Unwavering Fighting Spirit

Sham Nadgonde

It was June 27th 1961. The day of marriage of my elder sister, we called her Tai. Our house was full of guests and preparations for the marriage were in full swing. The wedding ceremony was at 11.30 a.m.

Tai was the only bread earner in our family. I had just completed my matriculation and was studying 1st year B.Sc. Mornings I used to teach in a private school, getting Rs.60 per month. My other sister, who was older to me, had just finished her graduation and was in search of Job. In short, we were in very difficult condition, financially.

It was 9:00 a.m. in the morning, and we received a shocking information. Ration shop owner of our area refused to give us the sugar which normally was allowed for marriage ceremony. Those were the days of acute shortage of sugar and other food items. For requirements of extra supply of any food item you needed a special permit to be issued by local food control authorities.

Food inspector of our area had approved our application of requirement of 20 kg of sugar, but at eleventh hour refused to issue permit on flimsy grounds.

The Cook, engaged for preparing lunch for over a hundred guests, was asking for sugar to proceed with the preparation of sweets. We all were distressed and in deep thoughts as to what could be done. Sugar was not available in open market, and we didn’t have money to bribe the inspector, which he was expecting via the ration shop owner.

The information reached Tai, who was busy with the pre-marriage rituals. She had turmeric applied all over her body. Even the Saree, that she was wearing was fully sprinkled with turmeric. This was the traditional application of turmeric to all the family members. As soon as she heard the problem, she just got up from the rituals, washed her hands and face, and asked for the keys of her lady cycle. She still was looking yellow all over when she cycled out.

She reached the Food Controllers office, contacted the food officer In-charge and within an hour came back, and handed me over the permit of 20 kg of sugar.  We all were amazed and pleased to have problem solved and in time.

After 2 days when she came back home, my mother enquired as to how she succeeded in getting the permit so fast. She then narrated the entire event…

When she contacted the food officer and told him how the inspector refused the issue of permit in spite prior approval. Officer quietly heard and said, he will talk to his subordinate inspector and sort out the issue. My sister pleaded there is no time left for all these enquiries as the wedding is on our head just after two hours. At this, the officer got upset and said, nothing can be done right now and without contacting the inspector he cannot do anything.

At this, my sister said, as it is the marriage ceremony is impossible to be performed, and l don’t have face and courage to confront the guests of both sides. I will sit here right in front of your office, till you sort out the issue.

A young lady, in all yellow attire was scene in the premises of Collectorate. People were surprised and started enquiring about the matter. There was a great hustle and bustle in the ground. When Collector heard the noise, he personally came and asked my sister about the issue. He patiently heard everything and could sense the mischief of his staff. He immediately ordered the officer to issue the permit.

We all were stunned by the courage and conviction shown by our sister, and her taking the lead and jumping-in to solve the problem even on her wedding day. Afterward we came know that the inspector of our area was suspended and the officer reprimanded.

 

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