My journey to rural India

Real India is in its rural side. This I found remarkably true. Recently, I went to one of the holy places in Andhra Pradesh called golgamudi. There isn't much hype about this place. It is one of the unkown place where locales and few others visit the celebrated saint venkaiah swami shrine. The road that leads to the ashram like temple, is in very pathetic condition. You will never get that kind of bumpy ride anywhere else. If you are not in good old ambassador car, your car is doomed. Luckily I was traveling in that oldie.

Forget roads, the people who flock there, are in their own state of existence. They simply strewn themselves across the places wherever space available. Some people did bhajan, some did business with balloons, fruits, bangles and things like that, some standing in a big queue to get a glimpse of the swami's shrine, few monetarily betters, by-passing everything and getting into shrine, one loud speaker kept emanating songs that attracted no listeners and so on.... There was utter confusion. Inspite of this kind of chaos, people were able to accept things as they were for the reasons unknown and continued in their own state of existence.

The land of contrasts was clearly visible in this place. Some came in sonatas and some on their bare foot. Some took prasadam as God's part take but for some they were food for the day!! As a normal person, I could see oppression written on their faces. They don't ask you why's and how's, rather they simply accept things as they come. Acceptance without any inspection. Who said Ignorance is bliss?

I had an interesting incident there. I met one of my father's old friend. He was in his late sixties. First time when I saw him, his charming face attracted my attention. He was very dynamic and was jumping with joy like a child. I was wondering what could be the secret behind this. Even my 34 year relative could not sit on the ground without help, but this 66 year young man was jumping on the ground and the enthusiasm was palpable.

Later, I found his secret from my father. The secret is: No spice, no salt & no sweet added to his daily food for the past 15 years!!!