Day 5, August 15

Today is Independence Day in India. Traditionally, the festivities begin in the morning. Since it is also a solemnity of Mary (yes, it is a day of obligation in India too) we celebrated Mass early in the morning and followed up with an outdoor event with every grade in the school participating in dances, pageants, an clever gymnastic exercises. Every class was great. Mixed in were speeches. And then came the climax. O all people, I raised the flag of India and released a dove. With Father Mariappa serving as interpreter, I gave the main address. I was asked to and I complied with combining Independence Day thoughts with those of the Assumption. I did so and added some American history in as well.
The program with all its events continued longer than anticipated. I had to close my remarks fairly quickly since my interpreter thought we were in hurry. So, I was whisked off in a car to the inner city of Bengalore. We were to have breakfast with Devakumar, the man who managed my itinerary. That gave me the opportunity to see the inside of a middle class city apartment. It was small especially since besides he and his wife, his son and daughter-in-law live there also. The younger couple (well educated) is saving for an apartment of their own.
Following the late breakfast, we drove to a small village on the road to Mysore. In the village was a former bank manager, a Mr. Renttih who, after retiring, settled n the country to try his hand at farming. What he accomplished is the establishment of a very progressive (for India) chicken farm. He’s made go0od profits in the venture. But, he noticed the children of the area ere not going to school. They couldn’t afford to. So, he set up a scholarship fund to entice them to stay in school.
Fr. Mariappa and I were there to present the students (with their proud families) cash or their work in school. The kids wee proud as they received their ‘earnings.’ It was a scheme to reward them for their work and instill in them the virtues needed to be successful. The ceremony was a bit over the top as I was seated above the students and their families. As their names were called, the students came forward signed and received a receipt. Then they came to me for the money. Their thankfulness came near to an act of worship as they showed their appreciation with bows and other gestures that made me feel as queasy as Paul did when he was worshipped in one city.
Fr. Marriappa came from nearby. That gave us a chance to visit his home and see a rural home. It was modest, decorated with religious art and family pictures. Of course, the people were delightful. The scenery was awesome.
We mad the long journey home knowing I’d pass by there the next day.