www.assamtribune.com ● ● JUNE 12, 2011

MY SPACE FICTION THIRD EYE Confessions of a teenage A room of green darkness-II A crusade with conscience wedding guest

suited to the age of the child. and homemaking skills are considered an important part of a child's The nearby craft shops were full of Halloween decorations. Be- upbringing. German is spoken in the home, though English is also ing a Sunday, most were closed. I went inside the only one open. taught in school. Prior to baptism, Amish teenagers are encour- An amazing collection of sewn crafts in the form of cushion covers, aged to sample life in the outside world, in a period referred to as patchwork quilts, potholders, dainty tea cosies, table clothes, ker- Rumspringa, Pennsylvania German for “running around.” They chiefs, scarves and hats along with exquisite pottery, ceramics and are still bound by the beliefs and rules of their parents, but a certain woodwork filled up the shop, all tastefully arranged, with an old amount of experimentation is permitted or overlooked. Rumsprin- world charm. Just a visit was enough to conclude that the Amish ga ends when the youth requests baptism into the church or choos- are gifted craftsmen. I was told by an accompanying visitor that es to permanently leave Amish society. Most choose to remain they are excellent carpenters too, often building their own homes. Amish. Rebecca's elder son has only recently returned to the fold. I I climbed up the wooden stairs, to the furniture section. The latent listen with rapt interest … Rebecca was also looking forward to her interior designer in me was spoilt for choice, such was the spread daughter's wedding after the final autumn harvest. She knew I was before me, picnic tables, sheds, gazebos... but alas, I could only curious enough to know a bit about Amish weddings and added admire them, much as I would have loved to adorn my home with that they are simple, joyous events that involve the entire communi- a few of these delightful pieces! My sister-in-law picked up a lovely ty. Weddings are held in November, or at the very latest in early mantelpiece for her fireplace. Did the next best I could, picked up a December. That's after the busy fall harvesting season is over. Wed- few ceramic showpieces, mementoes for close ones. dings are held on Tuesdays or Thursdays – the least busy days of the The Amish lady manning the centre was reserved like most week on an Amish farm. Rebecca expects around 200 guests, others of her community. She smiled as our eyes met. I heard her while I jokingly invite myself to the wedding. And the wedding politely refusing to be photographed when asked by a group of menu? Rebecca plans a delicious dinner of chicken, mashed pota- visitors. I was cautious, having been warned about their reluctance toes, gravy, ham, relishes, canned fruit and varieties of cookies, cakes and pies for the guests. Wedding preparations have started; the bride's wedding dress was ready, stitched by the bride to be was another Alice in this Wonderland; only the illusive rabbit In the heart of herself! I was full of admiration for this community, their self reli- I was to follow was missing. It was a beautiful drive across ance. Denver's “Virginia” as we passed by the Blue Ridge Moun- America, a close knit About tourists disturbing the Amish, she said that though they tains and the Shenandoah National Park. The drive started want nothing more than to be simply left alone, the Amish have early and with Mozart and flute music of the Incas as the community lives in a accepted the influx of tourism as something they cannot change. backdrop,I sweet slumber soon took over…. The clip, clop rhythm So far as their lifestyle, tourists have not changed them, concluded of pony carts moving at a uniform pace woke me up. It was near world ruled by Rebecca. She excused herself, even as some more visitors entered noon and I found myself in a place, a blend between Blyton's the store. Thanking her profusely for sparing her valuable time, for countryside with meadows, dales and cattle grazing and an en- quaint tradition, all that she shared, I moved out to join the others. Outside was a chanting fairy tale village, entry to which would have been through lovely autumn weather with falling red yellow leaves carpeting the some magical opening in a tree trunk. Everything about the place writes Bhaswati K ground. was surreal. Quaint lace curtained cottages with colourful little flow- Our next destination, the Kitchen Kettle village was a gastron- er beds and cobbled paths dotted the area, horse drawn carriages . omist's delight, as it were. There were tourists aplenty, going by clip clopped along picturesque country roads, inside sat elegant the numbers of cars parked in the parking lot. At the centre of the ladies in bonnets and bearded gentlemen in hats, all with sombre village was a huge oak tree around which was a flurry of activities. expressions, eyes observant of the surroundings. It was as if time Single cottages and cute two-storied buildings surrounded the has stood still here, even as the world moved on… or did we step area. There were benches for people to sit down and relax. A into a time machine? lovely aroma of bakes, cakes and cinnamon pervaded the air. The Some experiences remain vivid in the mind, unchanged by the Amish are excellent cooks and bakers. Their baked goods are to vagaries of