By Krishanali Merchant
I travelled to a small village last summer that was tucked away from the bustle of the city in the middle of the countryside. In addition to providing a reprieve from the hectic pace of the city, the visit gave me a chance to fully experience a more straightforward, sensible way of life. Even though it was short, this trip taught lessons about simplicity, community, and the close relationship between people and environment.
The village, with its cobblestone paths and quaint cottages, seemed to exist in a different era. The air was crisp and filled with the earthy aroma of soil and the sweet scent of wildflowers. As I wandered through the narrow lanes, I was greeted with smiles and nods from the villagers, their faces lined with years of wisdom and experience. Unlike the hurried and indifferent interactions in the city, each greeting here felt genuine and heartfelt.
The value of community was the first thing I discovered. Because everything in the hamlet proceeded more slowly, people were able to develop lasting ties. The Patels, a local family, hosted me and treated me like one of their own. They showed me such hospitality that I quickly understood that everyone in the community cared about one another's welfare. The villagers got together regularly for feasts, celebrations, and to provide a hand with everyday tasks. The individualistic mindset that frequently predominates in urban environments stood in stark contrast to this community mentality, where everyone looked out for each other.
I watched and participated in the straightforward yet satisfying daily activities of village life. The sound of roosters crowing in the early morning hours brought life to the community and marked the beginning of the day. With callused hands from years of tilling the ground, men and women made their way to the fields. Observing their unwavering commitment to their work instilled in me the importance of diligence and persistence. They were proud of themselves and felt satisfied despite the physical labour; their fulfilment came from the fruits of their labour and the food they provided for their families rather than from worldly gain.
Nature, in all its glory, was an ever-present companion. The village was surrounded by lush green fields, dense forests, and meandering rivers. This close proximity to nature had a calming effect on my mind, a therapeutic retreat from the concrete jungles of the city. I spent hours wandering through the fields, listening to the symphony of birdsong, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle flow of the river. This immersion in nature made me realise how disconnected we have become in our urban lives, surrounded by technology and artificial constructs. The villagers, on the other hand, lived in harmony with nature, understanding its cycles and respecting its power.
One evening, I joined the villagers for a traditional festival. The celebration was an explosion of colours, music, and dance. The simplicity of their joys and the purity of their celebrations were infectious. There were no extravagant decorations or high-tech gadgets, just handmade decorations, traditional instruments, and the boundless energy of the people. It was a humbling experience that underscored the lesson that happiness does not depend on material possessions but on shared experiences and a sense of belonging.
As my visit came to an end, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the lessons I had learned. The village had taught me the importance of community, the value of hard work, the necessity of living in harmony with nature, and the true essence of happiness. These lessons, though simple, are often forgotten in the fast-paced, consumer-driven world we inhabit.
Leaving the village, I carried with me a renewed perspective. I realised that while modern advancements have their place, there is much to be gained from embracing the simplicity and values of village life. It is a life where time is measured not by the ticking of a clock but by the rising and setting of the sun, where people find joy in the company of others and the beauty of the natural world. My visit to the village was not just a physical journey but a journey to the heart of what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
By Krishanali Merchant
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