Horegallu : Character Sketches of Grandfather and Ratna

Horegallu

Sudha Murthy

Horegallu is a stone bench, placed on road sides. Travellers and farmers working in nearby fields could take a little rest on the horegallu. They were usually placed under trees like banyan which provide much needed shade and relief. Cool water would also be made available in earthen pots for the weary travellers. They could put down the burden they carry, rest for a while, refresh themselves, exchange the news of the road with fellow travellers, share their worries and difficulties, and later continue their journey.

Character Sketches of Grandfather and Ratna

Grandfather was retired schoolteacher. He used to sit under the banyan tree, in the village and talk to those resting there. They were mostly farmers working in the field nearby or long distance travellers. He used to listen to their worries and hardships patiently. Talking to him used to refresh the travellers and they would pick up their burden once again and continue their journey.

Ratna was a colleague of the author in Mumbai. Her infectious cheerfulness would affect her colleagues positively. She too, like grandfather, used to listen to the worries and problems of her colleagues. She was not a trained counselor but she did a great service to those in contact with her. She never betrayed the faith and trust of her colleagues.

Both Grandfather and Ratna were doing a great service without the hope of any reward and fame.

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The Sacred Turtles of Kandavu