11.30am. They bring that Hore to
cattle Shed (Goshala) and spread there as bed to cattle. Then they take a small
break for drinking water with the piece of jaggary. Then they got o areca
plantation and collects the dry leaves of areca plants. Put in the shape of
heap upon the stand made by pieces of areca nut tree inside the plantation
itself. At 1pm. they go to their home to have lunch.
Again come back at 3.00 pm. Cup of coffee served to them. After having coffee,
they start grass cutting work. Make 4 Hore
of grass for cattle.
While leaving that day mother of Hareesha tells
hareesha to give them each a Seru(1 Kg.) of Boiled rice. Their daily wage then
was Rs.2/- per day with a Seru(1 Kg.) of Boiled Rice. Hareesha measures the
rice and put into separate bowls give them. Both of them stretch their Pallos
of their Saree, make raounded globe like shape, tie round the neck of the globe
and departs to home with 4/5 wet areca nuts to chew the beetle leaf in their
home at night.
Kurumbilu does not do labhour work, because she
thinks that she now became old. She only prepares Boiled rice Gunji twice in a
day, morning and night. In between she wonders in the Areca plantation of
Hareeshas house collects a few areca nuts, remove the sippe/peal and cut into
small pieces, fill in to a small cloth bag hanged in her Sonta start to
chew with bettle leaf through out the day.
***
When Hareesha was in the 2nd standard, after the mid term
vacation Venkappa Master was called to attend one month training course in
Mangalore. In the absence of Venkappa Master there was no any facility of
substitution in the department. This story is same in almost all the schools of
Karnataka. All schools in that time are running like one man army. So as per
the instruction of BEO, Venkappa Master told the students to go to
Konkanarabettu Higher Primary School for one month. There were more than
hundred students studying. But there were only two teachers working. Between
two, one is deputed to one month training in Manglore, as Venkappa Master
deputed. So the remained one teacher was handling all the students. He was
coming from Hebri by bicycle. He called by students as cycle master. Students
don’t know his actual name. No one dares to ask his name also. The 8 K.M. road
from Hebri to school was not tarred yet. There was so many ups in the road
towards the school. Still the one and only teacher reaches the school in time. He
teaches only from 5th to 7th standards only. In the
beginning of the day, he opens the attendance book and ask all the students to
come to him when he calls the name one by one. Each and every Students should
extend his right hand when the teacher calls his name. The teacher beats by
foot roll to extended hands of the students so that he can ensure that the
student is really present in that day. From 1st standard to 5th
standard students get only this much of benefit from the school. That’s all.
At the end of the month the another teacher rejoined his duty in the
school after the completion of one month training. He also comes from outside
only. But he comes by his own Bajaj Scooter. He parks his two wheeler near the
borewell. Boys of 7 the standard instructed to clean the scooter daily.
Students are so happy to do that because in those days in that village there
was on any scooter. In the village like Kabbinale there was hardly any can see
any scooter. Actually, in those days anyone who wants to buy a scooter he had
to wait for a year after booking. So purchasing a scooter was not so easy task.
According to Swamy’s handbook (In which service rules and regulations of
central govt. employees can be see) – there was a provision of availing loan
for even bicycle also. That means up to 3/4 decades of independence these kinds
of very primary things also were not affordable to mass. So students think it
was their destiny to touch that scooter every day. Actually Hareesha and others
also want to touch that. But the teacher strictly told that only 7th
standard students can do the cleaning of the scooter. Still the other students go to nearby the
borewell and see the scooter is being washed by elder students during lunch
break.
***
In Hareesha’s house so many beggars come always especially during
festival season. It was the system of that house the father of Hareesha calls
Hareesha or Karuna to bring a coconut after extract the peel and give to
beggers. Karuna goes to heap of coconuts in the shed, choose a big coconut,
removes the peel in Shula, gives to beggar. Beggars again ask “Ayya nalk adke kodini
(Master, please give me a few areca nuts)”. Shyamanna says – Hareesha, Karuna,
give him a few areca nuts. Hareesha rens to upper yard and comes back with
palmful of areca nuts and gives to beggar. Beggars again ask give them a small
amount money as
beggary. Shyamanna says we never give money to any beggar. If you want more I
will give you additionally one more coconut. Beggars silently start to depart.
