Prologue

Friendly Witch Land i.e., FWL for short was celebrating Grandmas lucky surprises Day. On this day, held regularly every 500 witches calendar day, tasks were assigned to the witches. What were these tasks you would wonder! Sayani witch was getting ready for the occasion. She was a sweet looking ugly witch full of kindness in her heart. “Have to assemble in Tremendous Tasks Hall in 15 minutes ,”she muttered to herself. The hall was brimming with saree clad friendly witches. Anapoorna the senior most witch began to address. “Silence everyone. The day has come to familiarise you all with duties to be performed all over Planet Earth. As I call out your names raise your hands and receive the instructions “. As names were addressed the instructions began to fly to every raised hand. “I am assigned work at South Extension Part 1 , Delhi , India , with details of things to be done particularly for children. This age in India is forgetting the importance within families of the elderly. My role as a grandmother would make children and their parents realise the worth of grandparents. I better make hasty preparation and descend to the allotted place “. The hall witnessed hurried activity. “Anapoorna does not like us to waste time “, a witch was heard to be saying.

The witches of FWL were descendants of Hadimba and her son Ghattotkacha of Mahabharat times. Hadimba a witch had married Bheema one of the Pandavas. Ghattotkacha was there son who fought valorously in the Mahabharat war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. He attained martyrdom in the said war. Ghattotkacha was survived by his mother and 3 sons. FWL had the special blessings of Lord Krishna. Therefore when assigned tasks the friendly witches used their magic powers sparingly. For ultimately everything is in God’s hands.

Chapter 1

Sayani had taken on rent the ground floor of a house in South Extension Part 1. It consisted of a big hall and, two rooms, a large kitchen and a long passage on the side of the house. She decided to make arrangements for the staff. For the lady cook she visited a pressman and his wife and asked them to search for a cook. Her house was bordering Kotla another locality inhabited by people of lessor income. Then there were also wealthy people in South Extension Part 1. Sayani was also on the lookout for a Personal Assistant. In a few days her prayers to Lord Krishna for good staff were answered. Kamlesh a mother of four children residing in Kotla approached Sayani. She was a fair , slim lady with a pleasant face in her early 40s.  “I know all vegetarian cooking Maaji “, said Kamlesh. “I am going to get very busy helping children and their parents around this locality. You’ll have to cook for a crowd. it will be hard work, “said Sayani. “Your timings will be from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. Do you know anyone not too young for the post of personal assistant?”

“Yes, there is an elderly man around 47 years residing in Kotla. He is in search of a job, but he is slightly deaf. His name is Parvez Ahmed “.

“Tell him to visit me in the evening “.

This way grandmother Sayani selected her team. Parvez agreed to spread in the neighbourhood Grandma Sayani’s readiness to solve their problems.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

“There is an 8 yr old boy who regularly sits near a small tea vendor. He is addicted to drugs and keeps sniffing some powder from a piece of cloth. His mother and married sister no longer care for him. That child needs urgent help,”Parvez told Sayani. Saying “lets meet him , “Sayani and Parvez went in search of the boy. They spotted him sitting near the tea vendor. “Whats your name dear boy,”asked grandmother Sayani lovingly. Most people only called him a good for nothing boy. Generally, people avoided him and also addressed him with dirty names. “Who are you,”the boy asked sullenly.

“I’m like your grandmother and live nearby. Won’t you come with me to my house?”Getting up the boy followed them to Sayani’s house. On reaching there he was amazed that he was invited inside. No one else in the colony had ever allowed him to enter their house. “What is that cloth you keep sniffing. I could make it smell like a pastry.”Saying this she grabbed the child’s hanky and muttering magic words returned the same to the boy. He pressed the hanky to his nose and instead of the drug smelt the scent of a pastry. Wild with anger he rushed out and picking up a big stone threw it at the glass pane of the window shattering it. Then screaming and crying he ran away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

Parvez revealed to Sayani one day that a young boy Ram who worked as a body guard was in serious trouble. On his visit to his village in Bihar a month back he had brought three boys in the age group of 10 to 12 years for employment. Their parents were in debt to the money lenders, so they wanted to earn and clear their debts. However they were too small and were not getting any work. Ram was not being able to meet the expenses of food and lodging of the three children.