time. The visit to Amish country, Pennsylvania would In a time warp die for, pies, cakes, pastries, cream puffs. We tried out jams, surely be one such trip for me. This was New England at its best – rather – is the strong stench of manure from the adjoining country- at being photographed, by my relation. While making my purchas- preserves and cheese in the food stalls – everywhere there were with autumn fall colours in full glory- blazing reds, mellow yellows, side farm. This was so as the Amish practice organic farming and es, I politely asked the lady, who introduced herself as Rebecca, a bit bowls of crackers and samples of preserves and jams. We picked earthy browns and various hues of green in the foliage and trees- do not believe in chemical fertilisers, but more on that later. The about their culture. She seemed forthcoming, as long as I took no up a few bottles of preserves to carry back home. In each stall, maples, birch and oaks. Halloween was round the corner, decorat- wooden floored, ivy covered wine store looked inviting and we photographs, which I assured her of promptly and as we moved to Amish men and women meticulously went about their work with ed pumpkins lined the paths and the homes. The festive mood was stepped in. A warm smile from the Morgan Freeman lookalike store one corner of the store to talk, another woman dutifully replaced clockwork precision – chopping, cooking, baking, cleaning, wash- palpable and the surroundings picture perfect. I had read an article manager raised our spirits, literally! The wine samples with neat her at the counter. ing – even huge utensils. Nothing was mechanised, everything on the Amish community a few years ago, seen bits of Amish life in pieces of exotic cheeses were tasted one by one, at leisure. Wine in Rebecca was soft-spoken. What I had found striking was the hand made. movies and TV shows, arousing my fascination about this commu- different flavours, some new, most vintage, elegant goblets, glasses, uniform Amish dress code. All around in shops, the farms, the roads, We picked up sandwiches, croissants, cinnamon flavoured pret- nity and their unique lifestyle. The trip to neighbouring Maryland decanters and beautiful functional wine racks lined the store. We people, including small children, were attired in a similar manner. On zels and big mugs of coffee to wash them down with, sat down on and Virginia provided just that opportunity to see an Amish village picked up a few bottles of wine and a couple of wooden wine racks this, Rebecca said that Amish women typically wear dark -coloured the nearby benches and made the most of the ambience. An elderly in Pennsylvania, first hand. and bid adieu to “Freeman”, who asked us to visit again. dresses with long sleeves and a full skirt such as the one she was duo was entertaining the gathering with beautiful country music; The Amish in America are an old religious sect, direct descend- While entering the Amish area, what struck me was the neat row wearing, covered with a cape and an apron. The Amish make their the atmosphere, one of joy and bonhomie. Joined in and sang ants of the Anabaptists of sixteenth century Europe who challenged of clotheslines in each home. This was probably the only place in own clothes. The lady of the house generally sews the clothes for along while they were singing a favourite, Tom Jones' Green, the reforms of Martin Luther and others during the Protestant the US where each house had one, reminding me of back home. herself and her family. They never cut their hair, and wear it in a braid green grass of home. Soon there were people swaying and danc- Reformation, rejecting infant baptism in favour of baptism (or re- The Amish are averse to any technology, which they feel weakens or bun on the back of the head, concealed with a small white cap or ing to the soft country music, the love songs making couples sway baptism) as believing adults. They also taught separation of church the family structure and hence, no washing machines and dryers black bonnet. Stockings and shoes are black. Amish men in general to a slow dance... there was romance in the air while the guitar and state, something unheard of in the 16th century. The first are used. Each home had a kitchen garden and colourful flower wear straight-cut suits and coats without collars, lapels or pockets. played magical numbers. The breeze was awesome; leaves fell over sizeable group of Amish arrived in America around 1730 and beds formed the frontage. Most Amish cultivate their fields with Trousers are worn with suspenders. Another interesting aspect was us in ones and twos, the pretzels tasted heavenly. People cheered, settled near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania horse-drawn machinery. Corn, hay, wheat, tobacco, soybeans, that young men are clean shaven prior to marriage, while married clapped and sang along. I wanted time to stand still. … Amish are not the largest group of U.S. Amish as is commonly barley, potatoes, and other vegetables are grown by farmers, along men are required to let their beards grow. Moustaches are forbid- The music, the fun continued while the Amish went about their thought, however. The Amish have settled in as many as twenty- with various grasses for grazing. They live in houses without elec- den. All aspects of Amish life are dictated by a list of written or oral chores