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. The reason for her refusal was revealed to me after her departure. [she was carrying her third child !!!!] In between the transaction we came to know that she has two children, both girls, studying in 7^th and 4^th standards and her husband is just a labourer and seldom supports the family which depended 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 without losing income 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….