Karuna become an expert to peel the coconut. When he
admitted to Konkanarabettu school his expertise becomes useful. As soon as
rainy season ends Vasudeva of Neertodu starts to sell ice candy and ice creams.
He brings ice cream in a box specially designed to put in the carrier of
bicycle from Hebri. In the beginning Hareesha and Karuna somehow
able to manage some money as they collected
In the month of Sona(30 days from Tula Sankramana) Sonarati be performed
in the Lakshminaranayana Temple at night. Before starting the Sonarati Puja
Brahmapuja is performed in Brahmasthanam which is opposite to the
Lakshminarayana Temple. There is Rajandaiva
called Kodamanittaya and Kukkentaya and associated thirteen Daivas like
Panjurli, Kalkuttiga, Maindalamma, Bobbarya, etc. Panchakajjaya is prepared and
render to all the Daivas. For putting the Panchakajjaya on the piece of Banana
leaf as Naivedya, some volunteers are needed. In the evening at about 6.30 pm.
Hareesha and Karuna did not miss this opportunity. In this brahmasthanapuja
Kittanna of Kelamane was attending to prepare naivedya and render the Coconut
to Kodamanittaya. It is the one of the ancestral duty performed by Kelamane
family. After the Kittanna’s death, Channappanna started to perform this duty.
The Archaka Ramachandra Bhat was appointed by Patler of the village performs
the puja of all Daivas. This puja is always performed in the presence of Patler
only. So the elder family member of the
Melmane attends here without fail. Usually Gopanna(Gopalakrishna Hebbar an
younger brother of Patler Anantayya Hebbar)
When Hareesha was in
4th standard there were 6 students in his class. Umakanta remained
in 3 standard only , because of very less attendance. Varalakshmi Shyamala Usha
anda Sahana and Karuna were his
classmates. Lakshminarayana younger brother of Sahana was studying in 2nd
standard. After the mid term vacation one new teacher was appointed. His name
is Seetarama Shetty. He occupied small room of the school to reside there.
There was no any house if he wants to take as rental. He
He was young and energetic. He
was telling the Ramayana story every day after having lunch. It was so
interesting to all. He teaches the students very affectionately. At 4 o’clock
he brings all students to ground in front of the school. He makes the students to play so many native
games like Huli dana, Lagori, keredada, Kappe Ota, etc. So, all the children
were so happy to have Seetarama Shetty as their teacher. Parents also came to
know that Seetarama Shetty does well. So they also render the gratitude to him
whenever they meet him. Especially mother of Sahana Ramapushpa occasionally
come to temple with Hannukayi(Flowers and Fruits) certainly meets Seetarama
Shetty and tell him to take special care for her son Puttanna(Lakshminarayana).
Seetarama Shetty replies that – “your both the children do their best in
studies. Puttanna is so nice and genius boy, he needs no any special care.
Sahana also good girl. Our Venkappa Master also says that I have never beaten
her because of her sincere study.” Ramapushpa become so happy to listen to him and
gives him some fruits and with hurry leaves to home by saying – I have to
prepare lunch for 12 labhours. Today is Sankashti, So I came here in the temple
to render the Hannukayi. My husband will scold me if I will not be able to
prepare lunch in time”
***
After
completion of 4th standard Hareesha and Karuna admitted in
Konkanarabettu Higher Primary School which is 4 KM away from his house. There
was no any vehicle facility to go to school. By walk only all the students
reach the school. Some students come from even for away like Kuchchuru, Kajane,
Durga, Pullantbettu, Beerbettu, etc.
Sudarshan now became the classmate of Hareesha. From 2nd
standard to 4th standard Sudarshan was not studying in Hareesha’s school. He
was admitted to Konkanarabettu Higher Primary school in 2nd
standard. His brother Raghupati then admitted to 5th standard there.
In those days Cricket was the popular game everywhere in India. In 1983
Indian cricket team won the world cup in
the captainship of Kapildev. The legendary Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri .… were
the famous cricket players. Inthose days there was no television anywhere in
this village. In 1986 one colour TV was bought by Krishna Bayari of Balegundi.
