Last Updated on September 19, 2020
“I think I’m suffering from a “Writers Block”, I told my better-half one day. “Isn’t that something that affects writers. Why should you suffer?” came his reply. I blast at him and prove (once again) that I was, after all, the worse-half. I knew in my heart that I had been putting away this post for too long. As far as I was concerned, I had very good reasons. How was I supposed to write about home without mentioning my family? It’s difficult, but I had a promise to keep. I’m not going to name them or post a picture of them. But I’m going to write about them, their schools in Wakro, their work, their passion, their ASSET and everything else. This post is dedicated to a special ‘Arunachali couple’ in Wakro.
In Wakro…finally
When Jayanto da took a sudden left turn and drove onto a mud path, we did not know what to expect. But we knew we were ‘finally’ home. We were in Wakro.
Wakro – The Orange Valley
The orange orchards that spread across the Mishmi hills and valleys are nourished by the gushing waters of Lohit River. Wakro is also home to the Kamlang Reserve, a dense forest, with rich flora and fauna. Tezu, the district headquarters, is located about 60 km from Wakro.
Anu Shiksha Seva Trust (ASSET)
His Holiness Swami Sri Sri Anubhavananda Saraswatijii
Happiness is a state that is envied by those who are not happy and enjoyed by those who are happy. But is happiness really as easy as it looks though?
The wonderful schools at Wakro
APNE Library
The schools were closed for the Pooja holidays and the children were enjoying their vacations at home. For the next five days, we stayed with Uncle at the APNE Library. The main hall of his modest two-room home had been converted into a treasure trove of books. We literally felt like kids in a candy store. Aren’t we all familiar with that musty smell of books? The trips to the library as a child or that cozy ambiance of a bookstore….. happy memories.
The library neatly stacked with a collection of more 1000 books ranging from Amar Chitra Kathas to Roald Dahl, and Ruskin Bond to Dr. Seuss. Decked up with drawings and sketches and poems and photos and newspaper clippings, it was the true altar of the written word. Uncle doesn’t throw away a piece of paper. Every paper is recycled, be it an envelope, a pamphlet, or a calendar. Colourful full-length advertisements are cut out and customised into posters with peppy and innovative slogans.
Uncle’s Reading Brigade
..and their innovative skits
Grand felicitation
Solung/Rangoli competition
An ASSET
I have always tried to write these posts in such a way that even after many years when I look back, I should be reminded of how I felt back then. Writing about the Arunachali couple, made me happy. I’m sure I’m going to feel that way always.
8 Comments
Beautifully penned!!!
Thanks Thomas.
Though I hate the long intervals between your posts, each time I read your new posts, I realize that it is worth the wait! Absolutely loved the way you presented this!!! Keep them coming!
PS: the only part I can’t agree to is the bit about worse half
Thanks Nisha. Hoping to get those long intervals shorter. Even I don’t like the worse-half bit. Par ki kara, sachai kadvi hoti hai ….. The stench of truth 😉
This is an interesting and wonderful write up, Malini.
Thanks Niranjan 🙂
It’s very difficult to be one of the ‘Minority’.. and.. You are lucky one couple who have relatives like these..
Keep working but do not expect credit.. I will try to live this way in remaining years..
Yes Alhadji, we are so blessed to have a home away from home.