In the meantime, Sayani and Parvez would visit the tea stall to meet the boy who took drugs. Scared of the repercussion of his smashing the window pane he had disappeared. After three days when they repeated their visit to the tea stall he was sitting in his usual place near the stall. Seeing them the frightened child began to run. Parvez followed, overtook him and Sayani went up to them. “Don’t be afraid dear child, we only want to be friends with you. You didn’t tell your name last time.”Sayani said this lovingly stroking his hair. The boy burst into tears, overwhelmed by such affection. Silently the three of them walked towards Grandma Sayani’s house.

“Kamlesh bring a glass of warm milk and make some pakoras and cucumber sandwich afterwards.”“Yes grandma,”answered Kamlesh getting busy with the preparation. “What’s your name son?”Sayani asked the child.  “Manoj,”answered the small boy.

“Ram will be bringing the three children in an hours’ time,”Parvez informed Grandma. Kamlesh came with the milk and handed it to Sayani. Muttering some words under her breadth Grandma Sayani offered the glass of milk to Manoj. At first Manoj refused to have it but after some persuasion he drank it. The glass of milk had been transformed into hate drugs drink by Grandma. Next Kamlesh brought the snacks. Feeling very hungry all of a sudden Manoj ate the pakoras and sandwich with relish. Parvez and Kamlesh had been let into the secret that Sayani belonged to FWL and both had taken a vow not to reveal this to anyone else at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

A very scared Ram and tired looking three children entered Grandma’s house. The warm welcome they got brought smiles on their faces. Grandma hugged all four of them. Saying, “I’ll prepare the snacks,”Kamlesh hurried towards the kitchen. The three children and Manoj were busy making necessary introductions. Umesh was ten years old, Neeraj and Anurag twelve years. Grandma invited Umesh, Neeraj and Anurag to stay with her. Kamlesh brought the pakoras and sandwiches and tea for all of them. However, Grandma imposed the condition that all the children would have to study under Parvez. Every month she would send some money to their parents. Finally, when Grandma was satisfied with their performance in studies they would return to their parents and continue their studies in Government schools. “Won’t you also live and study here in my house,”Sayani asked Manoj. Touching grandma’s feet with respect he agreed. “Don’t you all agree that there should be grandparents in every home?”Parvez asked the children. In unison they all said “yes “.

Parvez went to purchase mattresses, pillows and bed sheets for the children. Grandma’s activities were becoming known in the neighbourhood. People began visiting her to find solutions for their problems. From children, to the young and elderly they all flocked to Grand Mother’s House. One day Kamlesh narrated to Grandma the ill treatment of an old woman Suchitra by her brother and sister in law. Suchitra was around seventy five years old. Though she was the actual owner of a house, her brother had colluded with a builder and grabbed the whole property giving a small room on the ground floor without any furniture to Suchitra. She had to prepare her own meals and received no help from her brother and sister in law. In spite of so much neglect though Suchitra had all the title deeds of the property her love for her brother was so great that she did not want to prosecute him and his wife. Her only desire was to join her Guru in his Ashram at Haridwar. Grandma told Parvez to buy some clothes for Suchitra and leave her at the Ashram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

Umesh, Neeraj, Anurag and Manoj had settled down happily in their new surroundings. Grandma had opened their eyes to a wonderful land of education and productive horizons. They had begun to focus on higher and more fruitful aims in life. Sensing the need of ambitious decisions, they put themselves under the instructions and teachings of Parvez. Besides studies they also helped Kamlesh in cleaning the utensils and in the evening would play in the lawns of the nearby tomb with other children of the neighbourhood. Having made many young friends, they also invited them to take tuition from their uncle and Guru Parvez. Grandma’s house had become a big attraction for children. Kamlesh would make tasty snacks for them and often they would assist in their preparation. Grandma would narrate stories and historical events to the great fascination of children covering all ages. Moreover Grandma would not forget to guide them about high morals and values and respect for their parents, elders and grandparents. Children would realize that spending time with their own grandparents also led both to gaining knowledge, wisdom and enormous love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6

Grandma received a letter from Suchitra that she was very happy at Haridwar. Guruji took great care of all who had taken shelter at the Ashram. She wold be paying Grandma a visit to thank her and would also stay for some time with her.