But his daughter in laws not interested to watch cricket. They always watch TV
only when some entertainment programmes transmitted. The craze of cricket was not even sprouted in
elders. But younger generation was very much attracted to cricket. They always
listened to radio commentary of the cricket match. It doesn’t matter to them
that where ever it may be held, which ever match it is. Nobody knows then
English or Hindi. But through the commentary, they can easily come to know the
score whether it is in English or in
Hindi. So many people switch on their transistor while they do any labour work
any where to listen the cricket commentary. The effect of this can be easily
traced in schools. In that Konkanarabettu school also students started to play
cricket. Sudarshan was in 4th standard. One of the evening in the
cricket match in the school play ground he was doing the job of wicket keeper. Sudhakar
Pujari was in the crease. Gulelu Raghavendra was bowler. Raghavendra was
comparatively was taller than any of the other in that school. So he himself
thought that I am Kapil Dev of this school. So he naturally plays as fast
bowler. Unfortunately in that day in the last boll thrown in such a way that the ball hit the stump
speedly, Sudarshan focussed his sight on boll to catch it. But in between the
tip of the stump hit his right eye.
Suddenly blood come out. All the students became scared and frightened
extremely to see the blood. Raghavendra started to trembling. Sudhakar ran to
the Headmaster. HM with other two teachers rushed to ground. HM suddenly took
his hand kerchief and tied Sudarshan’s eye. There was only two bikes were there
in the village, one is owned by Govindabettu Anantayya Hebbar and another one is owned his friend Kesaribail Kittanna.
Govindabettu is 5 km away from the school. But Kesaribail is only one K.M.
away. So HM sent Rajashekhara Bayari of Durga who then studying in 5th
std. with Pradeep the son of Kittanna who is in 2nd std. so that
Kittanna may understand the depth of the problem and come quickly. Within 15
minutes Kittanna came. Kittanna asked the HM to inform the parents of Sudarshan.
HM sent Sudhakara Pujari to Perala to inform sudarshana’s father Padmanabha
Hebbar. KIttanna doesn’t want to waste
the time. So he started his Yazidi bike told the HM to sit in the back side
with Sudarshan and Raghupati. Totally four are started towards Govt. Hospital
Hebri in his bike. Evan though Moojimudi route is not tarred, still Kittanna
had chosen that one only so that he can reach Hebri by crossing the dry Moojimudi River
carefully. There was no any doctor in duty. Previous doctor was transferred to
Mudabidri last week. New one from Udupi was not interested to join in Hebri. So
he was trying to cancel his transfer order. So sister Kamalabai made the first
aid and suggest to admit him in Manipal Hospital.
Now Kittanna decided to take taxi from Hebri to Manipal Hospital. He
Sent Raghupati to nearby Nellibettu Govindanna’s house where he can pass that
night. With the HM he started towards Manipal by taxi. At about 7.30 pm. he
reached the hospital and admitted
Sudarshan there in the emergency ward. Sudarshan was unconscious when he
admitted. At first Doctor arranged glucose drip to him and asked to Kittanna that – too much of blood is poured. So
immediately blood is required. Who is there from your side to donate the blood
?
Kittanna told – I am ready to
donate.
Doctor told – first we have to check your sugar level and BP. Then only
we will take.
Kittanna told. Don’t worry doctor, I donate my blood often. No need to
check. 6 months back I have given the
blood to Kittu Pujari labour of my rice mill.
Doctor accepted and send him to that section of the hospital to donate
the blood.
After half an hour Sudarshan became conscious. But he did not come to
know that where he is ? Sudarshana’s elder brother Sheshagiri, Naganna, and his
parents surrounded him with HM and Kittanna. Sudarshana mother Satyamma was
unable to control herself. But she never blamed openly God or Daivas in any
furious condition. So now also she simply touch the forehead of the Sudarshan
in the right hand and cover her mouth and nose with edge of her saree’s pallu.
