The Sweet Voice of Experience

[Shahrukh Atpade]

I was returning after conducting a SALT activity in one of the lanes of Nandwal village. While walking in the heat, I noticed an elderly man sitting alone in front of a house. It was Shamarao Nikam. I went to him and asked for some time. He called out to me,  “Come, Mauli.” The sweetness in his voice touched my heart, and I went inside. We sat down on a mat on the floor and began chatting.

When I told him about myself and the organization, he smiled and said, I know your organization, you all do wonderful work. At that moment, a bond of affection formed between us. Then I asked him to share some good memories from his life. Without a moment’s pause, he began narrating the history of the village, his struggles, and his experiences in such a beautiful way that I was deeply moved.

He said, The Vitthal temple in the village is very ancient. To preserve our traditions and honor, we look up to this temple. For us, the temple is like a pillar of support that binds every villager together.

At that time, he also showed me some old documents. Seeing them left me amazed. Those papers contained the temple’s history, details of the village lands, and the names of generations carried down through tradition. I could not understand the language, but the moment I held the papers in my hands, I could sense their antiquity. Realizing how carefully he had preserved these documents for so long filled me with respect.

He further said, The children of the village are like the little ones of God’s home. They have many qualities within them. God will surely lead them forward.

Listening to Shamarao Kaka’s words, I realized that the elderly of the village are truly its wealth. Their experience, their thoughts, their unique way of speaking this is their real treasure.

That day’s experience gave me a great lesson. I felt that every man, every young person, should give a place in their life to the thoughts of such elders. From their struggles and wisdom, we receive guidance, and their words directly touch our hearts.

[Shahrukh Atpade]

Definitely Ritu.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Shahrukh, thanks for sharing with us the local resources which exist in Nandwal village. Will discuss with you more on it!