9 Kms walk in hot sun because we can’t always seek comfort

Sairam friends,

Today, I had some work to do and so started from home at 10 0 clock. I got down the Bus and walked..Walked…Walked. Though it was not summer, it was too hot today in Coimbatore. I remembered the past years when I was a freelancer. Since most of the time, I used to be at home, I will start from my home by bus to a place and walk few miles.

After I got regular job, I am getting used to A.C and too much comfort. I like to experience ordinary life once in a while so that I know how ordinary people live. At least once every few days, we must come down from our comfort level. This is not a matter of simplicity but it gives both our mind and body an immunity to accept anything in life.

Think about refugees in Syria.

Millions are living in Tents leaving their paradise of comfortable home and life. Think about those children who have little chance to learn as only very few kids have opportunity for schooling.

There are millions of kids in India too who don’t have comfort we get.

My Walk was not meaningless. I had something to do. Had to book a train ticket and we can’t book online as its passenger train.

I can do things like this only when I am single. We all wish to lead a comfortable life and now a days, I see girls want to pet them but on the other side of the story, think about some women who work in the hot sun. Think about Women who had to walk miles to fetch water or do some labor work. World has not changed for millions of ordinary people.  Did I say only girls? I think every one – Men, Women, young and old are used to this comfort.

I have seen some black and white photos of Indians in road taken in 1920’s. We have lived a very very simple life friends. There has been so much of physical work in day to day life. People live under the sun and moon. They are not aliens. These are our great grand father’s generation. Our own ancestors.

Though I am not strong and now a days, the pain in my neck and leg are bothering me, I like to try being hard on myself.

I was feeling too sick but did not drink anything on way. Only after I booked the tickets, I drank orange juice in a shop.

I reached home and told my parents how I had to walk here and there.

I had lunch and my parents and myself were discussing what car should I get. Then, She said that she is really worried to see me if I help her washing the dishes. My Father too says the same. I said “I am doing it as I am putting on weight since I am not serving in temple as before and I must do something everyday”.

My parents told me but we see never want to make you do any work as it hurts us. I asked her if she thinks any girl will do these work if I marry?  I don’t think we can always expect it. Like Son. Like Daughter. May be a girl too was a princess of her family and never allowed to do any work?

Having said that,My Sister was princess in our home and I never seen her do any work at home accept studies.

I know how my Sister takes care of her family. She cleans, cooks, takes her child out and also does her work. So girls knows what to do but we must not expect it.  It must happen naturally. That sounds better right?

I am planning to buy my first car and I asked my parents “Will I get a gift from United States of America” -That’s my humorous way of knowing if my Sister will be willing to share the burden of this poor brother. Note -My Sister had told my Ma that she will send money to me.

My Ma said “You take loan and buy”. I was already planning this but I can’t survive with this little salary by paying monthly EMI. My Mom said “Build a floor on top, buy a car … Your sister will help if she wishes or she won’t”…..he he

I said OK. I am going to do it. I don’t know how I am going to drive though. So I plan to get a small car. Let’s see.

At my work place, we have a place to have lunch which is too hot. They have a metal sheet as roof and its really horrible to sit there. I feel sick during summer. I kept telling my friends “we must organize something and make them do weather coat over this metal sheet as it reduces 30% of heat. If we can do it, then it will be like helping everyone eat peacefully.”

I hope something can be done about it this year.

So why is this 9 kms walk in hot sun important to me?

Because life is not always the same.

We must prepare ourselves to live in any situation.  At least few minutes.

Sai will always be with us

Venkat