Docter Madhusudan said – Look Mr. Hebbar ji, Wond can be cured with in a
month. But I can’t give you guarantee about his vision in right eye. The stump
damaged the entire retina of the right eye. He can mange 90% of his work with
his left eye only. But he should be careful in future about his left eye and must
not put much pressure on this eye. Left eye will be tiered soon if he watch TV
or cinema in theatre more than an hour. Sudarshan did not feel bad because he
has not watched any cricket match in TV till date. Because there was no any TV
in his village at that time. One day match takes minimum three hours for first
half and again three hours for second half. So it would be harmful if he would
have watched TV for one day series. There was no question of watching the film in
theatre, because he is living in such a place where he should walk 12 km to
Hebri and again should travel by bus for one and half hours to Udupi if he
would like to watch film. He had watched first film in his life in Kumta 2
years back with Hareesha when he was studying in 2nd standard.
Afterwards he forgot that he had watched the film. So doctor’s warning did not
make him upset. But his mother felt so bad. She starts to think – “In future he
should study at least to stand himself upon his feet. If he will be tired
within an hour in his study because of single vision, how can he achieve in his
studies ?” But she doesn’t say anything. She hardly expresses or shares her
anxieties or sorrows or any difficulties.
Sudarshana’s father,
Sheshagiri Naganna discussed each other - who should stay in the hospital ?
Sheshagiri said - I have to go to Milk dairy at 7 o’clock. I am the secretory
of milk dairy. So Naganna said – I and amma will stay here with Sudarshana. So
you can go along with appayya and Kittanna. Naganna rendered gratitude to
Kittanna. Sheshagiri, appayya and Kittanna departed by taxi at 11.pm. They
reached Hebri at 12. 15 am. Kittanna said – I get down here only. My bike is
here. I will come by bike. Padmanabha Hebbar also get down and closed his palm
in namaskara mudra and said to Kittanna – I never forget your help Kittanna.
Kittanna said. It is nothing Hebbarre, in my place anybody was there he would
have done it. Sheshagirianna also got down and render his gratitude. They both
went by taxi up to Majjigudde via Mudradi. They reached home at 01.30 am.
***
There were three teachers in Konkanarabettu Higher Primary School -
Devanna Nayak, Disouza, and Krishnaveni. In the 5th standard all of
the papers were being taught by Disouza only. She was looking very nice but
furious to all while doing class work. She used to beat the students very
cruelly by sticks. Once in the mathematics class she beat in such a way that so
many students wounded, and blood came out from the wounds of all. Hareesha
decided on that day only to leave the school next year. And he literally did
it. He talked to his elder brother Subrahmanya who was studying there in 8th
standard.
***
Subrahmanya studied his higher primary at Hebri only. Then there was no
any bus facility to Kabbinale to Hebri. Only one Bus “Deviprasad” which starts
from Bacchappu to Udupi daily thrice at 7am, 11 am and 3 am. From home to
Bacchappu there are 8 K.Ms. The bus was
not convenient to the students of Kabbinale to go to School in Hebri. So
Subrahmanya along with his two elder sisters stayed in the small hut like house
of Gopalacharya in Kuchchuru road of Hebri. The house had one Kitchen and one
living room of totally 150 square feet. Same kind of three houses were there in
that building. There was no toilet at all. In 1985 AD. it was common in all
over the world except some cities and some developed countries. Raw floor of
the house was not cemented in any of the three houses. But owners house was
partially cemented with red oxide. Roof of the rented houses was constructed
with bamboos and Mangalore tiles. There was one common bathroom for three
houses.
Balu and Gayatri of Perala also
were staying with Subrahmanya and his 2 sisters. Totally 05 were sharing the
rent of the house equally. It was the duty of one among them to pasting cow dung in the floor and
Chulli(furnace) once in a week. In the second house there were Maya, Gayatri
and Chandrahasa of Melmane. In the third house there were Yogini, Naveena and
Nayana of Kemmoli. These three are children of Venkappa Master.
In all the three houses and owners house wooden chops were only source
of fuel for cook. All of them collect and stock the dry woods for a week in
evenings. Usually they prepare boiled rice called Urpel Aritta Ganji in all the
three houses. They bring pickles and coconut oil form home and purchase salt in
the grocery shop. All of them did not know how to prepare Sambar or Rasam or
any Curry. So their meals means only boiled Ganji with salt and pickles as side
dishes. Some times someone may bring dry coconut Chatni from home in addition
to pickles. In the end of the weeks almost all the pickles or chautnies come to an end, and all are finish their
meals of Ganji with only salt. Daily three times they were consuming only Ganji
Ganji Ganji. So all were very excited to leave Hebri in the weekend and start
to walk towards their actual houses in Kabbinale.