diligently. And as all good things must come to an end, it four states, Canada, and Central America, though about 80% are tricity, and get around in horse-drawn buggies. Most often, several rules, known as Ordnung, she said, from dress and hair length to was time for us to move too. It was nearly sundown and we had a located in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Their population in the Amish families share a telephone in a wooden shanty between buggy style and farming techniques. long distance to cover to Kinnelon, New Jersey. Clicked photo- U.S. numbers more than 150,000 and growing, due to large farms. Electricity is sometimes used in certain situations, such as Rebecca's family was large, with seven children, common graphs of buggies, the houses, the stores, collected the goodies we family size. Due to their religious beliefs, Amish try to separate electric fences for cattle, flashing electric lights on buggies, and amongst the Amish. Four of her children go to the neighbouring had bought and made our way to the parking lot. Children were themselves from “outsiders,” in an effort to avoid temptations and heating homes during the severe cold winters. Again very few school and the three older ones have started working; the sons help playing, farmers returning and horse buggies trotted down the sin. They choose, instead, to rely on themselves and the other Amish, if any, do their milking by hand. Today they have modern their father in the carpentry workshop, the daughter, engaged to be road. This apt statement from a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania members of their local Amish community. Because of this self- milking equipment -- not electric, but operated by alternate sources married soon, works in a bakery close by. Her children have Visitor's Bureau brochure caught my eyes: “While you talk and reliance, Amish don't draw Social Security or accept other forms of power. Windmills are often used as a source of naturally generat- attended the neighbouring school. The Amish only provide formal mingle with the Amish, please remember that they are not actors or of government assistance. ed electric power in such instances. They also have modern barn- education till the eighth grade, she informed, and in their own spectacles, but ordinary people who choose a different way of life.” Alighting from the car at the Bird-in- Hand village (Amish vil- cleaning equipment. Children get involved in daily chores at a very private schools. Schooling concentrates on the basic reading, writ- We move on…stepped out of the time machine, leaving the Amish lages have these strange names!), the first thing that strikes – hits us early age -- even before they start school. However, the chores are ing, math and geography, along with vocational training. Farming be, in their own world where time stood still, almost.

TSAH, the acronym for Universal Team to see an organisation that has come up with pro- for Social Action and Help, a newly Kaushik Choudhury takes a look at the ideals which have inspired grammes that would bring out youth initiatives for formed non-profit organisation, aims to national development to the forefront.” work for the betterment of the four im- UTSAH to begin work for a better tomorrow. The guest of honour, Nishita Goswami said that an portant pillars of consciousness namely, organisation with fresh ideas such as this needs en- Youth,U Culture, Environment and Old Age. Miguel couragement. And that the young should come for- Queah, founder and chairperson of UTSAH, after ward and join this initiative that would help the coun- being inspired by a conversation with Hon’ble former try grow. “I would extend my help and support to the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, laid the organisation and help in whatever way I can to dis- cornerstone of this organisation on March 28, 2011, Ushering seminate its ideals amongst the people of ”, she with a vision in mind – to bridge the mind gap be- added. tween the youth and the elderly, the people and the Padmashree Natwarbhai Thakkar said that with the environment, and the present and the past. UTSAH right Gandhian ideals in place, UTSAH can definitely deals primarily with the core issues of social and na- work towards the refinement and betterment of the tional development and makes an attempt to intro- change society. He even offered to facilitate a workshop on duce a value based system in the society, particularly value education for the participants of UTSAH at for the youth. It seeks to motivate and create aware- Gujarat Vidyapith, an institution established by Ma- ness among the youth to basic ideals of Gandhian hatma Gandhi himself. principles, community service, Indianess, secularism, “The Society is being formed, now comes the time culture based wisdom for the preservation of the envi- to realise its ideals. There would be times of difficulties ronment and productive ageing for the elderly citi- from different quarters, but the team should not loose zens. Their primary objective is to reform and enrich courage and move forward with utmost dedication the minds of the people so that they tread the ocean of and perseverance and not let the values of its founder life in responsible way. die”, said eminent litterateur Dr. Lakshyahira Das, con- The founding team comprises of Pallavi as gratulating the UTSAH team on their