One day a young boy aged 8 years came crying to Grandma with a peculiar problem. His face was bent to the left side of his neck and jammed to that side. A fight with his elder brother had resulted in this and if the angle of his face had received more force the child might have died. His name was Vijender and Narendra was the culprit brother.  They lived in Kotla. “Get some bricks from the construction site and buy a thick rope from one of the shops nearby “, ordered Grandma Sayani.”Kamlesh place the folding bed in the hall “.

Vijender was made to lie on the bed with his head on its middle edge and the bricks were hung below from his neck. Gently holding his head Grandma Sayani spoke some magic words. “Let’s visit Narendra “, Grandma told Parvez. On locating the house at Kotla they discovered the two storeyed house in a very dilapidated condition requiring repair very badly. It consisted of a joint family. Narendra and Vijendra lived with their grandmother, aunt and her children on the first floor. Narendra and Vijendras father had expired and their mother had remarried and left them. “Narendra is not at home, is there any message for him ? Has he done something wrong “? Asked their grandmother

“Can you send him at this address? We have a present for him “, said Grandma Sayani. “Present? No one has given a present to these naughty boys People either abuse them or beat them. Both are incurable “. “Please tell Narendra to visit us. We don’t abuse or beat children. Giving love and understanding cures most children “,  Saying this Grandma Sayani and Parvez left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

In Grandmas house Vijender was the centre of attraction. Forgetting his injury, he was providing great entertainment to Umesh, Neeraj, Anurag and Manoj. “There are huge rats in my house “, he said. “I’m not scared of them. My uncle owns a rickshaw. Even I know how to carry passengers in it, but my uncle does not permit me “, Vijender bragged. “My elder brother Narender is jealous of me. He lost the game of marbles, so he injured my neck “.

“Now, now children, you should learn to love and respect each other. When Narender joins us, I will tell you all our history written in our religious book Ramayana. It will teach you many things “, said Grandma Sayani.

Narendra was very puzzled. No one had ever given him any gift. He had injured Vijender very badly so why should anyone present him any gift? However, the temptation of getting a gift was too great   So he went in search of Grandma Sayanis house. As he entered Grandmas house he could hear happy sounds of children conversing with each other. Vijendar was lying on a bed with weights tied to his neck. An elderly lady with a sweet smile welcomed him. “Are you Narendra? “, she asked lovingly. “I am Grandma Sayani. I was waiting for you to come so that everyone over here would learn our history. You are the reason of this gift. I will narrate it to all the children, so they can share it with you. “Kamlesh was ready with a plate of sandwiches for Narendra.

As the children gathered around her she began to narrate the Ramayana to them. “The gift of imparting knowledge of principles and values is invaluable. The Ramayana enshrines the path of performance of ideal relationships as a father, husband, mother, wife, son, daughter, children, teacher and ruler. The pattern of correct and moral social etiquette is enshrined in it. A pattern which guides people century after century and is eternal in character.”

“King Dashratha was ruler of Ayodhya. He had three wives Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. Kaushalaya was the mother of Lord Ram the seventh Avtaar of Lord Vishnu. Bharat was the son of Kaikeyi and Sumitras twin sons were Laxman and Shatrughan.”

“After Lord Ram married Sita King Dashrath decided to coronate Lord Ram as king. Ayodhya was brimming with happiness at the royal announcement that Lord Ram will be king. Bharat had gone to visit his maternal grandfather with Shatrughan. While everyone was rejoicing, Manthra , Queen Kaikayis maid was having evil thoughts. She poisoned Kaikayis mind against Lord Ram becoming the future king. She reminded the Queen of the two boons King Dashrath had promised her when she had saved the Kings life in battle. The time was ripe for the king to grant them. Coronate Bharat as the king and exile Lord Ram for fourteen years. These were the two boons which Kaikaiyee demanded from Dashrath. Inspite of tremendous persuasion by King Dashratha, Kaikayee refused to change her mind. Lord Ram dutifully obeyed his heartbroken father and Sita and Lakshman decided to go into exile with Lord Ram.

As soon as Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman departed for the forest King Dashrath passed away not being able to bear the loss. When Bharat and Shatrughan returned to Ayodhya they were horrified at what Kaikayi and Manthra had done. Bharat strongly reprimanded both and the whole family and subjects of Ayodhya went in search of Lord Ram to persuade him to return to Ayodhya and rule as king. However, Lord Ram upheld the word he had given to his father. Refusing to become king in place of his revered brother Ram, Bharat took his sandals to place on the throne. He further vowed that in Lord Rams absence he would also not enjoy royal life and act as caretaker from the forest outside Ayodhya “.

