It is strange how differently life treats people and how differently people take life. Some accept things as they are while some strive for better. What, a few privileged like you and me treat as basic necessities of life are unaffordable luxuries for those less fortunate than us. For them a roof on head, a cozy bed to sleep, clean water to drink and clothes to wear are unimaginable dreams! But are material comforts the only source of happiness? The answer may vary but for this ordinary couple living in the capital city of Karnataka, the answer was NO. While the husband would earn by working in a local nursery, his better-half too resorted a to petty job for bread and butter. on the face of it, the duo appear to be as happy as any other service man!
They were not born with a silver spoon in their mouth but with their own efforts these self made people chose a life better than what they had inherited. The smiles on their lips, the sweat on the brow and the contentment on faces speak of their ordeals to gain their share of resources. What city folks dispose off as trash, gave them a new life. The blue plastic sheet under the infinite blue sky was their new home. Here are some details:
Site of construction- A barren land on the outskirts of the nursery, under the lush green trees
Material used- Plastic sheets, sacks, mud and ropes
Cost of construction- Negligible
With real estate prices touching the sky, having built a house without a home loan in India’s third most populous city is a commendable achievement! Metaphorically, the trunks supporting the hut are the walls while canopy formed by the branches of the trees act as the roof. In lieu of the moderate and pleasant climate enjoyed by the city, the trees prove sufficient to protect from the sun and the rain. And here’s a twist. This 21st century hutment provides a shelter to the couple, and is well-equipped with tools for entertainment.
On peeking a boo, one is somewhat astonished to find a colored T.V., a VCR with some CDs under the plastic roof/shed. The 2-2 hutment serves as a bedroom cum kitchen cum dining room for this family of two.
But at the same time, such scenes expose the irony and tragedy of development. Despite achieving the status of India’s fastest growing metropolis, the growth and prosperity of the silicon valley has not benefited all the residents equally. There are people in the same city who don’t have a roof to cover their heads. On a serious note, one may say that it is the failure of the state to accommodate its people but as they say, “Need is the mother of invention.” There do exist people who put in their mind, body and soul to change their existence from mere survival to living life!
Author: Divya Malhotra, GoBangalore.com