initiative. the vice chairperson and executive director, Monmi Prafulla Kalita, headmaster of the Swahid Das as the chief of public relations, Shankardev Chow- Khargeshwar Talukdar High School, thanked the So- dhury as the chief spokesperson, Gaurav Deka as the ciety for its initiative towards developing the school. “I public relations officer, Binayak Dutta as the co-ordi- extend my support and cooperation towards all the nator of the advisory council, Rashmi Tiwari as exec- good work taken up by UTSAH for the students of utive member and Uddipta Borkakoty, a young social our school”, he added. worker. Gaurav Deka announced the field missions of the The youth – which has emerged as the powerhouse Society. The vote of thanks was delivered by Pallavi of creativity and activism, in this region and beyond – Barua, vice chairperson of the society. The programme is one of the primary focuses of the Society. It believes of young leaders, social entrepreneurs and workers The meeting was presided over by Miguel Queah, Talukdar High School. was concluded by singing of the national anthem. that modern political and economic pressures have who would contribute actively towards nation build- the founder and chairperson. Hemanga Sharma, Com- The ceremony opened with a beautiful Rabha Geet UTSAH formally announced a merit based schol- pushed the youth – our societal powerhouse – into ing. missioner of Social Welfare, Lower Assam Division presented by noted Assamese singer Anju Devi. arship for ten students of the Swahid Khargeshwar existential crisis, which in turn has contributed to the The Society believes that formative development was the chief guest and actress Nishita Goswami was Founder and chairperson Miguel Queah initiated Talukdar High School every year. This scholarship alienation of a section within them from the main- covers an important part of student life. It is for this the guest of honour. Among other noted guests were- the meeting by welcoming all the esteemed guests. has been founded by the Pankaj Barua and Ruby Barua stream. UTSAH seeks to reduce the gap between the reason that it plans to conduct a Community Service founder of the Gandhi Ashram, Nagaland and famous Queah then familiarised the audience with the ideals Foundation, Guwahati. youth and the other sections of society, by engaging Curriculum in schools and colleges in the country. Gandhian, Padmashree Natwarbhai Thakkar, one of and vision of the organisation. “India’s freedom has The programme also included a song by Bornali, a them in programmes which integrates them into pos- This curriculum would expose the participants to field the gems of Assam literati, Dr Lakshyahira Das, Deputy remains a distant dream for us. Freedom for us at student of Swahid Khargeshwar Talukdar High itive activism. work as field access would break the shackles of de- Commissioner of Baksa, Babul Ch Barbaruah and the UTSAH means freedom from all. A poor farmer in School, as well as a Bihu group performance by locals On the other side are the elderly who represent the pendence on secondary data and launch them into Superintendent of Police, Rana Bhuyan. The meeting Baksa is entitled to as much freedom as a rich busi- of the Chenimara village. community heritage, consciousness and knowledge. one-on-one inquiry to various systems for fresh per- was also attended by Jugabrata Rai Choudhary Dutta, nessman in Guwahati. Freedom from exploitation, In the long history of our nation, reality has often UTSAH gratefully acknowledges the contribution of spectives. Working President of the Amar Ghar Old Age Home, freedom from dead habit, freedom from injustice, free- been dwarfed by mountains of despair, accepting fi- the elderly who make the region culturally vibrant. The On May 1, 2011, the official launch and the open- as well as the residents of the Amar Ghar Old Age dom from illiteracy, freedom from apathy, freedom nite disappointment, at many occasions. However, aim is to use heritage as an entry port for further ing ceremony of the organisation was held at a school, Home, the only old age home in Guwahati city. from unemployment, freedom from disease, freedom the fresh UTSAH team believes that they would never investigation of societal artifacts and construct a bridge named after one of the greatest martyrs of the Assam Students and the heads of prominent city schools from communal violence and freedom from selfish- lose the infinite hope of a better tomorrow. between tradition and modernity. Agitation Movement – Swahid Khargeswar Taluk- like Sanskriti - The Gurukul, Faculty High School and ness is what UTSAH seeks to achieve,” he said. With their motto “Let's make minds. Let's vitalise”, The Society envisions to inculcate an ideal in the dar High School at Chenimara Village, Baksa. The South Point School also attended the meeting. The chief guest, Hemanga Sharma in his speech UTSAH wishes to usher in a phenomenal change in minds of the young that would manifest itself in their reason was to expose the city people to rural India The ceremony was compered by Rupali Deka and said: “This year has been declared as the International the minds of the people and make this country the day to day life. It envisages the crafting of a generation and vice versa. Shankar Biswas, two students of Swahid Khargeshwar Year of Youth and Adolescence by the UN. It is good most beautiful place to live in.