Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam - A memory

March 2017

Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam - A memory

During the last couple minutes of travel on the bus to school, a narrow road we travel through that is lined with a couple of houses that look right out of a slum. Out, come the children in their pale blue uniforms and their bags full of books. Talking with each other and joyfully going to the free government school brings back a few memories of when I helped such kids living in Bommuru Agrahara village who study in the Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam, which lies on the banks of the calming Cauvery river.

Four months ago…

During the Christmas vacations, my father’s friend and his family accompanied ours to the Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam that has the revitalising waters of Cauvery before it. We went in an Innova vehicle that we booked to our desired location. My parents talked all the way with the other family. Saanvi, the other family’s only child, (a five year old) and I sat bored after I read on my kindle till I felt slightly queasy as she watched some YouTube videos till the mobile data was unavailable. I dozed off in the middle of the journey and slept for a pretty long time. I woke up with a start when a soft ray of light oozed out of the yellow sun, making its way from the spaces between the green canopy of trees to my face. When I sat up, I was greeted by the colours of green and yellow that was all perfectly painted on the green grass and other elements of nature.

Welcoming colours

The sun’s yellow rays of brightness and joy made its way to my face from the spaces between the leaves of the canopy of trees. Waking me up, I stretched out and sat up to see the welcoming colours of the surroundings, greeting us to enter the humble but greenery-rich surroundings that proved that they all had a green thumb. Large papaya trees laden with ripe orange papayas that looked just perfect to eat up. “welcome one and all” the trees, plants and the homely place shouted out. Kind and warming helpers took our luggage to a room, all for us, and took the other family’s to theirs.

We freshened up to visit the students who have completed grade 10. For most of them were in the middle of their lessons and had already finished their meals, we sat for lunch and decided to meet them later. We were served some chapattis, ghee rice and some gravy as a side dish. A scrumptious meal later, we went near the calming river of serenity, Cauvery. Although the way to the river was perfectly made by the aesthetic elements of nature, arching bamboos and fluttering butterflies, I was wetted by the sprinkler that was rotating too quickly. I made my way to the river where the water flowed and tickled my legs when kept inside. The water was cold but refreshing and we all sat near the tranquilizing scenery. It reminded me of years ago when our family of three had come a couple years ago. After some splashing around and picture clicking to capture our memories, we went back to our assigned rooms to change our clothes and rest.

 After my parents slept and I relaxed we went for another fun splash near the river before meeting the girls. 

All in their chudidhars, most of the girls sat before us. I introduce myself and so do the other girls. We gifted them with handmade purses and some chocolates my dad brought from the US. We captured the memory with a photo taken by the head, Ms Apoorva. An exceptional day was spent at the picturesque Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam where the hospitality was truly welcoming and the beautiful river signified the place with its tranquillity.

The wonderful day I dreamed of till I reached school. My day was livened up by the special memory of the remarkable day.