Ask Kishore

Second Chance in Selim Hill has a curious feature that many old houses had. There are two entries to the toilet – one from within the house and one from outside. We find it quaint and use both these entries as additional balconies. Also, it is great fun when the boys and their friends indulge in a game of hide and seek. Originally, the second entry into the toilet was for the sweepers so that they never entered and soiled the house.

It is at such a juncture of confusing rules of entries and exits, that I met Kishore. His primary role is that of a sweeper at Selim Hill Tea Garden. I know you are surprised that I have the audacity to talk about his occupation in such an impolite manner. However, if you were to meet him, he would proudly tell you that that is his occupation. The man takes extreme pride in what he does.

Kishore is from Bihar and has settled on the hills. Where exactly does he live? I don’t know because you find him anywhere and everywhere in the Selim Hill - Kurseong region. He is the sweeper cum ward boy at the Kurseong Government Hospital. Quick on his feet, he seems to go from place to place following the path of ‘as the crow flies’.

The guy is fascinating. Working at the hospital, he has picked up the skill sets that a compounder has. In the village of Selim Hill, he checks people’s blood pressure, can give simple injections and helps get people admitted to the hospital through his connections. Well versed in Nepali and Hindi languages, he is friends with everyone. No one really cares what his caste is!

We need a plumber – ask Kishore. He can either fix it himself or he can arrange for a plumber. We need to get our chimneys swept – ask Kishore. He will either do it himself or organise someone to do it. Where last was the leopard spotted and whose dog did it pick up? Ask Kishore. He will know for sure. Is there a landslide somewhere? Which routes should be avoided and which one is safe to take? Yes, it is simple – Ask Kishore!

Always well dressed, he is no Mr Bechara. He does not want your pity or sympathy. He wears a golden coloured watch on his wrist. Neat, pressed clothes with a proper belt. Every morning, he greets us with a cheerful ‘Namaste’. On sunny days, he can be seen with his dark glasses. Yes, it is true that we should not judge a book by its cover but on the other hand, clothes maketh a man. Kishore knows he is indispensable to the hill community and wears his confidence with ease and humility.

Over a cup of Dorje Teas, I mulled over how important cleansing is – cleansing our houses, our conditioning, our behaviour and above all, our thoughts.

Write to me at Editor@Dorjeteas.com