Child to father – “Dad, why does nothing grow in our fields? Why are they not green like my friends from Punjab?”
Father – “We live in the desert lands, son. We have only dry sand and our camels to show. We have huge land but all that is barren.”
Child – “Then why do we live here, if life is so difficult, boring and hard?”
Father – “Because this our home, and our lands. Our ancestors have lived and survived here for centuries. And though our lands might be barren and our life might be tough, our spirit is certainly not dented in any way.”
Child – “How?”
Camel Safari near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Father – “Do you know people come from all over the world to see our deserts, and to ride our camels in the sand dunes? It is our spirit and warmth which makes them feel welcome and understand our rich cultural heritage of music, dance and crafts. That is very unique to us.”
He continued, “And have you seen our clothes, or even our camels. Our deserts might be lacking of contrast, but we more than made up for that by the colors we put into our lives. Our clothes, ornaments, turbans, and even our camels are so colourfully decorated that people don’t feel bored here at all. Instead they go back with vivid memories and warm stories to tell.”
The child grew an inch taller in pride, smiled and remarked – “I understand now. We are rich and beautiful in our unique way.”
A warm handshake adds colour to life in Rajasthan