We had an early lunch of "khichdri" today. It was delicious and everyone took multiple helpings. The reason we ate early was to ensure Bhola could have lunch before going to Godda to withdraw money to pay the honorariums and also to buy crackers and candles for Diwali. And thanks to Rahul's usual generosity, we will have a great Diwali. He has agreed to contribute the total estimated 6000 for the celebrations. Renee too chipped in with 500. Then unexpectedly, Mitali's son Jijo, who got his first salary, decided to send 500 for the children to celebrate Diwali. I am touched. Really deeply touched. God bless them all.
This year, we plan to spend more on sweets for the children and less on crackers. My daughter, Sukanya, does not approve of me spending ANY money on crackers. Not because it's a waste of money, which it is, she's principally opposed to crackers because they are manufactured using child labour. In fact, the children who work in the fireworks factories are literally slaves. They come to work before dawn and often have to work till midnight. And then start all over again before dawn -- 7 days a week. Working conditions are apalling. They hardly get much to eat. Parents, mostly impoverished peasants, get the money the children toil for. And as I write this, I am wondering why I buy even on cracker!
I told Bhola about this. He says we will no longer have crackers for Diwali celebrations. But since we have promised the kids this year, we should keep our promise. But we must tell the children about the child labourers who manufacture the crackers and explain to them why we should not have crackers any more. We'll spend the money we spend on crackers on sweets and fruits for the children here. So this year, even though there may be fire works, it is going to be very low-key. And Bhola will buy them from manufacturers who don't use child labour. There are a few such companies. Their crackers are expensive. But that doesn't matter. We'll have only a few crackers and our conscience will be clear.
The day has been ok so far. Attendance was good and attention was good in class too -- my class. Unfortunately, I had a severe headache and was unable to teach after the break. Bhola taught them maths instead. I don't know why, but I seem to wake up with a headache every day and unless I take a pain-killer, it stays with me all day. I'm feeling ok now, which is why I'm writing this blog.
It's becoming more and more pleasant as the days pass. Winter may set in after Diwali. Even Kolkata is no longer "sweaty". Today I took out my woollens and put them out in the sun.
I am touched by some of the responses I received on yesterdays blog post. Let's all pray that we don't have to close down the project... miracles do happen and I believe in it firmly. But the miracle has to be sustainable to make the project sustainable. Both Bhola and I are trying to figure out a way to make this miracle happen.
That's all for today. I'm grateful to all that the children will have a good Diwali this year too. They look forward to it all year. It would be a pity to disappoint them. Let's hope this is not the last Diwali. And we'll ensure that the next Diwali will not be enjoyed at the expense of little children elsewhere.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Chopping off Cheo?
I've just finished lunch. Shanku had cooked some delicious masoor dal with chunks of horse radish in it along with some fried potatoes. I had chapati, as usual, while the others -- Renee and Shanku -- had rice. Shanku can't live without rice and Renee is happy to have chapatis once a day in the evening.
I may be imagining it, but my paunch seems a little smaller. Bhola disagrees. He feels that my paunch is the way it was when he first met me! According to him I've always had a paunch! I somehow imagine that it grows when I eat rice and shrinks when I eat chapatis. That's one of the reasons I eat chapatis for both meals even in Bolpur. Unfotunately, I can't resist the tempation to soak my chapatis in ghee and/or cook my vegetables in ghee. I love to put a couple of spoonfulls in my dal too! Perhaps that explains why I look so "healthy" by Indian standards. Or maybe my genes are responsible. My father was a rice-eating Bengali from the east and my mother was rice-eating Tamilian from the south.
The weather here is wonderful these days. Very pleasant indoors. Not to hot outdoors and the nights are cold enough to use a quilt. It's feels so nice to curl up under one and sleep like a dog till dawn. And talking about dogs: Bruni lies around in the dappled shade all day and promptly curls up on her bed on my veranda at night. And she does snore! I used to think she was growling at something. Sometimes she does. Most of the time it's just her way of snoring. Hence, now I wait till she starts barking to investigate. And for some odd reason she barked last night a few times and Bhola and Shanku were running around in the middle of the night to find out why. We saw nothing.
Bhola was here last night. In fact, he was here all day yesterday and has only gone home this morning because he has to take care of the shop while his father has gone somewhere. He seemed somewhat relaxed yesterday and we spent a lot of time talking about the project and the future -- his own, the project's and mine too.
We all realize that the project is no longer sustainable. The number of volunteers visiting has dwindled. And the funds we generate from the fees is not even covering 40% of the project's yearly expenses. The various contributions we receive from friends and well-wishers adds up to no more than 10-15%. So where's the rest coming from? Part of it is coming from me -- the rent that I get from my Gurgaon flat. The rest is debt that keeps accumulating. When we have a "good" month, we are able to pay off some of the debts. But they keep mounting almost immediately. This month, thanks to Renee, we are able to pay off 50% of salary arrears. We won't be able to pay Shanku and Bhola this month too! And by the end of November the shortfall will once again be 40,000 plus. This is not a happy situation.
When I'm away from Roldih, I feel that I should perhaps close down the project. But when I come here and start teaching the children, I feel it would be a crime to do so! But one has to face reality sooner or later. The fact is that we just do not have the means to carry on. And I simply don't have the energy and inclination to go out and get funds from donor agencies and then run around submitting accounts and reports. All I wish to do is sit around in one place and perhaps teach a few children as long as I can. I can do that in Bolpur, Delhi, Kolkata, Uttaranchal or wherever. I don't need a project for that.
Running a project means overheads and salaries. And God knows, we hardly pay anything to those involved in the project. And that is worrying Bhola too. His business is suffering because he is spending so much time on the project. In fact, the past months he has been more away from it than on it and he feels that he isn't doing justice to the project or to his family. He has two daughters and he needs to take care of them and his wife and parents. He simply can't afford to spend his time running this project even though he feels very attached to what Dakshinayan is doing.
He's worried about me too! And so am I and the people close to me. Fortunately, I have been lucky not to be suffering from any major illnesses. Should I fall ill, there's no backup! I'll be at the mercy of friends and well-wishers! That's not a happy situation to be in. I don't mind begging for the project. But I can't beg for myself. I'd rather die! And I'm not joking when I say I'm looking for cyanide pills. I'd like to have them handy, just in case a situation arises where I become chronically ill or bedridden. Considering euthenasia is not legal, those pills may come in handy.
But melodrama aside, we do have serious sitation here and both Bhola and I are trying to figure out what to do next. I'll be writing to the Trustees to get their views too. Some of them have helped to keep this project afloat in times of crisis. The contributions of ex-volunteers have been phenomenal. But sadly, I have not been able to make the project self-sustaining and that's my biggest regret.
