The Tirupati railway station.
This Station is always crowded with passengers because Tirupati is one of the greatest , holiest Pilgrimage centers in the world. People rushing and running on the platforms. Pilgrims from all over India visit Tirumala Hills to see the Lord Balaji who is God to the millions of Hindu devotees. Even non hindus from foreign countries also visit and pay obsequious to the Lord. . People tonsure their heads and offer hair as a token of gratitude to the Lord in fulfillment of their vows. . I have been seeing Tirupati for the last thirty years and the hustle and bustle of the people is same then and now.
I did my post graduation twenty years ago at Tirupati. Tirupati railway station is very familiar to me and I like it very much. When I was studying at Sri Venkateswara University , I used to visit this station several times to spend some time. . I used to enjoy the people rushing here and there on the platform. I used to watch several trains coming form the different parts of India and halting on tracks like the serpents . Million of devotees are coming to Tirupati to have a glimpse of Lord Balaji not only from India but also from abroad .
I am living at Hyderabad because of my Job . As I was born in a village near Tirupati which comes under Rayala Seema region , I used to trek Tirumala hill on foot through Alipiri very often . I used to tonsure and offer my hair to the Lord after passing my grade exams since child hood. After twenty years , again I offered my hair to the Lord which gave me true satisfaction. Hindus offer hair to their deities as a mark of devotion in fulfilement of their vows.
I looked into my watch and still there is time for arrival of Narayanadri Express on the platform . My wife sitting on my side reading an English novel . We are sitting on a bench opposite two tier AC coach.
The time now is exactly 5 PM in the evening.
In the meanwhile , a person loitering before me wearing old torn white shirt and dhoti , His uncombed hair seems not showered for a long time and his wrinkled , pale face showing that he is in distress .His body's bad odor telling that he was not bathing for the past several days. Staring at me , he was begging alms from the passengers congregated there.. He is about sixty years of age but poverty befallen on him made him almost weak and sick and looking very old.Walking towards me with his bare foot ,he looked at me and asked
'' What is the time Sir? '' He said.
'' It is sharp five PM. '' I said, showing my five fingers
'Are you going to Hyderabad ?'
'' Yes ''
'' Your name is Samy ...Is it? You are from Rachapally.. Is it ??
'' Yes .. How do you know ? I asked looking into his face .
'' You grand father was a village officer and your dad's name was Narayana ... your name is Samy..
He paused waiting for my confirmation.
I was surprised, '' Yes .. Yes, 'I said.
'' I ... I am Govinda Reddy.... Could you not recognize me ? I have been watching you for a while .How are your brothers and sisters ? It was nice when you were at village ! '' Said Givind Reddy.
'' What are you doing here Govinda Reddy ? ",I stood up.
'' Me ... me ..I am begging alms Samy ! '' He said with a grief on his face and he is about to control his tears in his eyes.
'' What 'fifty acres of land lord .. ? Why are you home less ? Why are you begging on the street? I really surprised seeing him in this present position..
Tears are rolling down from his eyes.He broke down completely and I tried to pacify him but he was not able to control his emotions.
'' Sir ! Our village was flourishing when your grand father was a village officer ! .Your grandfather was doing efficient work and helped all people in our village. Government did a great mistake removing all village officers at a pen stroke. Present village officers even do not know calculations and he does'nt know how to survey the lands and even maintain the land records . '' Said Govinda Reddy emotionally.
Yes, then the Government in the name of decenralisation in administration divided the tehsils into mandals , and the revenue officials took some of the new regulations and initiatives. The then Village officers called Karanams lost their jobs and livelihood. There are no ls now. Those karanams with out job became very poor. My grandfather also died because of sickness as he lost job which he was enjoying for the past 60 years. Luckily my father got educated me , and I have been settles in a good job as Accountant.
'' Well ... .. Govindareddy... past is past .. .. Why are you begging in the railway station? "I asked.
Govinda Reddy cried like a child covered his face with both hands.
'' Samy , you know ... I have three sons and two daughters. All of them were provided good education by me as per my financial capacity. well. I could perform my two daughter's marriages. My eldest son went to America after selling 10 acres of land. The second son would like to do business at Dubai sold off 10 acres and went away. Next third son wanted to settle at Madana pally sold 10 acres and absconded with is wife. I pledged my 20 acres of land with bank and took loan of five lakhs rupees and performed marriage of my two daughters.Bankers are pressurizing me for repayment of debt , else they would like to auction the lands pledged with them. My wife died with the stress and depression of the adverse events. No son invited me and asked me to stay with them even for a day. In this old age, I became a destitute because of my selfish sons....dirty bastards ... .. '' Said Govinda Reddy . He was too sad .
'' Anyway, Have you paid back to the bank to clear the debt ? '' I asked.
'' Where is my income, Sir ? There are no crops . There is no rain .In Rayala Seema , people are suffering too much as there is no agriculture for the past ten years. No one buys these barren lands .. How I can repay the debt sir? 'said Govinda Reddy.
Yes.What Govinda Reddy said is literally true. Because of bad rains, there is no ground water, No dry or wet crops are harvested. Children of farmers have given up farming and went to cities in search of livelihood. Now villages looks like grave yards with out people and crops.
Govinda Reddy story caused flutter in my mind after hearing his commotion. He was in a such poor state of affairs. With this turmoil , tears in my eyes swirling around and I tried to stop tears coming out of my eyes.
