MA’S DAY OUT
LT COL NOEL ELLIS
10/IX/2022
It all started with a few pictures of Peacocks I posted on our colony group. A lady responded and appreciated them. She invited me to take pictures of peacocks in and around her school where she is the Principal. It would be a good opportunity to get first hand knowledge of the village schools.
This reminded me of my Mother in Love (MIL) who also used to go to teach near the same village many-many moons back. I casually asked her if she would like to revisit the school which she founded and was the Headmistress of in 1973. I saw her eyes sparkle. It was a yes.
It is difficult to imagine those times, going to and fro from Jodhpur to teach and run a ‘Middle School’ about forty kilometres away in a village called Luni. Life’s challenges must have been tremendous, especially for a lady with a newborn in her lap.
We had the privilege to visit that school with ‘our lady’. Off we drove to LUNI Junction. My wife too accompanied us. While in the car, I got in conversation with my MIL to share her experiences of those days.
‘Arey Beta kya bataun’ was how the conversation started. A “Chook-Chook’ train used to run to Barmer, starting from Jodhpur at 11pm. Yes 11pm and not am. Around mid-night it used to reach Luni. Three more teachers used to accompany her.
One of her cousins in the Railways was posted there and had a railway quarter, where these ladies used to halt for the night. Her son was born during her tenure there and she couldn’t have left him behind. They carried a change of clothes and reached the school about a kilometre from the station. School started at 7am.
By 12.30pm the school used to get over and they would rush to catch the same returning train at 1pm to reach Jodhpur by 2 pm. Father-in-law would pick the ‘lady from Luni’ from jodhpur station on his Luna. Her two other siblings were seven & four years and her mom could not be neglected too.
The villagers were not very welcome those days. They would throw stones at the teachers. This was a remote unknown village in the wilderness. Education was not very welcome. There used to be around forty odd girls in the school, MIL said. After eighth, their strength used to fall to about ten. Dropout rate was tremendous. Most of them used to get married or were already married and sent away to their husband’s place. Today, it is a Senior Secondary School with more than 200 students.
Sometimes they would miss the train due to some activities. Ladies would then walk in a group to the main highway about ten kilometres away. There were no buses running to this village. Ladies would request a passing truck and hitch a ride with the child in tow. The railway quarterly pass used to cost Rs 150/- quite a substantive amount those days.
I kept the conversation on and asked her about the infrastructure. There were no bathrooms and only three rooms to start with. We went to room number 1 which used to be her office cum class room. In the veranda a makeshift (Paalna) or Jhoola used to be erected. She would feed this little baby who now is a huge six-foot man during intervals.
The “Sarpanch” was a good man, she recalled. With the help of the panchayat, Behnji got two additional rooms made. The village was a cluster of few houses with barren fields all around.
As we were entering the school a bunch of chirpy girls in school uniform met us. When we told her who she was they all clapped and welcomed her. The best part was when she met her students who now were senior teachers in the same school. Hats off to MILs memory, she recognised them before they could. Then the traditional touching of feet and blessings started. We stood on the side and saw MIL’s chest swell with pride.
Luni is also famous for its ‘Kesri Rasgulla’s’ which were displayed in buckets full. They used to sell like hot cakes at the station. The famous Mohanji’s shop was still there. His grandson was running it now.
For old times’ sake we drove to the railway station. From the Chook-Chook days now the route is electrified. We waved at a passing train. Mom sat watching the station board and the passing train. I am sure her memories were flooding her mind.
We carried toffees for children. Mom was happy to distribute them. I got a lump in my throat when kids sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Naturally, that is when they get toffees. Innocence was at its best.
From there we proceed to the school where we were invited. The Principal Madam and her staff had already assembled as a farewell ceremony was on.
They honoured MIL with garlands and me with a traditional Pagri and a garland. It was such a privilege and honour. We are thankful to each one of them for the respect and warmth they showed towards us. I promise to visit them again and motivate the children.
It was time to say goodbye. The happiness in MIL’s heart was visible and we wish that it stays that way. I wanted to chat on but then let her stay afloat with her good old days. It was a lovely day out with Ma.
School infrastructure and facilities had improved since1973, she said. However, there is much that is still desired. I could make out that Ma would want love to return to teach if given another chance.
I salute all teachers and especially those who work in remote rural areas. Life was tough and remains tough for them. May God bless them always.
Will the Government pay heed? I wonder!!!!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© NOEL ELLIS
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