To begin with, we will probably close down the Cheo school. Ramnath and Chandrama live there. If they wish to continue running the school, they can do so by collecting a fee from the children who come to study there. But considering that no one here has the time to even visit, there's no point in continuing to run the centre and spend money on salaries and upkeep. With Cheo out of the way, perhaps we will be able to continue the school in Roldih for some more time. But sooner or later, time will decide what happens to this place.
I'm not too worried about my own future. The rent from my flat, if I don't have to support the project, will take care of my frugal needs. I'll probably have to move to a small town or go to an ashram somewhere. But I still have a little bit of energy left to teach in Bolpur and perhaps earn my keep. So I'm not too anxious at the moment, though I must admit that the prospect of falling ill terrifies me! I don't wish to spend my last few years being dependent in any way -- financially or physically.
Well, that's how things stand at the moment. By the end of this year, Bhola will go back to doing business. He'll keep and eye on the project whenever he can and also help out when necessary if time permits. Shanku's fate hangs in the balance. Ramnath and Chandrama will either find alternate employment or if, as they say, they wish to serve their community, they can continue teaching and earn something from the fees they may get. The infrastructure is there.
So will this be the last Diwali in Roldih? I don't know, but right now, after the chat we had yesterday, that's the way it feels. I'm trying to enjoy every moment that I am here just in case.....
I may be imagining it, but my paunch seems a little smaller. Bhola disagrees. He feels that my paunch is the way it was when he first met me! According to him I've always had a paunch! I somehow imagine that it grows when I eat rice and shrinks when I eat chapatis. That's one of the reasons I eat chapatis for both meals even in Bolpur. Unfotunately, I can't resist the tempation to soak my chapatis in ghee and/or cook my vegetables in ghee. I love to put a couple of spoonfulls in my dal too! Perhaps that explains why I look so "healthy" by Indian standards. Or maybe my genes are responsible. My father was a rice-eating Bengali from the east and my mother was rice-eating Tamilian from the south.
The weather here is wonderful these days. Very pleasant indoors. Not to hot outdoors and the nights are cold enough to use a quilt. It's feels so nice to curl up under one and sleep like a dog till dawn. And talking about dogs: Bruni lies around in the dappled shade all day and promptly curls up on her bed on my veranda at night. And she does snore! I used to think she was growling at something. Sometimes she does. Most of the time it's just her way of snoring. Hence, now I wait till she starts barking to investigate. And for some odd reason she barked last night a few times and Bhola and Shanku were running around in the middle of the night to find out why. We saw nothing.
Bhola was here last night. In fact, he was here all day yesterday and has only gone home this morning because he has to take care of the shop while his father has gone somewhere. He seemed somewhat relaxed yesterday and we spent a lot of time talking about the project and the future -- his own, the project's and mine too.
We all realize that the project is no longer sustainable. The number of volunteers visiting has dwindled. And the funds we generate from the fees is not even covering 40% of the project's yearly expenses. The various contributions we receive from friends and well-wishers adds up to no more than 10-15%. So where's the rest coming from? Part of it is coming from me -- the rent that I get from my Gurgaon flat. The rest is debt that keeps accumulating. When we have a "good" month, we are able to pay off some of the debts. But they keep mounting almost immediately. This month, thanks to Renee, we are able to pay off 50% of salary arrears. We won't be able to pay Shanku and Bhola this month too! And by the end of November the shortfall will once again be 40,000 plus. This is not a happy situation.
When I'm away from Roldih, I feel that I should perhaps close down the project. But when I come here and start teaching the children, I feel it would be a crime to do so! But one has to face reality sooner or later. The fact is that we just do not have the means to carry on. And I simply don't have the energy and inclination to go out and get funds from donor agencies and then run around submitting accounts and reports. All I wish to do is sit around in one place and perhaps teach a few children as long as I can. I can do that in Bolpur, Delhi, Kolkata, Uttaranchal or wherever. I don't need a project for that.
Running a project means overheads and salaries. And God knows, we hardly pay anything to those involved in the project. And that is worrying Bhola too. His business is suffering because he is spending so much time on the project. In fact, the past months he has been more away from it than on it and he feels that he isn't doing justice to the project or to his family. He has two daughters and he needs to take care of them and his wife and parents. He simply can't afford to spend his time running this project even though he feels very attached to what Dakshinayan is doing.
He's worried about me too! And so am I and the people close to me. Fortunately, I have been lucky not to be suffering from any major illnesses. Should I fall ill, there's no backup! I'll be at the mercy of friends and well-wishers! That's not a happy situation to be in. I don't mind begging for the project. But I can't beg for myself. I'd rather die! And I'm not joking when I say I'm looking for cyanide pills. I'd like to have them handy, just in case a situation arises where I become chronically ill or bedridden. Considering euthenasia is not legal, those pills may come in handy.
But melodrama aside, we do have serious sitation here and both Bhola and I are trying to figure out what to do next. I'll be writing to the Trustees to get their views too. Some of them have helped to keep this project afloat in times of crisis. The contributions of ex-volunteers have been phenomenal. But sadly, I have not been able to make the project self-sustaining and that's my biggest regret.
To begin with, we will probably close down the Cheo school. Ramnath and Chandrama live there. If they wish to continue running the school, they can do so by collecting a fee from the children who come to study there. But considering that no one here has the time to even visit, there's no point in continuing to run the centre and spend money on salaries and upkeep. With Cheo out of the way, perhaps we will be able to continue the school in Roldih for some more time. But sooner or later, time will decide what happens to this place.
I'm not too worried about my own future. The rent from my flat, if I don't have to support the project, will take care of my frugal needs. I'll probably have to move to a small town or go to an ashram somewhere. But I still have a little bit of energy left to teach in Bolpur and perhaps earn my keep. So I'm not too anxious at the moment, though I must admit that the prospect of falling ill terrifies me! I don't wish to spend my last few years being dependent in any way -- financially or physically.
Well, that's how things stand at the moment. By the end of this year, Bhola will go back to doing business. He'll keep and eye on the project whenever he can and also help out when necessary if time permits. Shanku's fate hangs in the balance. Ramnath and Chandrama will either find alternate employment or if, as they say, they wish to serve their community, they can continue teaching and earn something from the fees they may get. The infrastructure is there.
So will this be the last Diwali in Roldih? I don't know, but right now, after the chat we had yesterday, that's the way it feels. I'm trying to enjoy every moment that I am here just in case.....
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Parent-Teacher Meeting
Yesterday, during class, Renee got fever. I asked her to go to bed and rest and take paracetamol, which she did and by evening, she was feeling a lot better. We don't know what brought it on. She hadn't slept well the night before because of a headache and so was tired when she woke up. I too had slept badly because of a headache and was feeling feverish in the morning. Must have been something in the air -- a virus perhaps. I was feeling perfectly ok by nightfall.
