[Points: The name of your village—communication with neighbouring places—population—poor farmers and villagers—facilities available natural beauty—ponds—narrow muddy lanes but picturesque general feeling among the population—unemployment—conclusion.]
I live at Shatpura, a small village in Burdwan District. The nearest town is Burdwan, some 25 k.m. away.
The small village is not connected by railways. It is, however, connected by bus service with Burdwan, Chandannagore and other nearby places. There are several katcha roads that wind up through the village. But the link road with the national highway is a metalled one. Our village is flanked by the national highway on the north and on the south we are having the Damodar, which is barely one k.m. from the heart of our village.
There is none amongst us who can be called rich; there are some jotedars, a couple of businessmen who are a bit better off than most of us. We have a few graduates, some of whom are school teachers in a nearby high school. Others travel by bus to Burdwan or Memari to earn their living. There is a post office, a charitable dispensary and a health centre nearby. The population of this village is around two thousand, including children. There are quite a few pucca buildings, all single storied. Rest are all katcha buildings, thatched or tiled.
Our village is really beautiful. In spring it appears just like an island in the midst of lush green sea. Vast green fields stretch from the outskirts of the village to the horizon except on the south where the river flows. However, during monsoon the village all ys become inaccessible. But as good rain brings good crops, the villagers, who are all cultivators, welcome heavy downpour during monsoon.
A gram-panchayet in our village looks after the interest of the villagers. There are also occasional 'jatras' to entertain us. Despite groupism, the villagers all feel for others and join hands to celebrate the Durga Puja every year. The chandimandap is the place where the old people assemble to spend time in idle gossip. There is also a primary school attended by some 45 kids. It sits in a thatched two storied house looked after by a benevolent jotedar.
The big pond around which our village stands is the only source of water. We use the pond for bathing, washing and even for drinking. The pond is surrounded by many palm and coconut trees. There is also a mango grove nearby.
All said, it must be admitted that the villagers who are mostly land cultivators are very poor and they lead a miserable life. It is only during the sowing and harvesting seasons that they can get two square meals a day. During the rest of the year they live in utter poverty. However, recently, the younger generations are getting engaged in small scale industries. It is gratifying to note that the local youths are busy doing some constructive works in the village.
I feel proud of my village when the crops around the village smile. It is all green at that time. The villagers may not be well off, but they are simple and honest. I love my village-it is the abode of peace.
