Nurungukal…3….contd…
The high pitch
call of the potter woman awakened me from my slumber. She was at my gate
trying to balance a basket full of mud pots and pans on her head. “chatty,
kalam veno..” I said “no, not today”… I
was a little bit angry because she had
broken my sleep. Again the appeal.
I turned my face. But she was not ready to leave me and slowly walked
in. By that time my wife appeared at the front door. The potter woman gained
confidence and started describing the quality
of her product and about safe cooking practises. She continued to
persuade in a tone and style akin to their tribe which was very sweet to
your ears like a music. She was still
balancing the weight and wiping the sweat on her face. At that moment I thought
about a girl who had come to us carrying a heavy bag on her shoulder with the
same intention of marketing, but in a different style and strategy. My wife
volunteered to help her to bring down
the load and release the burden. I felt pity as she sat down on our step,
requesting for a glass of hot water with a low gasp. My wife went inside and came
out with a bowl of rice porridge, which, to my surprise she politely refused and
insisted for hot water as she was observing a fast.In between the transaction
we came to know that she has two children.Her husband is a labourer and the
family depended also on the meagre income she earned from the sales. We settled
to buy a few pieces of pots without any bargain . I was happy to note a sense
of attainment passing on her face as she left with the burden of livelihood on
her head and promising to call again.
This community is one among the few which
still follow their traditional craft. They cover each day many miles on foot in
pairs carrying their products for door to door sale. It is a common sight here. I do not know why many people, without
knowing their hardship engage in bargain to get a reduction of one or two
rupees, while without any hesitation pay whatever that is printed on a packet
of cosmetics they purchase from a super market!!. And let our community who enjoys
every Harthal day in their cool drawing
rooms be conscious about the hardship of many Malus [her name] who overcome such adverse
conditions to earn a living. If you come
across any like Malu please help them in
a fitting manner and celebrate a Women’s day in true spirit….