After a night's rest, Renee was feeling fine today. No fever all day. But I asked her to stay in her room and rest as much as possible. She's been doing that. In fact, she's in her room right now, resting. Shanku has gone to the market. And I'm sitting on the veranda writing the blog. Bhola came in the morning. Some of his distant relatives are still in his house. So he said he wouldn't be able to stay on the project. Hopefully, he will be able to come to "work" from tomorrow. There's a lot of stuff I need to discuss with him -- especially accounts.
In the afternoon, just as I was about to take a nap, Suman dropped in. I tried to have a coversation with him, but it seemed he was not interested in talking at all. All he wanted was his salary. We owe him that because he left the project when neither I nor Bhola had any money to give him. Unfortunately, I still don't have any money as I haven't been able to withdraw any from the bank because Bhola's been busy. He left. But I was quite saddened by his attitude. He used to be so respectful and deferential while he was working here. And now suddenly he's become a stranger -- no hello, no goodbye. Sad.
It's been a good day otherwise. Today was the PTA meeting. Usually there's a Parent-Teacher on the 20th of every month. Bur since Bhola was busy with his grandmother's death duties, the meeting was held today. Unfortunately, since most of the parents had stayed up for two nights consecutively because of the Chandna fair, attendance was very poor. Still, about 20 of them showed up and I was able to have an informal chat with them. I also asked them if the meeting could take place on a Sunday since the meeting, if held on a weekday disrupts school. They agreed and I think that from now on, the meeting will be held on every 3rd Sunday of the month. But it was nice to meet some of the parents and what's nicer is that I was able to encourage Radha, Raiman and Kartik to speak to the parents about their wards. This was good.
I also did a bit of teaching in class 4. I taught them Social Science and English. Their English seems to be better than their Hindi! At least they seem to read English a lot better than they read Hindi. But whether it's English or Hindi, their retention powers seem very low. Also, they have stopped "thinking". Apparently Bhola has been dictating the answers to questions to them and they are simply memorizing those.
I also discovered a major mistake in the Social Science book. It mentions that Punjab and Haryana is in the East! Amazing. I wonder who writes these text books and who edits them. In fact, the Hindi books are so full of mistakes that one needs very alert teachers to rectify them while teaching. I remember that it was also the reason why I had switched to English books. At least they are better produced and have fewer mistakes.
Well, that's been the day so far. I did manage to read a bit. Take a few photos. Talk on the phone with my JNLI colleague Suman and now at dusk, I'm waiting for Shanku to come back from the market to give me a cup of tea -- my 10 today! He seems to be managing the project work well. I was under the impression that he's lazy and others have told me the same. But I notice that he is slow, but is doing all that is necessary. I suppose my presence here helps.
The weather is changing. The days are warm but the nights are getting progressively cooler. Towards dawn, I needed a quilt! This despite having shut the door and windows of my room. But apparently Kolkata is still quite warm. No winter there this year, I suppose. Thank God, it's cooler on the project and I am hoping it will be cool in Bolpur too. I may be tempted drive to the project more often over the next few months. Also, I may feel more inclined to take more photos of countryside during my long drives here.
After a night's rest, Renee was feeling fine today. No fever all day. But I asked her to stay in her room and rest as much as possible. She's been doing that. In fact, she's in her room right now, resting. Shanku has gone to the market. And I'm sitting on the veranda writing the blog. Bhola came in the morning. Some of his distant relatives are still in his house. So he said he wouldn't be able to stay on the project. Hopefully, he will be able to come to "work" from tomorrow. There's a lot of stuff I need to discuss with him -- especially accounts.
In the afternoon, just as I was about to take a nap, Suman dropped in. I tried to have a coversation with him, but it seemed he was not interested in talking at all. All he wanted was his salary. We owe him that because he left the project when neither I nor Bhola had any money to give him. Unfortunately, I still don't have any money as I haven't been able to withdraw any from the bank because Bhola's been busy. He left. But I was quite saddened by his attitude. He used to be so respectful and deferential while he was working here. And now suddenly he's become a stranger -- no hello, no goodbye. Sad.
It's been a good day otherwise. Today was the PTA meeting. Usually there's a Parent-Teacher on the 20th of every month. Bur since Bhola was busy with his grandmother's death duties, the meeting was held today. Unfortunately, since most of the parents had stayed up for two nights consecutively because of the Chandna fair, attendance was very poor. Still, about 20 of them showed up and I was able to have an informal chat with them. I also asked them if the meeting could take place on a Sunday since the meeting, if held on a weekday disrupts school. They agreed and I think that from now on, the meeting will be held on every 3rd Sunday of the month. But it was nice to meet some of the parents and what's nicer is that I was able to encourage Radha, Raiman and Kartik to speak to the parents about their wards. This was good.
I also did a bit of teaching in class 4. I taught them Social Science and English. Their English seems to be better than their Hindi! At least they seem to read English a lot better than they read Hindi. But whether it's English or Hindi, their retention powers seem very low. Also, they have stopped "thinking". Apparently Bhola has been dictating the answers to questions to them and they are simply memorizing those.
I also discovered a major mistake in the Social Science book. It mentions that Punjab and Haryana is in the East! Amazing. I wonder who writes these text books and who edits them. In fact, the Hindi books are so full of mistakes that one needs very alert teachers to rectify them while teaching. I remember that it was also the reason why I had switched to English books. At least they are better produced and have fewer mistakes.
Well, that's been the day so far. I did manage to read a bit. Take a few photos. Talk on the phone with my JNLI colleague Suman and now at dusk, I'm waiting for Shanku to come back from the market to give me a cup of tea -- my 10 today! He seems to be managing the project work well. I was under the impression that he's lazy and others have told me the same. But I notice that he is slow, but is doing all that is necessary. I suppose my presence here helps.
The weather is changing. The days are warm but the nights are getting progressively cooler. Towards dawn, I needed a quilt! This despite having shut the door and windows of my room. But apparently Kolkata is still quite warm. No winter there this year, I suppose. Thank God, it's cooler on the project and I am hoping it will be cool in Bolpur too. I may be tempted drive to the project more often over the next few months. Also, I may feel more inclined to take more photos of countryside during my long drives here.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Roldih Revisit.
So here I am in Roldih. Sitting on the veranda and writing this blog while school is on. Attendace is poor because yesterday was Chandna mela (fair) and most kids and their parents had gone there and had probably stayed up all night. At assembly there were only 48 students. We can add another dozen to that figure because the Nursery 2 kids come in later. Out of the 22 enrolled in that class, I am assuming 10 are not going to show up.
