Villages - The essence of India (Rural trails through Assam)

Villages make India what it is. It is the villages that retain its culture, it's beauty. It would not be wrong to say India resides in villages . During my recent visit to Assam, I drove through many villages ,I had never seen before. The pandemic that hit me hard, also made me search for solace more closer home and I must say , I have been left astounded by the beauty that surrounded me.

Driving through highways passing through villages, with their quaint hamlets bustling with activity was a sight unmatched. Seems like nature speaks it's best only in it's rural abode. The yellow paddy fields sprouting young saplings ,  ripples of water , enlarging till they reach the banks of a pond, fishermen and farmers working, oblivious to heat or rain inspire and overwhelm.

To top it all, surprises have a way of squeezing themselves out when least expected. One such incident was when I was filming an elephant being offered bananas from my car. To my utter surprise (and horror) suddenly the elephant turned and walked towards my car , saluting me in the process and stopped beside my car window. I only had some money with me which I offered to him hoping he would not eat it. And lo, he did not even try to taste it, he dutifully gave the money to his mahout!!

Rural India speaks a unique language of beauty and tranquility . Assam, a land of abundance where hardly anyone goes hungry, presents a splendid rural picture with verdant meadows, rolling hills and shimmering water bodies and of course pristine tea gardens. Monsoon lends  it's magic to multiply the beauty manifold. Drive through Assam during monsoon to feel it's splendour. But of course, do not venture outside your vehicle much, the heat is agonising. A blessing I should say, with the ongoing pandemic.
Stay indoors, stay safe.