In my child hood days, Govinda Reddy was entertaining us. He was playing with us like a child holding us in his arms, showing all places around our village , river and other green fields. He used to bring pure cow milk for us every morning to drink. If he goes to market near by Mahal and Kalakada , he used to buy sweets and other food stuff for us. I liked it very much . His affection knew no bounds towards us. Recollecting my childhood days spent with Reddy , I felt very bad for his children who abandoned him at this ripe age.
Oh !Lord are you really playing with your children ? Every moment of their life, parents struggle an d strive for the betterment of their children . They work day and night to keep their children happy, provide better education as they would prefer not face the troubles as faced by them. But what Reddy children does ? They ruthlessly abandon their parents at this age who needs some support from the children both physically and morally. I don't understand why the children behave such a revengeful manner with their own parents.
My heart beats faster.
Does all Human relations become Money relations??
I bought water botttle , biscuits and fruits and gave it to him . I opened my pouch ,took Rs 500 note gave it to Govinda Reddy. He was hesitating to take money and other food stuff but I forcefully took his hand and kept .
'Govinda Reddy! Don't scare about Bank people. I will talk to them and some how I will liberate you from the debt money borrowed by you. Don't worry and Don't spoil your health . Be happy .
'' Sammy .. Even my eldest son never gave such assurance and moral support 'Govinda Reddy holding my two hands, cried . I cajoled him . Narayanadri express halted near the platform . I bid good bye and rushed towards our compartment to board for Hyderabad.
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One of my close friends working in Andhra Bank in Head Office in the position of GM cadre .I explained him the plight of Govind Reddy .He spoke Kalakada branch Manager and told me Govind Reddy is due to bank including interest and principal out standing as on date was Rs.268311 / -. I drew from my bank account and sent to the Branch Kalakada by demand draft. Govinda Reddy became debt free .
Twenty days later, I asked Govinda Reddy to come to kalakada. I got off the bus at kalakada. Govinda Reddy signed in all the documents related to the mortgage, and received his title deeds papers from the bank. Govind Reddy was very happy as he became land lord of his twenty acres of land .
'Govinda Reddy .. I will help you to get latest techniques for doing farming. I can help yoou to get quality seeds from agriculture dept at Subsidized rates etc., with you, I will help providing sprinkler irrigation equipment . '' I said.
As planned , Govinda reddy grown in his farm tomato, eggplant, banana, sugar cane , pumpkin, and other variety of vegetables, He also harvested the banana plantations. Luckily he drilled two bore wells and got plenty of water sufficient for two crops in a year. Yet, He also applied Micro-organic process from time to time and stopped using chemical pesticides. His untiring efforts using latest technology and procedures on his commercial crops brought him very good returns. Govinda Reddy leverage in the village improved again. Farm labour are available for him just on a word . Reddy helped all his labour with good incentives and remuneration for the work they performed. I occasionally get to know all of latest methods in cultivation from agricultural officials and advised Reddy to take all the appropriate precautions, informing him good-yielding varieties . I made Govinda Reddy as a model farmer with in a year . Reddy used to market all his agriculture produce in near by markets at Madana Pally , Tirupati and Bangalore. Reddy got good returns over his investments . He also a bought an auto trolley for transporting all his produce to near by market points.
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After one year....
One Saturday It was Seven o clock in the morning.
Sipping Coffee, I was reading news paper .
Meanwhile the calling bell rang. I opened the main door.
Clad with branded Glaxo Dhoti of good quality with white shirt, a towel on the shoulder , wearing a cute new sandals, and with refreshing smiling face , Govinda Reddy was standing at the door.
I was surprised by seeing Govinda Reddy in that fashion with entirely new looks and his costumes shows his well being . I was happy to see him and also surprised for his unexpected arrival.
'' Please come in side Reddy ''
'' Sammy .. How are you ! '' Govinda Reddy with large gunny bag filled with vegetables, bananas, bunch of flowers, fruits, sweets box put on the desk before me.
'' These are ripe in our garden! ' "Laughs Govinda Reddy
'' I was once again born by the grace of you Sammy! '' He said folding his hands as a mark of respect.
'' Well .. Why did you come so sudden? '' I asked him seeing all the stuff he bought.
'' I wanted to see you and I came suddenly after selling all my vegetables at Madana Pally '' Govinda Reddy said.
Meanwhile my wife brought coffee for him .
''Please have it ''
Govinda Reddy soon opened another bag . opened a pouch and pulled out a bundle of currency notes hidden in his inner ware and put on my hand .
'' Govinda Reddy , What is this ? "I asked surprisingly .
'' This time, there is a boom in the market for our produce Sammy. Crop was excellent . The rate were better than ever. Selling loads of banana , I Got four lakh of rupees . Take these four lakh , including interest on money owed to you. ''
Govinda Reddy said that with the sense of gratitude.
That did surprise me. I never expected Reddy could stand on his own and repay his money back. I really feel that whoever trust mother nature , will not let down . He would survive. Only thing is we must protect the nature and nature shall protects us.
'' You have to give me only Rs. 268311 / - towards principal amount . I don't take an interest, '' I said that.
I have taken only that amount and balance notws were wrapped in papers and returned to Govinda Reddy.
Govinda Reddy suddenly took my hands and wanted to touch my feet .
'' You are like my father and it is not fare to do like that ? "I took him in my arms and hold him .
'' From this day onwards , you're my eldest son, Samy! " Govinda Reddy Said with his feeble voice chocked with emotion.
.
Govinda Reddy slowly stood and walked away from my house wiping his teary eyes .
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