I went into Class 4 to see what they have been studying. They seem to have covered a lot of ground in the past few months. But how much did they really learn? I asked them where Kashmir was and everyone said it was in South India! Shocking!!!!! So I've set them the task of studying the map of India and figure out where each state is located. I'll quiz them tomorrow about it.
I'm not happy with the school routine and for that matter, the project's routine either. Breakfast is served at 9:00 am during the school break! Why? There's a lot of time between 6:00 am, when people are supposed to wake up, and 7:15, when assembly takes place. Surely enough time for a wash and breakfast -- like today. It didn't take long to figure out the routine was set for the convenience of ONE person rather than of the other people on the project or the school children.
There's a nip in the air in the mornings and so it would be the right time to start school at 8:30 am and then there will be ample time for everything. Shanku will not be under any pressure to prepare breakfast and do other "needfuls" before school starts. I was given the impression that he also teaches. But it's not true. He "fills in" when one of the teachers is absent -- which is not very often. So he has lots and lots of time to prepare the meals and do other odd jobs around the project.
There are other little things that have made me unhappy -- the whole place is overgrown with grass and weed, the solar system of lighting I set up was not working as efficiently as it was when I was around (I had to fix it last night), and one of the batteries (the new one) has been lying around in Devdand for the past month or so for some mysterious reason. I was told it had gone for charging and I'm finding it hard to digest that it has taken over a month to get the battery recharged!
I won't dwell further on the negatives. But it's obvious that the project has been badly managed. And that's not surprising considering that the "manager" has been mostly absent. This, I find extremely frustrating. Everyone wishes to hang around the project when I'm here and most things function smoothly. But the minute I'm gone, those who are meant to run the project, run away! I experienced this Deena Shan, Rajkanna, Chandan -- in fact, everyone that I have entrusted the management of the project to. The sad fact is that I no longer wish to manage the project either. There's so much more to be done "out there:" that hanging around here is a waste of my time, energy and capabilites. So where do we go from here? Honestly, I don't know.
Last evening, after dinner, when I was watching the moon rise, I asked myself if I was happy to be back. The answer shocked me too. No. I'm glad I have this opportunity to spend some time in wide open spaces where I can watch the sun and moon rise. I'm glad that I can sit and listen to the birds at dawn and the crickets at dusk. I'm happy I can breathe in fresh air. But am I glad to be back? Honestly, no. The project feels like a burden. A mill-stone on my head which I somehow can put down anywhere. The emotional involvement I felt is no longer there. It's been replaced by a sense of "duty" and a desire to see things done "efficiently". That's all. Let's hope it's a passing phase. I've felt frustrated and disinterested from time to time. Somehow this time it seems permanent! I'm almost 60... someone has to take over and take responsibility. Or else this is the end.
I don't think I'm feeling negative because I'm feeling somewhat unwell. I could have caught a chill on the way here. The bus journey was hard. I was sweating when I boarded the buss in Kolkata and feeling chilled when I got off the bus in Poraiya Haat. Somewhere along the way, it had become gradually colder and the passender in front insisted on keeping her window open to let the cold air in.
I was asleep within minutes of reaching the project at 6:00 am. I woke up for lunch and then went back to sleep. And despite having slept all day, I could barely keep my eyes open after dinner. The moonrise was spectacular as usual. But I was so unhappy with the "little things" I've mentioned, that I really did not enjoy it as much as I should have. Pretty soon it will be too cold to sit outside and watch the moon at night.
I almost forgot to mention Renee! She's here. In fact she's been here since the 22nd. Bhola had gone to Kolkata to fetch her despite being very busy with his grandmother's "death duties", rituals, etc. She seems quite ok though seems that a lack of "routine" is preventing her from giving her best. I hope I'll remedy that while I'm here. But otherwise, she's fine. Quite involved in whatever is going on (school mostly) and interacting with Shanku who is teaching her Hindi and enlisting her help in kitchen work.
Anyway, I'm here till Diwali. I hope I will be able to bring back a semblance of systemized sloth, if not an efficient system!
I went into Class 4 to see what they have been studying. They seem to have covered a lot of ground in the past few months. But how much did they really learn? I asked them where Kashmir was and everyone said it was in South India! Shocking!!!!! So I've set them the task of studying the map of India and figure out where each state is located. I'll quiz them tomorrow about it.
I'm not happy with the school routine and for that matter, the project's routine either. Breakfast is served at 9:00 am during the school break! Why? There's a lot of time between 6:00 am, when people are supposed to wake up, and 7:15, when assembly takes place. Surely enough time for a wash and breakfast -- like today. It didn't take long to figure out the routine was set for the convenience of ONE person rather than of the other people on the project or the school children.
There's a nip in the air in the mornings and so it would be the right time to start school at 8:30 am and then there will be ample time for everything. Shanku will not be under any pressure to prepare breakfast and do other "needfuls" before school starts. I was given the impression that he also teaches. But it's not true. He "fills in" when one of the teachers is absent -- which is not very often. So he has lots and lots of time to prepare the meals and do other odd jobs around the project.
There are other little things that have made me unhappy -- the whole place is overgrown with grass and weed, the solar system of lighting I set up was not working as efficiently as it was when I was around (I had to fix it last night), and one of the batteries (the new one) has been lying around in Devdand for the past month or so for some mysterious reason. I was told it had gone for charging and I'm finding it hard to digest that it has taken over a month to get the battery recharged!
I won't dwell further on the negatives. But it's obvious that the project has been badly managed. And that's not surprising considering that the "manager" has been mostly absent. This, I find extremely frustrating. Everyone wishes to hang around the project when I'm here and most things function smoothly. But the minute I'm gone, those who are meant to run the project, run away! I experienced this Deena Shan, Rajkanna, Chandan -- in fact, everyone that I have entrusted the management of the project to. The sad fact is that I no longer wish to manage the project either. There's so much more to be done "out there:" that hanging around here is a waste of my time, energy and capabilites. So where do we go from here? Honestly, I don't know.
Last evening, after dinner, when I was watching the moon rise, I asked myself if I was happy to be back. The answer shocked me too. No. I'm glad I have this opportunity to spend some time in wide open spaces where I can watch the sun and moon rise. I'm glad that I can sit and listen to the birds at dawn and the crickets at dusk. I'm happy I can breathe in fresh air. But am I glad to be back? Honestly, no. The project feels like a burden. A mill-stone on my head which I somehow can put down anywhere. The emotional involvement I felt is no longer there. It's been replaced by a sense of "duty" and a desire to see things done "efficiently". That's all. Let's hope it's a passing phase. I've felt frustrated and disinterested from time to time. Somehow this time it seems permanent! I'm almost 60... someone has to take over and take responsibility. Or else this is the end.
