<Question 1. “Horegallu is a symbol of support and kindness in human life.” Discuss.
(Meaning of horegallu – stone bench under banyan tree – resting place for travellers – cool water for refreshment – travellers sharing worries – grandfather’s role – emotional support – symbolic meaning of horegallu – message of kindness and empathy)
Sudha Murty’s Horegallu presents the simple image of a stone bench as a powerful symbol of support, kindness and empathy. The word horegallu literally means “a stone that can bear weight.” It was a large flat stone placed horizontally over two vertical stones, forming a bench under the shade of a banyan tree.
In the village, the horegallu served as a resting place for travellers. People who walked long distances carrying heavy loads on their heads would stop there to take a break. They would sit on the stone bench, relax for some time, drink cool water kept in earthen pots nearby and regain their energy before continuing their journey. The horegallu helped them refresh both their body and mind.
The horegallu was also a place where people shared their thoughts and worries. The tired villagers who came there spoke about their difficulties, family problems and struggles in life. The author’s grandfather, a retired schoolteacher, used to sit near the horegallu and listen to these people patiently. He could not solve their problems, but his kind words and sympathetic listening gave them comfort and confidence. After sharing their worries with him, they felt lighter and were able to continue their journey.
The author later understood that the horegallu was not just a stone bench. It represented the importance of having someone who listens to us and supports us during difficult times. Just as the stone bench carries the physical burdens of travellers, kind-hearted people carry the emotional burdens of others by offering support and understanding.
Through the horegallu, Sudha Murty gives the message that every person faces difficulties in life and needs moments of rest and encouragement. Acts of kindness, patience and empathy can give people the strength to overcome their struggles. Thus, the horegallu becomes a lasting symbol of human compassion and selfless service.
2. How do the grandfather and Ratna act as human horegallus in the lives of others?
(Grandfather – retired schoolteacher – sitting under the banyan tree – villagers resting after hard work – listening to their problems – giving comfort – Ratna – senior clerk in Mumbai – listening to colleagues during lunch hours – keeping secrets confidential – reducing others’ burdens – kindness and social service)
In Sudha Murty’s Horegallu, the author presents her grandfather and Ratna as human horegallus because they support people by listening to their problems and reducing their emotional burdens. Just as a horegallu provides rest to tired travellers carrying physical loads, these two people provide comfort to those carrying the difficulties of life.
The author’s grandfather was a retired schoolteacher who spent many hours sitting under the banyan tree near the horegallu in the village. The villagers who worked in the nearby fields often travelled long distances carrying heavy loads on their heads. They would stop at the horegallu to rest, drink cool water and refresh themselves. During this time, they would talk to the grandfather about their daily struggles and worries.
The grandfather listened to their problems patiently. The villagers spoke about difficulties such as the extreme heat, heavy burdens, family problems and other challenges in their lives. Although he could not solve their problems, his kind words and sympathetic attitude gave them relief. After sharing their worries with him, they felt refreshed and gained the strength to continue their journey.
Later in life, the author met another person who reminded her of her grandfather. Her colleague Ratna, a senior clerk in a Mumbai office, acted like a human horegallu for many people around her. Every day during lunch hours, she spent time talking with her colleagues. Many of them shared their personal problems and worries with her.
Ratna did not try to give solutions or advice. She simply listened to them with sympathy and without judgement. She believed that when people get a chance to express their worries to a trustworthy person, half of their burden becomes lighter. She also respected their privacy and never revealed their secrets to others.
Both the grandfather and Ratna performed a great social service in their own simple ways. They did not have wealth or power, but they helped people through kindness, patience and understanding. Like the horegallu that supports tired travellers, they supported people who were struggling with the burdens of life.
Thus, the grandfather and Ratna are true human horegallus because they gave emotional strength and comfort to others, helping them continue their journeys with renewed confidence.
3. Explain the significance of the statement, “We all carry our burdens according to our situations and capacities. But every once in a while, we need to stop, put down that burden and rest.”
(Hints:Meaning of burden – physical and emotional struggles – need for rest and support – role of horegallu in travellers’ lives – problems shared with grandfather and Ratna – importance of listening and empathy )
The statement from Sudha Murty’s Horegallu expresses the important idea that every person has different kinds of burdens in life. These burdens are not always physical. They also include emotional struggles such as worries, fears, responsibilities, problems and difficulties that people face in their personal and social lives.
The author’s grandfather explains this idea through the example of the horegallu. A horegallu is a stone bench placed under a banyan tree where tired travellers could sit and rest. The travellers who walked long distances carrying heavy loads on their heads would stop there, put down their burdens, drink cool water and regain their energy. After taking rest, they would continue their journey with renewed strength.
The statement also has a deeper symbolic meaning. Just as travellers need physical rest after carrying heavy loads, people need emotional support when they are struggling with problems in life. Everyone cannot carry their burdens continuously. At some point, they need someone who can listen to them and give them comfort.
In the story, the villagers who rested at the horegallu shared their worries with the author’s grandfather. He was a retired schoolteacher who patiently listened to their problems. Though he could not solve their difficulties, his understanding and kind words gave them relief. Sharing their worries made them feel lighter and helped them continue their lives with confidence.
The same quality is seen in Ratna, the author’s colleague in Mumbai. During lunch hours, many people shared their personal problems with her. Ratna did not try to solve their problems; she simply listened with sympathy and without judgement. She believed that expressing worries to a trustworthy person reduces half of the burden. She also respected their privacy and never shared their secrets.
Through the examples of the horegallu, the grandfather and Ratna, Sudha Murty shows the importance of listening, empathy and emotional support. A person does not always need advice or solutions; sometimes, a patient listener is enough to provide comfort and strength.
Thus, the statement teaches us that life is a journey where everyone carries different burdens. We all need moments of rest and people who support us during difficult times. Kindness and understanding can help others regain their strength and continue their journey with hope and confidence.>