The Future of India lies in its Villages

The Future of India lies in its Villages

I am away from my native village for about thirteen years now. Recently I was placed in Arehalli village for my village exposure programme before embarking into my theological studies at RTEC (Regional Theological Extension Center) Bangalore.  Arehalli is located around 5 kilometers away from the theologate center.  It is a village consisting of 55 families. Though small in number they are large hearted. They welcome every guest with open arms and offer basic simple food. They survive on food cultivated in their fields. Their staple diet consists of Ragi balls with vegetable curry which provides them with sufficient energy to work in the fields.

A village with a difference

Arehalli village was self-contained once upon a time. The natives had no contact with the outside world. All of their essential needs were satisfied in the village itself. In the village there existed people of every skill such as carpenters’ plumbers and many more. In short, it was self-contained; more of a society within society itself. However the rapid changing political and economic conditions were smothering the self sufficiency of the village. The rapid development of the means of transport and communication seems to have broken the barriers between the village and city life. The farmers in the village now are well connected with the neighborhood city or town.  Unfortunately some selfish wealthy middlemen in the city exploit the simplicity of these illiterate villagers. They swindle them in terms of prices of various produce.

Arehalli villagers lead a peaceful and simple lifestyle.  They are tolerant to all religious practices. They accommodate every religious discussion and are open to inculcate the values that promote humanism. Consequently, I was very much taken up with atmosphere of serenity and peace prevailing there.

In the village there is no noise and little sophistication. The humdrum activities are absent. Occasionally buses and vehicles are seen moving on the roads; at other times the cows and the buffaloes make best use of the roads. The villagers lead a spartan life, eat frugally and dress modestly. One sees some mud-walled houses on one side and on the other there are well designed buildings just like the cities. The young people who are now getting educated in the cities have broadened their horizon. Fashion is making inroads in their life. Here and there we find people getting lost in television programmes, mobiles and some social networks.

The education system of the village seems to have played a major role in the subtle change of lifestyle. Most of the children go to private colleges in the neighborhood town. Some, because of their financial difficulties study in the government school. It is rather sad because that has brought a division among the students; the ‘affluent’ look down upon those studying in government schools. The government schools in the village shows an urgent need of upgradation in infrastructure and teaching standards as well. The government has to seriously ponder on raising standards of their schools; not only in terms of feeding their stomachs but also inspiring and educating the young brains.

Sense of Inner Freedom

What is Freedom? Are we really free in life? Such questions do arise in our mind when we come across the word freedom. However we have a common aspiration in our life for a better life. People in Arehalli village leaving aside all their human weaknesses tried to live together. They are at times have deeply affected by varied old and new thought habits and emotions. Yet the people in common share a we feeling that no one could take away from them. There I found a sense of deep inner freedom to go beyond ones self-love and self-interest. People in the villages do not look for more comforts to be happy. They find joy in living in the present.

My observations

The city provides means of learning for gaining knowledge and the village provides wisdom giving inner meaning to live life happily.

Village teaches us to be in touch with the nature and experience the wonders of God’s creation.

A village has not much choices; unlike the cities where shopping malls make available all the comfort and luxuries.  The multiplex cinema halls provide a variety and the latest mode of entertainment.

My village experience taught me to live simple and think simple. Village exposure trained me to enjoy outdoor games. The students here expend their energy coming together after school and enjoy in the fields; playing cricket applying their own rules.

The farmers in the villages have an immense amount of patience. They eagerly wait for the rains, sow the seeds and work hard, trusting God and hoping that they will be able to sustain themselves with what they do. When weeds and flies attack their crop, they patiently deal with them.

I was fortunate enough to pause myself before I moved to a world of theology. Living with the villagers is not a fabricated experience; it takes lot of self-will to get by difficult moments. At times privacy is restricted yet great respect given for individuality. Perhaps sometimes education alone is inadequate.  Even the career choice one makes isn't such a great thing after all. It promotes discontentment and more wants.

This Independence Day let us strive to experience that inner freedom to find the joy of life instead of hopelessness and dejection.

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