After spending 3 years and 6 months in Pathankot Punjab) we moved to Karimganj, a sleepy little town in Assam, bang on the Indo-Bangladesh border. It was a culture shock!
We lived in the civil area in a rented house and attended a small local school. The only other option being a Convent School barely up to class 4. We mostly walked to school but on rainy days, took a rickshaw.
Sometimes, Daddy would drop us!
Although the school we attended was really small, the teachers were competent and qualified. This was the first school I saw where books were presented to meritorious students. This is also where my interest in reading and writing developed.
We came to Karimganj when I was 10 years old, already an avid reader and a budding poetess! I spent most of my time reading books or writing poetry. Every year, on 23 Jan, a Book Fair was held, where publishers came from Calcutta and Delhi. I remember collecting all my pocket money so I could buy books at the Fair!
The population in Karimganj was largely Sylheti speaking Bengalis. Being culturally alive, I always found them learning how to paint or dance or learning instrumental or vocal music - singing Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti. I learnt quite a few of them from my Music teacher.
Once again, the credit goes to Daddy for motivating us to make the most out of the available resources in this remote border town. I learnt Hindustani classical music and Kathak. We also performed on stage sometimes, besides school functions.
Our fluent Hindi earned us some very close friends who came from local Marwari business families. Karimganj had no Fauji set up that time. Consequently, it gave us the chance to interact with locals and make friends outside our usual circle. It was an enriching experience. We learnt how they lived in huge joint families in total harmony! They had rich fathers but never showed off! We spent some memorable times with them!
We didn't realise how 2 years flew by in Karimganj! I was unhappy when we came to Karimganj but I was equally sad leaving it! The place, it's people, the experiences there were all lessons in life!
Despite my young age, I realised that happiness is found in the smallest things.... One doesn't need money or luxury to be happy ! Nor does it matter if you are in a big city or some remote town.
Happiness doesn't depend on anything or anybody. It is a state of mind . Happiness is a choice........
..........Always!
....and the gin can be as potent n ad heady as you want it to be!!! Beautifully reiterated...
Make the best of what you have and happiness is within 👍👍👍
Good memories.. 😍😍 Totally relate to it...