I met him in the train while travelling from Mumbai to Jalandhar.
He boarded the train at Baroda.
A thickly built young man, in early 40’s, he displayed the usual attributes of a
Sardarji- Exuding energy, broad smile and an uncanny frankness.
He came to cabin A of the compartment, where I and my wife
were sitting, after discussing ‘something’ with the conductor. Till Baroda, we
were the only travelers in the cabin meant for 4 passengers. After settling his
luggage, he greeted us by mumbling ‘Satsariakaal’ with a broad amiable smile.
Introducing self and my wife, I asked him where he was going
and what was his profession. He had been traveling for nearly a ‘fortnight. He
met his clients in Southern India and in Gujarat. Now, he was going back to his
hometown – Amritsar.
He makes agro net knitting machines. I had never heard of
these. Nets made by these machines are used to protect fruits and flowers from
the vagaries of weather. Upon further inquiries, he informed that the
ultraviolet rays of the sun are controlled by these nets. Temperature is also
controlled. It was interesting to know that red nets are used as a protective ceiling
for red roses, blackish violet nets for the black grapes which are grown in vineyards
of Nasik and Hyderabad. Good interesting knowledge. His clear descriptions were
constantly interrupted by the two mobiles, he was carrying.
Mostly, he spoke in Punjabi. His Hindi, too, had the robust
Punjabi flavour.
‘O, ji, kii kariya! English phasha bot aukhi ya. Lakh koshish
karan naal wi aundi nai’. (What shall we do? In spite of maximum efforts, it is
very difficult to learn)
Main ta ji padhiya likhya nai. Ajkal ae mobilan ne kum
saukha kar dita ya. Maila shailani appaan chhoti moti English which kar laine yan.
Baaki Rab Raakha.
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