Post the celebrations of 60 years of independence, I am stranded somewhere in Rajasthan right now. I always heard a lot about Pilani back in college but now that I am here, to me its nothing but a boring laid back town. We are supposed to meet some officials today but the bus ride was too tiring and hectic so we are taking a break. No visits for the day.
19.08.07: Our first trip to the village. We took the local bus (1/2 hour ride) till Pipli bus stand from where we hired a jeep till Ladunda, our destination. The village is suprisingly well to do and big. The best thing about Rajasthan I find is that since it is dry heat, the moment you stand under some shade it has a cooling effect. A welcome change from Delhi's humidity. My only complaint is I cant walk around in cargoes which would have been more comfortable. So here I am, battling the summer sun, in salwar kameez which is supposedly 'more decent'. The only highlight of the first day was the 4 km walk from the village back to the main road. At one point I hoped I'd die and go to heaven. My silent prayer went unfulfilled.
20.08.07: When in the field I feel that time goes by slowly, but the moment I reach the hotel I feel it was a short day. We visited the two government schools today. Its hard to imagine life in such a school after having gone through the TNA experience. I wanted to take a picture next to the camel cart but before I could go click click, a mini crowd had gathered. So this is how female actors feel! Back in the school too we were the object of the children's affection. Me more so because of my oriental features. While waiting for the bus near the stop, I could spot so many similarities between my village and this place. Everything is the same- small shops selling everything from dalda to parle g, the village studs in their fancy sunglasses, females with a questioning look. Everything except for two things- the weather and the uphill road. Suddenly I miss home.
21.08.07: I think today was by far the most fun day in the field. It was observation day for me and I headed towards the government sanskrit school early morning at 7 a.m. The first two hours went by in a jiffy. I had so much to note down. A teacher was very conscious of my presence and said some very hilarious things under pressure. The only time that time really moved fast was when I took a class myself. I havent been much of a teacher material throughout my life because of one essential virtue which is absent in me- patience. Coming back to today's experience, I taught a whole chapter on English to classes five and six. It was an achievement, more so as I was able to translate some difficult words into hindi. Another feat. The blackboard looked beautiful, atleast to me. My very own first masterpiece. There was absolutely no ways I was going to rub it off. The afternoon was spent watching the children play kushti and kabaddi. My favourite kid (yes I already have one) had his pants in low rise style so he was sent away the moment he took off his shirt to match his opponent. Amazingly funny I must say. Where must he have learnt to dress like that?? His face reminded me of my long lost friend Manish Mittal. Heard he's married and has a kid now. Time moves so fast
22.08.07: Today I went to Suratgarh which is 13 km from Pilani. I had to meet some officials there so I left the village by noon. Before leaving I visited the other government school in the morning. It was sports day and so I had an opportunity to watch another kabaddi session. This time girls were also included. While retreating our steps I saw the school boys playing cricket which was enough to attract me and I became a part of Lagaan part II. I also got to fulfill another wish. I took a camel cart ride. It was awesome. From thereon, I went to meet the government officials. They are always so cautious about giving away classified information that the better half of the interview is mostly a farce.
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27.08.07: Im back in the office now. Everybody is saying im tanned! I hate my face right now.
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