Majhot, Himachal Pradesh, India, 9 September 2016, 2:00 pm

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Himachal Pradesh is well known for its simple, courteous and caring people. And on my way back Home from the Cow Grazing, we met a few relatives and friends of Mela Ram Uncle and Aunty. And another relative has come Home now.

While planning this trip, I had called Mela Ram Aunty to tell her that I’m coming to the village. And since I knew she would have the comfort of a city person in mind, she would try to send me to the new cemented house in Dandi Bagh. So I clearly told her that I wish to come to and stay in the old wooden house. She has known me since I was a child and she knew my disposition, so she agreed. Even then, I had a hunch that Uncle might try to coerce me to go to the new house but I tackled that in advance and everything was good.

And right from the moment I stepped into the house, Aunty was a little worried about whether I’m comfortable or not. The small bathroom toilet (which is a luxury), the small rooms, etc. She even showed me the TV remote, telling me I can watch TV anytime. I laughed and told her that in Pune itself I watch very little TV and I think it’s weird and a wastage of time coming all the way here and watching TV.

Some of the people I met and others who came in to the house kept asking me whether I’m comfortable, whether I’m liking it or not…

What I observed all around is that everyone is progressing towards city life, wanting cement houses, tiled floors, satellite TV dishes, smart phones etc etc etc. And progress according to me is good. However, I’m one who has happily left the city behind and is relishing the village life. There are big things and small, that might worry people coming in from the city. The reason I decided to stay here for a few days is that when one comes to the village for a few hours or a day, they really don’t get to understand and experience the small nitty-gritty of village life. And I wanted to do exactly that. I’m really happy out here. And you, our fellow travelers, need to experience this to know first hand what I’m talking about.