Everyone listened to Grandma Sayani with rapt attention Addressing Narendra and Vijendra she said “see the love Which Lord Ram and his brothers shared. You should follow their example.”

“Vijender is always making fun of me and showing off that he is smarter“, complained Narendra. “God blesses everyone with some speciality. No one is perfect. There must be certain qualities in you superior to those of Vijender. Learn to discover your abilities and sharpen them. You will feel confident and proud of yourself. Learn to forgive Vijenders antics as he is your younger brother. And you Vijender learn to respect Narender. He is your elder brother. Never be over confident. As the saying goes – pride comes before fall “.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

Suchitra arrived from Haridwar to spend some time with Grandma Sayani. All the children touched her feet with respect. They were very excited that another Grandma had also arrived, and she would have so many tales to tell. “How is the life at the Ashram Grandma Suchitra “, some asked. “Tell us about Haridwar “, other voices could be heard inquiring. They gathered around Grandma Suchitra wanting to hear every word she spoke. Smiling lovingly at all she spoke, “First I will tell you of the four stages of life in Hinduism and you will learn why I am staying at Guruji’s Ashram. They are first Brahmcharya Ashram which means life as a student like all of you children. Next is Grihastha Ashram consisting of married life with family. This is similar to the stage of your parents. When parents become aged there is Vanprasth Ashram i.e., Retired life and finally Sanyaas Ashram when one renounces all worldly pleasures and lives with complete detachment. I am passing the last phase and feel the best spot is Guruji’s Ashram at Haridwar. The holy Ganga flows by the side of our Ashram. The sunrise and sunset leaves one speechless with joy. So much peace and a feeling of positivity and divine beauty before which I fold my hands and pray to the Sun and holy Ganga and the Gods. As the sunrise begins I dip in the holy river letting out a squeal at the touch of the freezing water. Guruji has got constructed dairy, clean toilets where I bathe and later go to the kitchen for my breakfast. The Ashram has various dormitories. Some for prayers, some for recreation with TV, libraries and work centre. Just as Lord Krishna has given devotees freedom in the Holy Gita on the manner we want to pray, Guruji permits us to determine what all we want to do. I first go to the prayer hall and pray before all the Holy Idols. Then I go and Watch Doordarshan on TV. Next, I go to the kitchen to help in the preparation of lunch. Around 3 pm I go to the work centre. There I help in stitching shirts, pants and sweaters for our brave and sacrificing Jawans “. Everyone was so impressed that many youngsters wanted to enrol themselves with Guruji at the Ashram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

As Vijinder’s treatment would take some time, Grandma Sayani, along with Grandma Suchitra and Parvez went to pay a visit to Narinder, Vijinders grandmother. “Now what have they done “? she enquired with extreme wrath. “Nothing, really nothing!” Grandma Sayani replied. “Remember how naughty Lord Krishna was as a child. Children go astray when they get no love and compassion. Love is the greatest teacher and healer. I’ll send ration to you every month and Parvez will educate Narendra and Vijender at my house. Many children including adults are taking lessons from him. I am certain both will learn a lot “.

Manoj, Umesh, Neeraj, Anurag , Narendra and some other children were going shopping with Parvez to Sarojini Nagar market. They were very excited as they would buy new clothes and eat chaat for lunch. Vijender was upset as he could not join them. It would take a few more days for him to recover. “Sarojini Nagar market is always so crowded,” observed Parvez when he and the children reached there. As they made their way through the crowd they were amazed to see an extremely aged frail lady sitting on the ground with a confused look on her face. Nobody seemed to be bothered about her. “Which heartless person could have left her there in so much heat,” the children asked Parvez. Their thoughts were now focussed only on the old lady and they totally forgot their shopping. “Let’s take this old grandma to grandma Sayani. With her permission we will all take care of her “, they said in unison.

Parvez approached the Policemen who were on duty in the crowded market place. “Someone has left a very aged lady in the market place. That person must be very cruel to commit such an act with a helpless lady. Please Sir you can keep my visiting card and give me and my children permission to take her to Grandma Sayani’s house. I promise we will take good care of her and shoulder all her responsibility lovingly “.

