I was in Betul and Chhindwara (both districts in MP) for a series of meeting with parents of deaf children residing in villages there.
At the end of day 1's session, Rambhaktji asked me hesitantly, "Will you like some?,
"What? I ask".
He put his hand inside the jhola he had on his shoulder and pulled out a handful of berries and tiny peas. "Hamare khet say". And then again and again, there I was, with my palms overflowing with ber and peas.
Next day, our last day in Betul, Harvinderji thrust a small plastic packet at me - gur, he said shyly.
And then there was Vikas in Chhindwara, sort of shuffling his foot behind my chair, waiting for the others to leave so that I was alone. "Narangi aapke liye, chhindwara say".
Three days, three gifts. A handful of berries, peas, oranges and a lump of jaggery? But what do you know, made me feel the most treasued person on earth, for some time!
The most expensive, unique, rare, difficult to find gifts are not necessarily expressive of the amount of love!
7 comments:
Awww Su, I agree...they really are the best kind of gifts. This one touched my heart!
You are one lucky lady to receive such sweet gifts.I envy you...lovely post.
So true Sukanya!!! Apart from thier love and respect you are richer even by their offering - ber, peas, oranges etc - the result of their 'khet' and hardwork. such a sweet post...
@ swa - good to c u following my blog at long last... perseverence pays...
@ K & S - really. coming from where they do...it brought tears to my eyes. So afraid that I (the haves) might be offended by so poor an offering...
Its the thought and not the gifts that matter. Simple people with simple gifts and yet they are the most precious ones. You are lucky!
Yes. I felt very lucky then. I count my blessings. I dont take them for granted :-)
Lucky woman! I work in cold places and with cold people :(
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