If they come to their house in the village, sure they can get either
Dosa or Kadubu, or at least Bajilu and Uppittu. Kadubu they get in their house
was seasonally variety in nature. In the month of June and July they get
Halasina Kadubu(prepared from Jack Friut) In the month of September October and
November there will be Kadubu of Cucumber or Pumpkin, IN the summer there will be Cane Pundi,
Bobbarya Kadubu, in the month of Ati/Ashada the Kadubu called Patrode, In the
Ganesh Chauti, Nagara Panchami and Deepavali there will be Arasina Ireta Kadubu
(Prepareded sweaty Kadubu by using Turmeric Leaf) and Kotte Kadubu Kadubi (Prepareded with rice
and black gram Kadubu by using Jack Leaf) and so on.
Subrahmanaya was so bored to consume Ganji every day. He did not want to
continue his high school education in Hebri after completion of 7th.
So he asked to elder brother Shankaranna about his willingness to go to Udupi
for furter studies. Meanwhile in Udupi the Sharada Doddamma asked Shankaranna
to send any of his any younger brother to her to free from her solitary.
Subrahmanya thaught that it is my destiny to go to Udupi. So he went there very
happily. Sharada Doddamma also feel very happy to have a mild boy like Subbu.
She did not feel burden of staying of Subbu. Even though Subbu was staying with
his Doddamma, still he goes to Krishna Mutt every day to have Ganji in the
morning and lunch at noon and dinner at night. She was getting up early in the
morning. Come down near the well, wash the mouth and her artificial set of
teeth. Take bucket of water from the well and goes to toilet which was there in
the back yard of Annayachari Mutt. Then having bath in cold water of the same
well by using a aluminium vessel called Koda to bring up the water from the
well through the rope and Rate. At the end she put on clean washed wet cloth,
take a pot of clean water from the well and takes to room. She starts her Japa and puja at 5.30 am and
continues up to 7.30 am. In between Subbu gets up and does his routine work and
goes to Mutt at 7 am to have Ganji. He comes back at 7.30 am. Again he goes to
milk dairy to bring the milk. Doddamma gives him 90 paise to him to bring 500
ml. milk. AS soon as he gets back, Doddamma prepares decoction of coffee and
add a small quantity of milk in it and gives a glass of coffee to Subbu. She
also take one glass of coffee and goes to Mutt to cut the vegetables. Subbu
also departs to school in the same time at 8 30am.
She comes back from Krishna Mutt after completing her duty fallowed by
the lunch there. Takes rest up to 4.30 pm. Then she prepares coffee again,
serves a glass to Subbu who comes back from school. Gain she Departs to
Chandrashale of Sri Krishna Mutt where so many old women gather and prepares
garlands of flowers and Tulasi. After completing the preparation of Malas all
the old aged women do the Bhajans of Purandara Dasa and Kanakadasa. After the
completion of Mahapuja at 8 pm she gets neerajanam and teertha from the Swamiji
and return back to her room.
In the evening at about 9.00 pm Sharada Doddamma completes her Japa, and
she mixes butter milk(Aralu majjige) and a palmful of Aralu with a spoon of
sugar and consumes it. She never takes dinner at night. Every day in the time
of consuming Aralu-majjige she starts to tell her life story with Subbu. It was
so interesting to listen to Subbu. The story telling session continues while
spreading the bed, putting off the lights, till Subbu not stops to respond her
with the sound of hoon. Subbu enjoys to listen these stories like watching the
old movies.
In this way a year of time was spent very
happily by Subbu with Doddamma. Even though the Subbu did not like the meals in
the Mutt still he was happy to stay with Doddamma in Udupi. He was getting
additionally coffee twice in a day and Doddamma used to give him some sweets
often.