I don't think I'm feeling negative because I'm feeling somewhat unwell. I could have caught a chill on the way here. The bus journey was hard. I was sweating when I boarded the buss in Kolkata and feeling chilled when I got off the bus in Poraiya Haat. Somewhere along the way, it had become gradually colder and the passender in front insisted on keeping her window open to let the cold air in.
I was asleep within minutes of reaching the project at 6:00 am. I woke up for lunch and then went back to sleep. And despite having slept all day, I could barely keep my eyes open after dinner. The moonrise was spectacular as usual. But I was so unhappy with the "little things" I've mentioned, that I really did not enjoy it as much as I should have. Pretty soon it will be too cold to sit outside and watch the moon at night.
I almost forgot to mention Renee! She's here. In fact she's been here since the 22nd. Bhola had gone to Kolkata to fetch her despite being very busy with his grandmother's "death duties", rituals, etc. She seems quite ok though seems that a lack of "routine" is preventing her from giving her best. I hope I'll remedy that while I'm here. But otherwise, she's fine. Quite involved in whatever is going on (school mostly) and interacting with Shanku who is teaching her Hindi and enlisting her help in kitchen work.
Anyway, I'm here till Diwali. I hope I will be able to bring back a semblance of systemized sloth, if not an efficient system!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Shoshti
Today is the 6th day following he advent of the Devi (Durga) on Mahalaya. And Shoshti is the day the Durga Puja celebrations begin officially. As children we used to look forward to this day so that we could wear our new clothes and show them off at the Pandals where they'd be putting finishing touches to the idols -- Durga and her four children: Laxmi, the goddess of fortune; Saraswati, the goddess of learning; Kartik, the god of war and Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of wealth. Those were fun days and even now when one hears the sound of the "dhak", the drums one feels nostalgic.
Probably because I'm not 100% Bengali, I don't go ga-ga over this particular festival. Oh yes, I do look back in nostalgia. But I rarely get emotionally involved in the celebrations as most people in the eastern states do. I do visit the pandals and/or to listen to the drums or watching young men (and these days women) performing "arati". Inadvertently I also notice the beautiful sarees and gold ornaments that a lot of women wear and sometimes men too! And when I step out of the pandal and watch the ragged children and old men and women who sit in the shadows waiting to be noticed and given alms, I feel very bad indeed.
I know tha I'm a bit of a spoilsport these days. I see too much that is wrong these days. Everything is not bad. These festivals also provide employment and provide a boost to commercial activities. And perhaps for a few days, those very ragged beggars are assured of alms or perhaps a square meal? But I somehow I see the ostentatious and conspicuous spending by a few people. And I also wonder at the community that funds such celebrations. Most of these religious events -- Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, Navratri in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal -- are based on community participation and contribution. Sadly, they are also temporary -- the idols will be immersed, the the pandals dismantled and most of the tinsels and baubles dispersed and scattered all over the place along with plastic bags, paper plates etc. etc.
I wonder why the money and the effort that goes into such celebrations can't be channelized into making something more permanent? Can't the community collect donations to build a school instead of a temple and then celebrate their achievement? Can't the community collect enough money to put a poor student through college and then celebrate his/her success? We'd probably end up having year round celebrations then. And I'm sure it would also be environment friendly!
I wish the women would talk about how much money they have spent on giving sarees to the have-nots rather than brag about the number of sarees they have bought for themselves and how expensive they are! Such expensive sarees are rarely worn and they certainly do not add to wealth accumulation like gold that can and is a "nest egg". Would it not be so much nices if one wears a nice saree and also ensures that those families where all the women share ONE SAREE have more sarees to go around?
Ah well, I could go on and on and on. I'm already running into trouble with the locals because I am refusing to give donations. To most I am saying that I'll contribute generously when they ask me to donate for building a school or repairing an old woman's hut... They don't like it. They want to "celebrate" -- spend money on "band party", "booze", and "babes".
Celebrate by all means. We celebrate Diwali on the project. We burst crackers collectively so that all the kids can enjoy equally and the community too. But most of the money is spent of providing sweets to the children. My daughter doesn't approve of the cracker part. Every year she points out to me that these crackers are made by "slave children" who toild from dawn to dusk in dingy rooms to produce them. I agree with her. That's why only a small amount is spent on crackers manufactured by companies that don't employ child labour (or at least they say they don't). For me, it's more a question of bringing some joy into the lives of rural children who will never get to fly a kite or experience the thrill of holding a "sparkler" in their hands or bursting a cracker and jump with joy at the bang. So you see, I have nothing against celebration. I become a child for a few hours on Diwali night on the project. But I feel extremely ambivalent during Durga Puja and that's the main reason why I don't "celebrate".
Having said all that let me also say that I will definitely visit a pandal or two and see how well the idols have been decorated. I am also hoping to visit a "village puja" which, I've heard is celebrated the traditonal way without any ostentations. I'm hoping to spend time with my friends and also perhaps catch up on some reading while everyone is too busy to spare time for a single old man.
There's no Durga Puja holiday on the project. It will be class as usual. The kids and the staff (Bhola and Shanku) may go and "enjoy" in Devdand on one of these festive days. But I'm not sure that will happen. Bhola's grandmother died last night and when I spoke to him this morning, he was in a bus on his way to the Ganges at Rajmahal to cremate her. The bus had been chartered for this purpose. I couldn't help wondering aloud about the expenses and he admitted that his grandmother's death would set his family back by at least 50 to 60 thousand rupees. The cost of taking her body to Rajmahal for cremation would cost no less than 20,000 rupees! And then there is the "shradh" ceremony -- a community feast which will cost a lot more as the whole village and ALL those related will have to be invited. No wonder there is rural poverty! Even the poorest of the poor have to perform some social "obligations" during births, deaths and of course marriages.
They don't have to. But then there's always peer pressure and the need to conform and belong and also show off. Bhola's family could easily have cremated his grandmother anywhere -- a forest, their backyard or any water body and then taken her ashes to a "holy place" anyway along the Ganges to be scattered. But the trend must have been started by someone who wanted to show the community how much they "loved" their departed and how much money he was willing to spend to have that person cremated on the banks of the Ganges. Now others have a "standard" to maintain. According to Bhola only those who can "afford" it, do this. Well, it seems everyone in Devdand can "afford" it by either mortgaging their homes and land or by selling whatever little jewellery the wife has.
The death of Bhola's grandmother is not being treated as sad news because she was really very, very old and bed-ridden. She could not be moved and had to be spoon fed. Bhola's father would do that and he was becoming quite resentful of this chore. So I'm sure everyone is relieved that she's gone. And I'm sure she's now at rest. But the timing is all bad. Now the family won't be able to celebrate Durga Puja. The men women and children won't be able to wear new clothes. And they won't be able to participate in any social rites or rituals for the next 13 days. Also, no participation in any festival till next year. That is sad news indeed.
