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Kashi 3.0

Memory is unpredictable . One never really knows what we will remember and what we will forget. Which is why nostalgia arrives in unpredictable waves, highlighting something and skimming over others. Recently, I have found myself thinking of how memory works, as I was assailed by nostalgia over a trip to Varanasi, a city I prefer to think of, as Kashi. The nostalgia hit right as we landed at Varanasi airport. The last time I was here, it was 1988, I was 13 years old, the airport was brand new… regular flights hadn’t started yet (I think) … flights landed about once a week, and for the rest of the time, everything was open to those of us who lived in the airport quarters nearby. There were fields everywhere, vast expanses of green… I have vague memories of corn and sugarcane… and being overwhelmed by the vastness of the fields (this was the first time I was in such close proximity to them), and the warm hospitality of complete strangers who lived and worked amidst these fields. I h...
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Faces in the Crowd - Women carrying firewood

She is a common sight across the country, cutting and carrying firewood home...



Dressed in a sari, the pallu tucked into the waistband, she carries the load with ease. It is mostly women who are seen carrying loads - water, wood, sometimes all the household goods, on their heads. Ever wondered why the man, who is supposed to be stronger, never does so? I wonder, if it even occurs to them to tell the menfolk to do the fetching and the carrying.! 

No matter what their reasons, I can not but help admire them - they carry such loads, and walk such long distances, in the harshest of weather, while I, travelling in the comfort of a car or bus, succumb to swelling ankles and aches, with the least bit of walking. I wish I had their resilience! 
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  1. MridulaSeptember 29, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    What to say Anu? Some practices are so ingrained and without education no change seems possible. I wonder if even education would bring about some change?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 4, 2013 at 2:05 PM

      Education seems to be our only hope,but as of now, even that doesnt seem to reach them. i wonder if it ever will

      Delete
  2. IndraniSeptember 29, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    Load on head affects the body adversely and they are unaware of it, unfortunately!

    ReplyDelete

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