As I was leaving for work yesterday, this was how the sky looked. The downpour started while I was on my way and some portions of the road were already submerged in water in a short time. It rained continuously for three hours in the morning only to resume in the afternoon.
It was our neighbour, who have cows and goats who reminded me in the evening about the havoc rain caused during the day, The grass in the field. where she normally took the cows to graze was fully covered with water. The animals were hungry and she had to fetch special food for the animals.
Back at home in the evening, I met two of our neighbours who live on their daily wages from the work in the farm. It was the second day, they could not work. I could sense the agony in their voice.
A rain is more than just a nature event. It leaves behind a story of agony for animals and people alike.
The Kudumbashree, a voluntary organisation of women in our village runs a communist kitchen on such occasions to take care of those who need help.
I returned home thinking of my childhood days in our village. Most of the houses were thatched houses in the nineteen fifties. Sure enough houses leaked in heavy rain. The cooking was done with firewood. It was difficult to light the firewood when it was was drenched in water. Only few homes had Kerosine stove at that time for cooking. There was lot of water stagnation around the house as there was no drainage system in place. The rainy season was a nightmare for many families in the village.
The road leading to our home from the main road is full of pot holes now. Although it is only a three minute drive, it is a difficult drive during this season. I noticed that a scooterist lost his blanche as he negotiated a submerged pot hole.
Rain is most welcome; but the associated inconveniences are similar to what it was fifty years ago!
M.C.Mathew(Text and photo)
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