Probably because I'm not 100% Bengali, I don't go ga-ga over this particular festival. Oh yes, I do look back in nostalgia. But I rarely get emotionally involved in the celebrations as most people in the eastern states do. I do visit the pandals and/or to listen to the drums or watching young men (and these days women) performing "arati". Inadvertently I also notice the beautiful sarees and gold ornaments that a lot of women wear and sometimes men too! And when I step out of the pandal and watch the ragged children and old men and women who sit in the shadows waiting to be noticed and given alms, I feel very bad indeed.
I know tha I'm a bit of a spoilsport these days. I see too much that is wrong these days. Everything is not bad. These festivals also provide employment and provide a boost to commercial activities. And perhaps for a few days, those very ragged beggars are assured of alms or perhaps a square meal? But I somehow I see the ostentatious and conspicuous spending by a few people. And I also wonder at the community that funds such celebrations. Most of these religious events -- Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, Navratri in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal -- are based on community participation and contribution. Sadly, they are also temporary -- the idols will be immersed, the the pandals dismantled and most of the tinsels and baubles dispersed and scattered all over the place along with plastic bags, paper plates etc. etc.
I wonder why the money and the effort that goes into such celebrations can't be channelized into making something more permanent? Can't the community collect donations to build a school instead of a temple and then celebrate their achievement? Can't the community collect enough money to put a poor student through college and then celebrate his/her success? We'd probably end up having year round celebrations then. And I'm sure it would also be environment friendly!
I wish the women would talk about how much money they have spent on giving sarees to the have-nots rather than brag about the number of sarees they have bought for themselves and how expensive they are! Such expensive sarees are rarely worn and they certainly do not add to wealth accumulation like gold that can and is a "nest egg". Would it not be so much nices if one wears a nice saree and also ensures that those families where all the women share ONE SAREE have more sarees to go around?
Ah well, I could go on and on and on. I'm already running into trouble with the locals because I am refusing to give donations. To most I am saying that I'll contribute generously when they ask me to donate for building a school or repairing an old woman's hut... They don't like it. They want to "celebrate" -- spend money on "band party", "booze", and "babes".
Celebrate by all means. We celebrate Diwali on the project. We burst crackers collectively so that all the kids can enjoy equally and the community too. But most of the money is spent of providing sweets to the children. My daughter doesn't approve of the cracker part. Every year she points out to me that these crackers are made by "slave children" who toild from dawn to dusk in dingy rooms to produce them. I agree with her. That's why only a small amount is spent on crackers manufactured by companies that don't employ child labour (or at least they say they don't). For me, it's more a question of bringing some joy into the lives of rural children who will never get to fly a kite or experience the thrill of holding a "sparkler" in their hands or bursting a cracker and jump with joy at the bang. So you see, I have nothing against celebration. I become a child for a few hours on Diwali night on the project. But I feel extremely ambivalent during Durga Puja and that's the main reason why I don't "celebrate".
Having said all that let me also say that I will definitely visit a pandal or two and see how well the idols have been decorated. I am also hoping to visit a "village puja" which, I've heard is celebrated the traditonal way without any ostentations. I'm hoping to spend time with my friends and also perhaps catch up on some reading while everyone is too busy to spare time for a single old man.
There's no Durga Puja holiday on the project. It will be class as usual. The kids and the staff (Bhola and Shanku) may go and "enjoy" in Devdand on one of these festive days. But I'm not sure that will happen. Bhola's grandmother died last night and when I spoke to him this morning, he was in a bus on his way to the Ganges at Rajmahal to cremate her. The bus had been chartered for this purpose. I couldn't help wondering aloud about the expenses and he admitted that his grandmother's death would set his family back by at least 50 to 60 thousand rupees. The cost of taking her body to Rajmahal for cremation would cost no less than 20,000 rupees! And then there is the "shradh" ceremony -- a community feast which will cost a lot more as the whole village and ALL those related will have to be invited. No wonder there is rural poverty! Even the poorest of the poor have to perform some social "obligations" during births, deaths and of course marriages.
They don't have to. But then there's always peer pressure and the need to conform and belong and also show off. Bhola's family could easily have cremated his grandmother anywhere -- a forest, their backyard or any water body and then taken her ashes to a "holy place" anyway along the Ganges to be scattered. But the trend must have been started by someone who wanted to show the community how much they "loved" their departed and how much money he was willing to spend to have that person cremated on the banks of the Ganges. Now others have a "standard" to maintain. According to Bhola only those who can "afford" it, do this. Well, it seems everyone in Devdand can "afford" it by either mortgaging their homes and land or by selling whatever little jewellery the wife has.
The death of Bhola's grandmother is not being treated as sad news because she was really very, very old and bed-ridden. She could not be moved and had to be spoon fed. Bhola's father would do that and he was becoming quite resentful of this chore. So I'm sure everyone is relieved that she's gone. And I'm sure she's now at rest. But the timing is all bad. Now the family won't be able to celebrate Durga Puja. The men women and children won't be able to wear new clothes. And they won't be able to participate in any social rites or rituals for the next 13 days. Also, no participation in any festival till next year. That is sad news indeed.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Cooler Weather
The weather has certainly improved. It's much cooler and in fact, at night, one needs a light covering. But will this spell of cool weather last? Are we moving into winter? Or is this a freak phenomenon because of the "depression" in the Bay of Bengal? The timing is, as usual, very unfortunate. The entire eastern region is getting ready to celebrate Durga Puja and it has to rain now, when no one wants it to rain!
The organizers of these pujas, I'm sure, are very worried. And so are those who usually go on holiday during this time, especially to places close by -- Digha, Shankarpur, Mandarmani, have all be badly hit by the rough sea. In fact, a lot of seaside destination have had to deal with 8 metre high waves. Stalls have been washed away and many mud houses in the villages have collapsed. Tourists have suffered too! Some were injured.
This year, the weather seems determined to made life difficult for every one in India! It rained in places where it shouldn't have. It didn't rain in places it should have. And by not raining at the right time it caused drought condition in large parts of the country. And by raining too much in some places it damaged crops. Also, by raining at the wrong time, it has destroyed standing crops! And of course, it literally dampened the spirit of celebration -- whether it was the CWG or Durga Puja. I wonder what calamities might befall during Diwali!
Anyway, I'm glad it's cooler. A weak sun has just made an appearance. Perhaps this evening I'll be able to go out and take a few pictures. I couldn't go out yesterday because it was drizzling off and on. And if this weather persists, it would certainly be more pleasant to be on the project. I must admit that after all these years of doing without it, I somehow have grown attached to basic comforts! I can't do without the fan when it's hot! But if the weather is like this, I'd love to be on the project.