Sharada Doddamma’s only son was serving in
Hyderabad in Indian Military. She doesn’t want to stay with him due to
adjustment problem with daughter in law. And she wants to stay nearby Lord Shi
Krishna of Udupi. So she occupied a rented room in Annayachari Matha of Udupi.
She was paying Rs 100/- per month in 1988 there. He r son Anandanna used to
send her Rs. 200/- per month in those days. After paying the rent of Rs. 100/-
she hardly could be able to manage her monthly expenditure. So she joined to a
job of cutting vegetables in Sri Krishna Mutt where she draws the salary of Rs.
200/-. Per month. For a year she was leading her life happily without any
financial burden. She could able to save some money for future and she cold
happily spend money to watch any religious film of Dr Rajkumar in Geetanjali or
Alankar Theatre ones or twice in a month, and also she could able to participate in family functions of
nearby relatives at least once in two months. But her fate had not accompanied
her so long.
As she passed a year in Sri Krishna Mutt as a vegetable cutter/chopper,
other co-workers came to know that she belongs to Smartha faith. Other women
workers complaint to the manager of Mutt and succeed to remove her from the
job. Meanwhile due to some intolerance of daughter in law to sending money her
mother-in-law she pressurised her husband not to send money. So Sharada
doddamma barely fell to road as begger/Bhikari. So she was hesitating to say
these details to Shankaranna. That’s why she asked him to send one more younger
brother to her so that she can manage to give room rent for two three months.
She thought that she can get the same job in Mutt again within two three months
by complaining to the Swamiji against the manager. But manager manipulated the
total story of that incident and revealed to the Swamiji the justification of
the removal of Doddamma so earlier than she complaint. So Swamiji did not
listen to Doddamma.
In between, Hareesha came to Udupi and admitted to sixth
standard in the school where Subbu was studying. Shankaranna gave Rs. 200/- in
the beginning to Doddamma. Doddamma once deeply sighed with a sudden relief.
She had a small amount of money which was saved by her earlier. But that was so
negligible.
4
Shrungeshwarayya – You are a graduate. You can understand easily about
the scientific developmental procedures of agricultural sector. We have areca,
black mirch, coffee and paddy in our agricultural land. We are fallowing the
traditional method to grow all of these items. If you visit the horticulture
department and get some scientific inputs to improve our agriculture, we can
grow more and multiply our income in our own land.
Son – Now I am applying for the Job in Town Panchayat. If I will not be
selected, I will think about that.
Shrungeshwarayya – What salary is offered there?
Son – Rs 5000/- per month.
Shrungeshwarayya – I am paying 600/- per day for my labourers here. If
we multiply it for 30 days what will be the monthly salary of my each labour ?
Son – Still dad it is too difficult to accept. What should I do ?
Don’t worry my dear son. I will hand over one of my newly developed
areca plantation to you. You are responsible to develop that plantation. You
can enjoy the entire yield of that. But one condition is that you have to work
personally by shedding the sweat. If you do like that you can earn 10 times
more money than panchayat offers you.
After ten
months
Shrungeshwarayya – How much yield have you got in this time ?
Son - Dad, 14 quintal of Areca
nut I could yield in this time.
Shrungeshwarayya – Can you say it in terms of rupees ?
Son – About 6.5 Lakhs dad. Besides this I could able to get 3 quintals
of Black Mirch.
Shrungeshwarayya – At what rate have you sold that in market ?
Son - 58 thousand rupees per
quintal Dad.
Shrungeshwarayya – Fine. That means you have earned additionally Rs.
1,74,000/- What is your gross income ?
Son – 8.24 Lakhs dad.
Shrungeshwarayya – What was your total expenditure in this agricultural
work ?
Son - About 2 lakhs Dad.
Shrungeshwarayya – How do you feel now ?
Son – You are really great Dad. You have opened my eyes by virtues and
by providing practical experience with responsibility. Because of you I, not
only able to earn money more, but also I came to know that “work is worship”.
Now I am very much confident that next year I will work more hard. I am sure
that I will be able to earn more than 10 Lakh rupees next year. I will not sit
idle ever. Thank you very much dad. You an uneducated man are a real hero for
educated man like me. Thank you so much.
