Under the Borra Moonlight!

I am posting here, a letter I wrote to my parents and my brother. A letter that never reached them. I was inside the Borra Reserve forest in a village called Dekkapuram, when I wrote this letter under the moonlight as the title specifically suggests. And I came to know of it recently that the letter has not reached them at all. I thought they were too emotional to talk about it. And I refrained from prompting about it because I had not told them about the letter as I wanted to maintain the element of surprise. Well, to my bad luck and to none of theirs it is lost somewhere in between the forests of the Eastern Ghats and the all happening metro down west. Thankfully I had typed it out on my laptop before writing it down on paper. 

On February 2nd, 2015

Dear Pappa, Amma and Dharanna...

I am writing to you all from Dekkapuram, inside the Borra Reserve Forest, Eastern Ghats. Not that you people didnt know about it, but just so the fun of writing a letter stays alive. And the last letter I wrote to you people was when Dharanna and I went to Siddapura for the first time all by ourselves. I can still remember the amount of excitement i had leaving home to explore. Of course i now realize that the excitement lies only because there is that part of the journey still pending every time i leave home; which is coming back to it.

With all that you are aware about my situation here, that I share everyday over the phone, there are some more things that I have been realizing all at a more personal level. Although the thoughts are all bit hazy at this point, certain things are becoming very clear to me. I have certainly become assertive in my opinions. Also, I have realized the value of home food, even more. Of course the respect was always there towards it, but Amma for sure you cook best.

It is very cold here. But the firewood and the courtesies extended towards me by the people here is keeping me warm. Nothing to worry. It has been two weeks now inside the sleeping bag. I am now an expert of how best one can sleep inside it; how to best position the pillow and still be able to roll over inside.

The food as you are aware is served only twice. You should see the plight of children here. I was really moved to see a small child calling out his friend (a small girl) to share the rice, which he was eating it for the first time in the day at around 1:30PM. All the resources I am carrying with myself, makes my life here a luxury for sure. I can actually live with lesser things. But at some point, when I think, deep down I would not want to give up my materiliastic interests as well. May be I have found a balance here.

I hope you are all doing good and in good health. With the concerns expressed about me by you people over the phone, i have realized how much i am loved. I am sure I was not aware of the weight of it when i was in Bangalore. When i once fought with Amma that I am not given equal freedom as given to Dharanna, Dharanna said "ಅಮ್ಮ, ಬಿಡು ಔನಿಗೆ ಇವಾಗ ಅರ್ಥ ಆಗಲ್ಲ, ಆಮೇಲೆ ಸಮಯ ಬಂದಾಗ ಔನಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಥ ಆಗತ್ತೆ ". I think, that time has come.

I am fine here. And my safety is ensured well. And the best thing is I am completely aware of my situation. I was earlier today invited to meet a conglomerate of Mining people who were discussing their issues. I refrained from attending the meeting, as the outcome of that meeting is something i was aware that i will not be able to carry forward. I know that i am not here to do activism. The issues of which i am sure in my current position and status, I will not be able to tackle. So, i am taking care of myself well along with my intrepid exploration.

I might be attending the Deriya Toilet launch in the month of March. May be Mid March, i am not sure yet. I am planning still in discussion with our team in Bangalore and the community. So when i come to Deriya, I will come home for a day or two. Will keep you posted on this.

And i am travelling to Maharashtra on Feb 27, 28th and March 1st along with Samata team and Founder. (around 15People) to attend some conference. I have to still learn about this event to give you more details and clarity. Will keep you posted on this as well.

I hope and wish that your lives are all more adventurous.

Take care. Keep missing me. Will see you soon.

Love

Kanthu 

I had attached this photograph with it. I miss the postcard now. But the memory remains!