Given the potential for violence; driver to driver, driver
to pedestrian or driver to animal, I saw no offensive gestures, no calling into
question race, religion, gender or parentage, no shirt pulling, head-butting or
punch-ups. In India….
I haven’t encountered any impatience with feral animals
either, no matter how offensive or inconvenient their actions. Indeed, the norm
is to show kindness and compassion, at worst indifference, towards animals in
the street. Unwanted food waste is deposited in specific places for animal
consumption…. I watch water, seeds and fruit placed on walls and on rooftops
for birds, rodents and primates to consume. Non-violence and compassion
contribute to the easy going nature of India. Kindness, inclusion, patience and
respect are the hallmarks of Indian society.
…..the lake-side residence where Rudyard Kipling lived and
began to write The Jungle Book…..The house is whimsical, set at the end of a
large lake, surrounded by hills, filled with water lilies and litter in equal
measure. It’s a small palace, so picturesque ……..its very unlikely that any lake
in the Western World would be so full of rubbish, here piled up at the downwind
end. It’s a disgrace but this is India and comparison is odious.
The once glistening streams and rocky rapids now flow like
black smelly treacle, clogged with litter. Wedged uncomfortably between hotels
with names like The Hillock, The Hillstone ……tribal families eke out a living
but they’re unable to wash in the streams and have less and less land on which
to grow a few crops. Their goats eye the lush hotel gardens while sifting
through the garbage on the street for food. No-one takes much notice of the
state government notices declaring Mount Abu a ‘plastic-free zone’.
India welcomed me and I felt immediately at home, inspired
by color, landscapes, buildings, customs and the industry and warmth of its
people. The India I encountered was playful and innocent……
No matter where I went, who I met, I never felt unsafe. I
experienced no unpleasantness, no discrimination, no harsh words, no
resentment. Everywhere, I encountered open-hearted welcomes, sunny smiles,
genuine curiosity, delightful humor, and unconditioned inclusiveness. Indian
people, from all walks of life and in all circumstances were kind, joyful and
generous; Indian people made such an impression on me. I tried my best to
engage India at street level……..No lofty observations from exclusive hotels.
Always I found generosity of spirit, sometimes it was quite overwhelming and
most often from those who had the least to give. That I didn’t speak their
language made little difference.
So much of India has entered my soul and will remain there
forever.
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