Horegallu – Sudha Murty
- Horegallu means a stone that can bear weight. It is a large flat stone placed horizontally over two vertical stones, forming a bench.
- In Sudha Murty’s village, a horegallu was placed under a large banyan tree, where travellers could rest, drink water, and chat before continuing their journey.
- The horegallu also holds special memories for the author because her grandfather, a retired schoolteacher, would sit there and talk to people resting under the tree.
- Travellers, tired from work or long walks, would refresh themselves, talk about their problems, and feel rejuvenated by the grandfather’s presence.
- The horegallu represents taking a break to regain strength, symbolising that everyone needs rest to carry their burdens.
- Later in life, Sudha Murty meets Ratna, a senior clerk in Bombay, who listens to her colleagues’ troubles patiently during lunch hours without giving solutions.
- Ratna’s approach mirrors the grandfather’s: listening attentively without judgment helps people feel relieved and regain strength to face their problems.
- Ratna never betrays the confidence of anyone, showing trustworthiness and empathy.
- Both the grandfather and Ratna performed social service in simple ways, giving joy to others without expecting recognition.
- The author reflects that horegallus (places or people that help others regain strength) are essential and wishes there were more of them in the world.
- Key themes: Kindness, empathy, social service, rejuvenation, and the importance of small acts of care.