“You seem to be very kind-hearted sir. We’ll keep the card in case anyone inquires and visit Grandma Sayani’s house to see that proper care is being taken of this extremely aged lady “. Saying this the young Policeman allowed Parvez and the children to carry the aged lady with them to Grandma Sayani’s house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 10

Grandma Sayani welcomed the old lady with her loving smile and folded hands. Surrounded by so many people the elderly lady looked very bewildered. Everyone young and old wanted to bring a smile on her face. As she did not speak it was decided to call her Grandma Radha. Grandma Sayani had asked Dr Rohtash to see Grandma Radha and suggest necessary blood tests. Kamlesh brought warm milk. “Let Grandma Radha rest. It’s been a hectic day for her “, said Grandma Sayani.

“I’ll take you to the bus stop tomorrow morning Grandma Suchitra “, She was returning to Guruji’s Ashram at Haridwar. The children had learnt so much from her about family relationships especially Narendra and Vijendra. They all would miss her.

The next day after Grandma Suchitra boarded the bus for Haridwar Parvez seated himself in a three-wheeler. On the way he saw a three-year-old child running along the road bare foot and crying. He immediately asked the driver to stop the vehicle and gently picked up the child. He looked around but could not spot the child’s parents. Going to the nearest Police Station he lodged a complaint that the child had been abandoned. Leaving his own particulars with them he decided to take the child to Grandma Sayani’s house.  As Parvez entered Grandma Sayani’s house with the child everyone was excited to see him. As always there was no dirth of love and all newcomers were welcomed warmly. Kamlesh had already rushed to the kitchen to serve warm milk to the child. Now the child was smiling, and the rest were taking turns in holding him. It was decided to call the child Gopal. Grandma Sayani told Parvez to slowly teach him the alphabet after which Gopal would be sent to a play school.

Lord Krishna kept sending new challenges to Grandma Sayani who was always prepared to accept them lovingly and make them a success with full devotion and respect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11

Mother Sayani observed that the attitude of a great portion of the public demonstrated extreme hostility to street dogs. In fact, street dogs followed a very disciplined life. They were very possessive of their territory and only fought with other dogs who encroached in their zone. It was only mankind’s fault to destroy forests and open land with so much construction. Love for animals also fell in the agenda of her teachings.

In the early morning hours, the children in Grandma Sayani’s house would prepare food in a number of bowls for the street dogs. They would mix curd, milk, water and pieces of chapatti. Evening time they would mix warmed eggs and bread sprinkled with cheese. In Grandma Sayanis house respect for animals was taught along with respect for people. They were taught to maintain dignity of all big and small.

Injured dogs would often take shelter in Grandma’s house and vets would come, treat and cure them. As the neighbouring Kotla contained many dairies Kamlesh would keep bananas, chapatis and vegetable scrapings ready for cows and calves. A container of water was always kept at the gate. Everyone was taught to worship the cow. The cow gives milk like a mother, its urine cures many ailments , cow dung is an excellent fertiliser. Very naturally it deserves to be worshipped.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue

Friends the incidents related in this eBook are real incidents. I faced them when I ran an NGO for about ten years. Unfortunately due to my depression, lack of funds and absence of magical powers I was not so successful in giving happy endings

Probably it’s a dilemma all over the world not to protect the dignity and respect of the have nots. Genuine compassion is lacking towards the weaker section of society. The ego of well to do people makes them forget that their luck is God given. Kindness does not require great effort. Like distributing sweets, biscuits or bananas to roadside beggars while travelling. One can do this sometimes at least. It carries with it the feeling of caring for strangers. Giving a bit of tuition to the children of one’s staff. Dealing with all in a loving manner.  During festivals spending a tiny bit on the poor. There are so many ways one can contribute to the happiness of less fortunate. Small good deeds can be made a habit. In return the happiness one experiences is beyond every luxury one desires or has.

I speak from personal experience. Due to depression most of my life I was not successful in my career as a lawyer. However, God blessed me with a large heart and in small ways I helped a lot of people. Social work has always been my passion. When in my late fifties I got cured of depression with all my failures I had the satisfaction of having served so many people in small ways. I truly feel the luckiest and happiest person on earth.