I'm curious to know what's happening on the project. I'm really not getting much feedback from there despite daily phone calls. I'm looking forward to going there with Renee and spending some time there. I'll certainly stay there till after Diwali. But what if things have deteriorated? Should I stay back and "pull the chestnuts out of the fire" or should I simply walk away and let things slide? Honestly, I still can't decide.
The English Adda hasn't really taken off. But then I haven't launched it as yet. I was experimenting. But even though I have offered this programme free of charge, there haven't been many takeres. And those who joined don't seem to be serious about it. They seem to have "other priorities" -- sleeping, going on picnics, meeting friends, etc. Maybe they are not serious because it is free? We'll find out soon enough. I will be resuming sessions after Diwali. Meanwhile, I'll publicize it some more. Let's see what happens.
But I am happy that I have decided to extend the academic year at Roldih till the end of March. Let's take advantage of the weather and do some serious teaching during the winter months.
The organizers of these pujas, I'm sure, are very worried. And so are those who usually go on holiday during this time, especially to places close by -- Digha, Shankarpur, Mandarmani, have all be badly hit by the rough sea. In fact, a lot of seaside destination have had to deal with 8 metre high waves. Stalls have been washed away and many mud houses in the villages have collapsed. Tourists have suffered too! Some were injured.
This year, the weather seems determined to made life difficult for every one in India! It rained in places where it shouldn't have. It didn't rain in places it should have. And by not raining at the right time it caused drought condition in large parts of the country. And by raining too much in some places it damaged crops. Also, by raining at the wrong time, it has destroyed standing crops! And of course, it literally dampened the spirit of celebration -- whether it was the CWG or Durga Puja. I wonder what calamities might befall during Diwali!
Anyway, I'm glad it's cooler. A weak sun has just made an appearance. Perhaps this evening I'll be able to go out and take a few pictures. I couldn't go out yesterday because it was drizzling off and on. And if this weather persists, it would certainly be more pleasant to be on the project. I must admit that after all these years of doing without it, I somehow have grown attached to basic comforts! I can't do without the fan when it's hot! But if the weather is like this, I'd love to be on the project.
I'm curious to know what's happening on the project. I'm really not getting much feedback from there despite daily phone calls. I'm looking forward to going there with Renee and spending some time there. I'll certainly stay there till after Diwali. But what if things have deteriorated? Should I stay back and "pull the chestnuts out of the fire" or should I simply walk away and let things slide? Honestly, I still can't decide.
The English Adda hasn't really taken off. But then I haven't launched it as yet. I was experimenting. But even though I have offered this programme free of charge, there haven't been many takeres. And those who joined don't seem to be serious about it. They seem to have "other priorities" -- sleeping, going on picnics, meeting friends, etc. Maybe they are not serious because it is free? We'll find out soon enough. I will be resuming sessions after Diwali. Meanwhile, I'll publicize it some more. Let's see what happens.
But I am happy that I have decided to extend the academic year at Roldih till the end of March. Let's take advantage of the weather and do some serious teaching during the winter months.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Mahalaya and Change of Weather
It's 5:30 pm but it already seems like 7:00! It's dark outside. And for the first time since I arrived in Bolpur, I am able to sit without switching on the fan. I won't say it's cool -- if I move around I'll feel warm. But the weather is pleasant. And it all happened rather suddenly.
There was a sort of storm in the afternoon yesterday. And suddenly a cool breeze started to blow and the weather started improving. Today it has been drizzling since morning and right now it is quite pleasant. I wonder if it will stay this way or go back to being hot and humid all over again. We've had this phenomenon before. It cools down for a day or two and then becomes hot and humid all over again!
Apparently, it's a lot cooler on the project too. It has rained a bit in Roldih and even though it hasn't helped the farmers, it has made the weather cooler and bearable. Classes are still starting from 7 am and finishing by 11. So it couldn't have cooled down too much. But in comparision to the heat wave conditions we have been putting up with for the past few months, anything would seem cooler.
And talking about school, I've arrived at a decision regarding the academic year. Instead off starting the year in January and ending in December, I've decided to follow the same pattern as other schools in the state -- start in April and end in March. So the current academic year is going to end in March 2011 instead of December 2010. Why?
Well, the decision had something to do with the inflow of volunteers and the weather. Most volunteers come during the winter months and even for us Indians, it's more pleasant during the winter months. Hopefully, we will find more Indian volunteer teachers. For me too, I'll probably spend more time on the project during the winter months. So why not have classes right through the winter months? I've discussed it with Mitali annd then Bhola and they both think it's a great idea. That's how most schools function anyway. Do we always have to be different? This will also be good for the kids leaving our school. They won't have to wait for 3 months to join another school.
Today is Mahalaya -- the advent of the Durga. The festivities are about to begin soon. I was hoping to go to Kolkata but decided that it will put pressure on my already strained finances! So I'm staying put here in Bolpur and will be spending my time reading books and magazines. Hopefully towards the end of the festivities, Mitali and her husband Raj will be coming over and perhaps we can go around and see a few idols then. For me that will be enough.
There was a sort of storm in the afternoon yesterday. And suddenly a cool breeze started to blow and the weather started improving. Today it has been drizzling since morning and right now it is quite pleasant. I wonder if it will stay this way or go back to being hot and humid all over again. We've had this phenomenon before. It cools down for a day or two and then becomes hot and humid all over again!
Apparently, it's a lot cooler on the project too. It has rained a bit in Roldih and even though it hasn't helped the farmers, it has made the weather cooler and bearable. Classes are still starting from 7 am and finishing by 11. So it couldn't have cooled down too much. But in comparision to the heat wave conditions we have been putting up with for the past few months, anything would seem cooler.
And talking about school, I've arrived at a decision regarding the academic year. Instead off starting the year in January and ending in December, I've decided to follow the same pattern as other schools in the state -- start in April and end in March. So the current academic year is going to end in March 2011 instead of December 2010. Why?
Well, the decision had something to do with the inflow of volunteers and the weather. Most volunteers come during the winter months and even for us Indians, it's more pleasant during the winter months. Hopefully, we will find more Indian volunteer teachers. For me too, I'll probably spend more time on the project during the winter months. So why not have classes right through the winter months? I've discussed it with Mitali annd then Bhola and they both think it's a great idea. That's how most schools function anyway. Do we always have to be different? This will also be good for the kids leaving our school. They won't have to wait for 3 months to join another school.
