It has been just over three months now that we have begun our dabba service as a way to provide sheltered employment to individuals with developmental disabilities. It is a work in progress and we have a ways to go. Most importantly, the experiences that our team is sharing are necessary for us all: those with disabilities and those without.
Why, one may wonder are these experiences necessary? Because they remind us of what is real and what matters.
Aarti and I returned from the US two years ago. She has learned quickly to navigate the environment and often goes downstairs independently to wait for her ride or to walk over to Arpan. On the way, there is always a loud and clear “Good Morning!” to all and sundry – from the occasional lift man, the watchman at the gate, random drivers in the compound, the bhaji wallah and even Babban Kamble, the cobbler at the street corner.
A few weeks ago, as I was walking over to Arpan alone, Babban called me over:
“Sushama, ikde yeh jara…” Sushama come here for a second. Yes, he has known me from a very long time ago.
“Tula ek sangu?” Can I tell you something?
“Sang na.” Yes, sure. And I leaned over to listen to what he wanted to tell me. In my heart of hearts, I hoped it was not about borrowing some money. Truthfully.
“Tumhi sagli lok yethath, jathath; majha kade laksh nasta…” Loosely — All of you walk up and down (this street), you do not notice me at all….
“Tujhi mulgi maala kadhi visrat nahi. Nehmi maala tumchya Angrezi bhasheth hakmarthe.” Your daughter never ignores me. She always calls on me in your English language.
“Kiti manuski ahe!” Loosely, she has so much humanity.
When I go to Arpan, after a couple of hours of work elsewhere or a long journey back from Pune, I am greeted by Pratibha with a glass of water in hand and pushed into a chair. “Sit down and rest, you must be tired.”
The hugs are tight, the laughter is infectious and the respect and the caring are real. What can possibly be more important?