About Chandranna Sampige
Doddamma Sampige
Gulelu Chikkappa
Peralada Chikkappa
Shankaranna
Channappanna Kelamane
Srinivasa Bhat Kemmoli was giving Mangos to Hareesha and others
Raghavanna’s Hotel in Setuve
Kumarana Angadi, Chandrana Hotel
Chauti in Kelamane and Melmane -
Shevige
Kambala
Kola in Kelamane and Kudumannu
Kola of Pearadabakyaru
Suryanna Shetru and making local wine
Kurumbilu Gaudti, Susheela Ratna – ¾ rice every day each
Siddu Gowda
Vasu Gowda
Nakra Gowda
Kaveriyakka of Bailumane
Srimati akka borrows 2 Seru Rice
Nagattige Bailumane
Seetarama Bayarabettu, Mablanna, Padmanabha Hebbar Bayarabettu – Kalasa
tour
Watching films in the house of
Vishnumurty Bhat, Saraswati akka
Nagara bhajane
Shkravara Puje
Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava
Shivaratri - Stealing in night
Appada Pooja
Adike Puje
Gendada Puje
Upakarma
Anantana Chaturdashi
Mari
Kalavadhi Utsava
Ittugundi Utsava
Devi Mahatme Yakshagana in Kemmoli
Joganna/Shanta milk carrier
Naxalism in Kabbinale – Bomb Blast, Sadashiva’s murder, Visit to
Hareeshas House, Discussion with Hareesha in Mattavu
Akhila
Vishakha tries to recall her sweet memories related to her maternal
grand mother.
She completed her primary education in Eedu a village nearby Naravi in Beltangady Taluk
of Manglore district. The village is in edge of western ghat. It is the border village of Manglore district
towards Udupi. Vishakha’s grand father purchased an agricultural land
of 11 acres with one big house which is one among 11 prime houses (Guttina
Mane) of that village. It was purchased in the 1970 by paying 7 thousand
rupees.
Vishakha was taken by her maternal grand father when she was at the age
of 6 years. He told Vishakhas mother that – You can not look after your twin
kids together in this crucial situation in this small hut. You help your
husband to build a new house. I will take Vishakha to my home.’ Six year old
Vishakha is put in the shoulder by her grand father and started to go to Eedu.
Vishakha did not feel any detachment wither her mother, because her mother was
always busy with agricultural work. But Vishakha always used to remember her
father. Father loves her very much. So he used to visit Eedu within couple of
months. Vishakha also very eager to see her father. If he comes he certainly
brings Chakkuli and chocolates to her.
Her grand mother Ajji was such a typical Tuluva Brahmana lady who lead
her entire life for the sake of the welfare of her family without having any
personal desire. She hardly purchase one sari in a year to her. Her daughter in
law Anita gives two sarees in each year to her. So she happy with them.
Sometimes, once in a month she
asks some money with Ajja to bring Suger Jagagry and a few other groceries from
weekly Sante at Naravi. Ajja also not gives money immediately to her, without scolding
her that “you always used to ask money. Where it comes from?”. But he also
knows that she do not waste the money. So he gives sure later on. She goes to
Naravi 4 k.m.s by walk only. She prepares Sambar/Hu;I and
put a Kadai on the Chulli for Boiled
rice, tells her husband to intensify the fire in chulli by putting firewood
ahead. She starts to walk at 9.30
am and reaches Naravi at 10.15 am. She rounds the entire market at one
hour, purchases a pot and some groceries. She never purchase vegetables from
market. She not only considers it a waste of money, but also the vegetables
available in the market are not so tasty. Because using inorganic fertilizers in a huge amount
vegetables are being produced in large quantity. But they can not be tasty and
be rotted very shortly. So Ajji doesn’t even looks at vegetable shops in the
market.
Vishakha always remembers her Ajji’s bitter grand rasam. Ajji prepares
simple super rasam by bittergrand itself.
She cutts one or two bittergrands
into small pieces and puts a pot upon the Chulli of firewood. Pore some water
into it. A piece of jiggery, and a small amount of Watepuli slices she adds. Two three spoons of salt with 3/4
green mirchis smashed by a stone on a wooden plate. Add the same into pot.
After a half an hour smell from the rasam comes out in the entire house. Hungry
intensified by this in all.
