Magnanimous Folk!

What's Generosity? Well some might consider Generosity is giving away things and others claim act of being sweet.While Google states it is an act of being generous and kind.Nonetheless my definition to Generosity doesn't come under any of the above but It is Mr Shridhar and his family.Well supporting my argument with a small instance by which anyone would agree to my perception,though it's very subjective.

Pretty much everyone is au courant of Saraswati Samman Dr S.L Bhairappa and are clued-up about his exceptional literary works.He is known for his unsurpassed research and unparalleled writing, the way he unravels intricate concepts which increases layman's intellect.His autobiography is "Bhitti" which is again a prodigious work.

My mother who is an ardent fan of Mr Bhairappa wished to stop by all the places mentioned in "Bhitti" during the author's early age.This thirst of her's was soon quenched by my dear dad(as always).I was dragged along too.Next moment we were on wheels as exploring is my family's instinct. We drove desi in and around Santeshivara.

We happened to drop by his domicile which was, now a museum named Gowramma smaraka trust. Priorly covering all the places in the list. No surprise our legs and interests didn't stop there we roamed around looking for his kins. Fraction of seconds later a family was seen, coincidentally stepping towards the colony.We met one person who looked like S L Bhairappa. As they marched closer we broke the door of curiosity inquisiting if they were related to him.Zapped by our trail of the village they invited us to their vacay home . Moments before strangers; now getting closer. Mohan Uncle introduced two of his brothers in which one is Mr.Shreedhar. Two brothers Mohan and Shridhar Uncle headed their ways askinv us to follow them to their serene, wide spread farm. Walking by the scenic farm, ripen mangoes , jackfruits and coconut trees were spotted on either of our sides. They plucked mangoes for us we started relishing our madness for the fruits. While they seemed held up plucking the fruits we thought it was for their consumption but we got reelectrified seing two sacks of mangoes lots of tender coconuts and coconuts, few jackfruits and other fruits were getting packed for us to take back home. We were embarrassed initially so we refused since it was a lot and they would incur a loss. We were forced to like a kins would do. We had no other option so we agreed. This sign of giving away the things out of pure love and compassion. So we didn't do the idiotic act of paying for it, since love can't be measured, its priceless. When we walked back the farm Mohan uncle's wife and daughter were waiting for us with hot cups of coffee and snacks. We enjoyed the sunset sipping coffee and qualitative sharings. The bond seemed to be by birth but the fact said we met them an hour ago. Post this we went to their elder brother's abode who was their elder brother in all means indeed. We all felt connected since we had common interests, similar way of thought,beautiful colors in everyone's life overall akin personalities. Krishnaprasad uncle referred to as their elder brother and aunty assured we wouldn't leave the place before supper. Though the dicky was full they loaded few more things into the seats. The fact that they were so generous and showed such a good hospitality kept giving us Ahaa!! Moments throughout the day and we headed back to Bangalore fully packed.

A few months passed, there was a plan going on for a family outing or catching up on a small gettogether. Since it was being planned for Dec 25th all the tourist places were very busy. So we had to think of a place where there is a scope to explore also a place to chill. Many places were taken as an option but they got cancelled due to some or the other reason.

One day while casually talking about S.L.Bhairappa we had an eureka moment where we thought we could go there and unleash our madness over there. My mother quickly called Shridhar uncle;He is Shridhar uncle!! There were no chances of him refusing. He was happily ready to welcome us. So the plan was set to go there. Shridhar uncle was ready with the itinerary of the day ready. It was a fun filled desi day. Uncle had guests from a past few day and he convinced them to extend their stay,so they could meet us. Prakash uncle and Leela aunty were super friendly and we didn't take much time to gel up with them. We were mesmerized knowing Shridhar uncle was such a good chef and he prepared sumptuous meals for all of us.

Everyone enjoyed the day to the fullest; be it ' OOTA AT THOTA' , playing desi games or visiting other abandoned temples. But somewhere we felt the day would have been much more joyous if Krishna Prasad uncle, Mohan Uncle and their families were there. But Shridhar uncle played all their roles not giving a scope for us to miss them.

We left at around 9 back to Bangalore carrying a huge load memories, joy and happiness. As usual Shridhar uncle packed many things for us and ensured to fill the dickey. We were all very contended throughout the day but turned all pale realizing the fact that uncle had to stay all alone later. But him who is an ever active soul kept waving at us till the time our vehicle became invisible.

Shridhar uncle and his family is not only the definition of generosity but also for groundedness. They hail from such affluent backgrounds and each person is so influential but none of these things reflect in their way of living.They don't exhibit that fame,ego or prestige in their way of conduct this is a major take home for me.I would say not only for me but applies to all. They are a perfect live example to potray beauty lies in the character and not in show-off.

Aapti Patwardhan