I spent the past few days of my winter vacation out of Delhi. In these days, I met my grandparents, played with my cousins and enjoyed the small-town life in the place where my mother was brought up.
But, along with these beautiful moments, another memory was painted onto my memory. A moment which left its canvas fresh with new colours and a lesson hidden behind the layers.
We were on our way to our farms just to spend some time in the open lands with their lush green growth that sways gently with the wind. But, to my surprise, my uncle suddenly asked the driver to stop. On our left side, we could see the huge farm lands meeting with the open blue skies. There were some men working on the nearest farm. We walked over and my uncle asked us to help with dig potatoes out of the soil. I was shocked beyond belief because I had never before been asked to do anything of the sort. But, it was a new opportunity to take on a role I wouldn’t dream of. So, obediently, my cousins and I started getting our hands dirty.
The people who were already working there were friendly and welcoming. They were excited too, to have some company in their day of farm work. So, we basically learnt how to dig potatoes out of the ground – and not just the big ones, but those of all sizes.
After we walked up to the tubewell and washed our hands, we were about to walk back to our car when the farmer who owned the land invited us to come over to his house. We have never met this man before, and he was trusting enough to invite us into his home. Although we refused, it reminded me of my roots. It reminded me that I come from a country where this shouldn’t be surprising because it is rather common place for us to invite strangers in. It has happened before with us, and it will always be this way. After all, we believe that “atithi devo bhava” or “a guest should be treated as if he’s the divine power”.
