Last day in the village

Spent Saturday evening, night and Sunday in Maliwada, having tea with old friends, meeting new friends, children, wives and husbands, having beaucoup cups of chai, chai, everywhere chai. These people feed me and give me chai and snacks every few minutes and then ask why I'm so fat. We sang bhajans together. I relented and let the ladies dress me in a sari, marathi farm style, through the legs in front and tucked in the waist at the back. They couldn't help but giggle and laugh, but so appreciated my effort to engage in local custom. They were constantly honoring me with red powder on the forehead. I honored them by drinking their tea, singing their religious songs with them, and wearing their clothes, and generally enjoying their beautiful smiles and enthusiasm for life. I found a computer genius named Ravi who downloaded my pictures and videos on his harddrive to share with the others. Who would have thought that possible in little old Maliwada? Maliwada now has a bank, restaurants (not just tea stalls) and shops with everything from bangles, saris, shoes, hankies, to motorcycle parts and building supplies. They seem to be thriving. And growing. New infants, this one only 7 days old, pulled out from under the bed when reviewing the family tree. Some things are just the same. Pundlik in his blacksmith shop, started by his grandfather and continued by his father. His youngest son, my friend Nandakishore helps him in the shop sometimes. Granny in her glasses watching the world go by.

Vinod Parekh

This is Mr. Vinod Parekh with his 2 delightful grandchildren, Ved and Devika, ages almost 4 and 2. They are Sumit's children, Vinod's eldest. Vinod was the project director at Maliwada village in 1975-77, where I met him when I first came to India. He is the same, great sense of humor, loves people, can communicate well with all types. People confide in him. He is inspirational. Two people told him they were on the verge of committing suicide until they spoke with Vinod and regained a desire to live.

Radhakrishnan

This is Radhakrishnan in his barber shop, son of a barber; his brother's a barber. At the age of 12 or so, he was my translator 33 years ago. He taught me the bhajans I still know today.

Barbershop

This is Radhakrishnan's barber shop. His eldest son is the barber in the background getting ready to take a straight razor to his customer's throat.

Maliwada Reprise

So, this is the middle of town on an early Sunday evening. Maliwada now has a "market", fruits and vegetables. The temple in the background is new in the last 33 years. The well to the left has been there all along. All the people and activity are new. This is a teaming village of 5000 people now. When I came it was a struggling farmtown of about 500. Such a change! Some of the oldies but goodies recognized me. I was there for only 2 hours, but will return Saturday for 2 days, staying in the village, probably at the goldsmith's house. My blacksmith friend has no indoor facilities, except electricity.