Today is Mahalaya -- the advent of the Durga. The festivities are about to begin soon. I was hoping to go to Kolkata but decided that it will put pressure on my already strained finances! So I'm staying put here in Bolpur and will be spending my time reading books and magazines. Hopefully towards the end of the festivities, Mitali and her husband Raj will be coming over and perhaps we can go around and see a few idols then. For me that will be enough.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Heat Is On
I don't think I'll be able to take this weather much longer. It's 10:30 pm and it's still hot! I move away from under the fan and I'm drenched in sweat. I thought it's perhaps me who's feeling the heat, but when Sunil dropped in briefly this evening, he was complaining about the heat too! And he should be used to the heat because he spends a lot of time outdoors supervising construction activity.So if he is complaining about the heat, it really must be hot. It certainly is and I almost fainted from heat while cooking this afternoon. And though I took a nap after lunch, I woke up drenched in sweat and a terrible headache.
I'm already trying to figure out where to go next. Wherever it is, it has to been a cool place. I think I've had enough of eastern humidity and hospitality!
I'm already trying to figure out where to go next. Wherever it is, it has to been a cool place. I think I've had enough of eastern humidity and hospitality!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Shantiniketan weather sucks
The weather in Shantiniketan (Bolpur) really sucks! This is supposed to be autumn and I've just had my third shower. It's 9:00 pm and it should be cooler than the day? But it isn't. I had just driven across to the market to buy some sweets and even though I hadn't walked, when I got back home, my kurta was completely drenched in sweat.
When I went out this morning at 9:00 am to watch a movie, the story was the same. Though I had driven up to the movie hall and had to walk perhaps 30 yards or so, I was completely drenched in perspiration! Thankfully, the hall was air conditioned. When I got home it was still an hour to noon and yet, I was glad to be back and grateful that I could have a shower and sit under the fan to cool off.
The weather is really driving me up the wall. One does not expect to suffer this much even in October. I don't expect it to be cool. But I certainly expect the evening to be more pleasant! Even congested and polluted Kolkata is pleasant these days. It's raining on the project and people need to sheets to cover themselves at night. But here in Bolpur, it's as if we have just entered the hottest month of summer! And I lost all hope of the weather improving when someone told me last evening that the "weather has improved so much"! Boy! If this is "improved" weather, Bolpur is certainly no place for me!
I don't think I can continue to live in this town if this is what the weather is like! I may have to leave for cooler climes. Which is sad because I am growing quite fond of Bolpur, Shantiniketan and the surrounding area. Of course the weather has prevented me from exploring more and truly enjoying the countryside. I'm really disappointed on that score. I keep waiting for better weather to go out and take pictures. And I certainly saw nothing of the "famous Shantiniketan monsoon" that the bard wrote so much about. I suppose, like most poets, he fantasised a lot, romaticised a lot and probably exaggerated a lot to attract people to some and settle down in this desolate land. I see no evidence of pleasant weather and honest, haven't seen it ever since I have been frequenting this town since last November. If I recall correctly, it was hot in December last year. I was told it's "usually not so warm". Hmmmm.... so may as well give up expecting pleasant weather here.
Well, as I said, it's been raining in Roldih. Bhola has been ill. He ate something somewhere and has ever since been suffering from stomach aches. School goes on and so does life. Nothing unusual except for Bhola's illness and that fact that he thinks it's necessary to saline "drips" because he hasn't been able to eat much and therefore feels weak. But he drove from Roldih to Devdand!
The English Adda is already experiencing trouble. One girl has dropped out. And one boy doesn't seem very serious. Sunipa seems to be the only serious one and perhaps to some extent Arindam. If Kunal comes for class on a regular basis from Monday, I'll take him seriously. But Tuli has sent word she won't be coming. It's her loss. And the loss of many others who said they wanted to learn how to speak English but haven't shown up even though I've spread the word. I should have "advertised". Anyway, as I keep saying this is a learning experience for me too. At least I'm able to develop a "teaching plan".
Todays movie was nice -- an old Ritwick Ghatak classic, "Ajantrik". It's a story of a man and his obsessive love for his vintage car. In the process the car assumes a "human" character. Great movie. This is the 4th time I'm seeing it. I saw it last in Copenhagen almost a decade ago! I wanted to go to the weekly "haat" but decided it was too hot to step out of the house. A sensible decision. I did some reading instead.
When I went out this morning at 9:00 am to watch a movie, the story was the same. Though I had driven up to the movie hall and had to walk perhaps 30 yards or so, I was completely drenched in perspiration! Thankfully, the hall was air conditioned. When I got home it was still an hour to noon and yet, I was glad to be back and grateful that I could have a shower and sit under the fan to cool off.
The weather is really driving me up the wall. One does not expect to suffer this much even in October. I don't expect it to be cool. But I certainly expect the evening to be more pleasant! Even congested and polluted Kolkata is pleasant these days. It's raining on the project and people need to sheets to cover themselves at night. But here in Bolpur, it's as if we have just entered the hottest month of summer! And I lost all hope of the weather improving when someone told me last evening that the "weather has improved so much"! Boy! If this is "improved" weather, Bolpur is certainly no place for me!
I don't think I can continue to live in this town if this is what the weather is like! I may have to leave for cooler climes. Which is sad because I am growing quite fond of Bolpur, Shantiniketan and the surrounding area. Of course the weather has prevented me from exploring more and truly enjoying the countryside. I'm really disappointed on that score. I keep waiting for better weather to go out and take pictures. And I certainly saw nothing of the "famous Shantiniketan monsoon" that the bard wrote so much about. I suppose, like most poets, he fantasised a lot, romaticised a lot and probably exaggerated a lot to attract people to some and settle down in this desolate land. I see no evidence of pleasant weather and honest, haven't seen it ever since I have been frequenting this town since last November. If I recall correctly, it was hot in December last year. I was told it's "usually not so warm". Hmmmm.... so may as well give up expecting pleasant weather here.
Well, as I said, it's been raining in Roldih. Bhola has been ill. He ate something somewhere and has ever since been suffering from stomach aches. School goes on and so does life. Nothing unusual except for Bhola's illness and that fact that he thinks it's necessary to saline "drips" because he hasn't been able to eat much and therefore feels weak. But he drove from Roldih to Devdand!
The English Adda is already experiencing trouble. One girl has dropped out. And one boy doesn't seem very serious. Sunipa seems to be the only serious one and perhaps to some extent Arindam. If Kunal comes for class on a regular basis from Monday, I'll take him seriously. But Tuli has sent word she won't be coming. It's her loss. And the loss of many others who said they wanted to learn how to speak English but haven't shown up even though I've spread the word. I should have "advertised". Anyway, as I keep saying this is a learning experience for me too. At least I'm able to develop a "teaching plan".
Todays movie was nice -- an old Ritwick Ghatak classic, "Ajantrik". It's a story of a man and his obsessive love for his vintage car. In the process the car assumes a "human" character. Great movie. This is the 4th time I'm seeing it. I saw it last in Copenhagen almost a decade ago! I wanted to go to the weekly "haat" but decided it was too hot to step out of the house. A sensible decision. I did some reading instead.
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