There are three parts of story , these are :-
I. A Baker from Goa
Name of the writer – Lucio Rodrigues
II. Coorg
Name of the writer – Lokesh Abrol
III. Tea from Assam
Name of the writer – Arup Kumar Datta
I – A Baker from Goa
SUMMARY
The author reminisces about the traditional bakers, or padres, of Goa who still make bread using age-old techniques and furnaces. Despite the disappearance of the consumers of these loaves, the makers continue their craft. The author recalls the baker’s arrival in the morning, the jingling thud of his bamboo staff, and the delivery of loaves to the maid-servant. Children eagerly awaited the arrival of the baker to choose their favorite bread-bangles, even though they were scolded for interfering.
The author describes the unforgettable fragrance of the loaves and how children didn’t bother to brush their teeth after eating them. The author’s memories showcase how the bakers and their bread were an integral part of the Goa community and culture, bringing people together and providing a sense of familiarity and comfort. Despite modernization and changing tastes, these traditional bakers and their loaves continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Goas, reminding them of a simpler time and a cherished tradition.
The importance of the baker and his bread in the Goa community is emphasized in this passage. The author argues that no celebration, from weddings to festivals, is complete without the presence of bread, especially the sweet bread known as bol. The baker’s furnace is considered essential to the village. The author describes the traditional dress of the baker, the kabai, which was a long frock reaching down to the knees. Today, anyone wearing shorts that reach just below the knee is still compared to a baker.
In the past, monthly accounts were recorded in pencil on a wall, and baking was a profitable profession, evident in the happy and prosperous appearance of the baker, his family, and his servants. Even today, a person with a plump physique may be compared to a baker. The author’s memories highlight the important role of the baker in Goa society and how their bread has become an integral part of the cultural celebrations.
CONCLUSION
The author’s recollections of the traditional bakers, or padres, of Goa showcase their importance in the local community. Despite the disappearance of consumers of these loaves, the bakers continue to craft bread using age-old techniques and furnaces. The nostalgic memories of the author reflect how the baker and his bread were an integral part of the Goan culture, bringing people together and providing comfort. The author emphasizes the significance of the baker and his bread in the Goan community and argues that no celebration is complete without the presence of bread. The traditional dress of the baker, the kabai, and the monthly accounts recorded on a wall showcase the profitable nature of baking in the past. Even today, the plump physique of a person may be compared to a baker. The author’s memories illustrate how the bakers and their bread continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Goans, reminding them of a simpler time and a cherished tradition.
II – Coorg
SUMMARY
Coorg : The article describes Coorg, a district in Karnataka, India, located between Mysore and Mangalore. Coorg is home to evergreen rainforests, spices, and coffee plantations, covering 30% of the district. It is known for its perfect weather from September to March, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The article also describes the fiercely independent people of Coorg, who are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent, with distinct martial traditions, marriage, and religious rites. They have a tradition of hospitality, and the Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army. The Kaveri river, which obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg, is home to the Mahseer, a large freshwater fish. The region offers various adventure activities like river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Trekkers can enjoy numerous walking trails, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot birds, bees, butterflies, macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, slender loris, and elephants. Visitors can climb the Brahmagiri hills for a panoramic view of the misty landscape of Coorg and visit the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama by crossing the rope bridge. Additionally, visitors can run into Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement, Bylakuppe, dressed in red, ochre, and yellow robes. Coorg is a perfect destination for those searching for the heart and soul of India.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the article highlights the beautiful district of Coorg in Karnataka, India, known for its lush rainforests, coffee plantations, and spices. The district offers a pleasant climate from September to March, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Coorg is also known for its fiercely independent people, who have unique martial traditions and customs. The Kaveri river that flows through Coorg is home to the Mahseer, a large freshwater fish, and the region offers several adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and wildlife spotting. The Brahmagiri hills and Nisargadhama island are popular tourist spots, and visitors may also encounter Buddhist monks from the nearby settlement of Bylakuppe. Coorg is a perfect place for those seeking an authentic Indian experience.
III – Tea from Assam
SUMMARY
The story follows two boys, Pranjol and Rajvir, on a train journey through tea country in Assam, India. They stop to buy chai from a vendor and learn about the popularity of tea worldwide. As they continue on their journey, Rajvir admires the beautiful scenery, particularly the vast tea gardens. Pranjol, who was born and brought up on a plantation, is less impressed, but Rajvir is excited to learn more about tea and its history. He shares legends about tea, including the story of how tea was discovered in China and an Indian legend about tea plants growing out of an ascetic’s eyelids. When they reach their destination, Dhekiajuli Tea Estate, they are greeted by Pranjol’s parents. Rajvir impresses Pranjol’s father with his knowledge of tea and expresses his desire to learn more during his stay.
The story highlights the importance of tea in Indian culture and the significant role it plays in the economy of Assam, which has the largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. It also sheds light on the history of tea and the legends surrounding its discovery. The contrast between Rajvir’s enthusiasm and Pranjol’s nonchalance towards the tea gardens reflects the difference in their experiences and perspectives. The story ends with Rajvir’s eagerness to learn more about tea, suggesting that the journey has sparked his curiosity and a desire to explore the world of tea further.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the story “Tea Country” takes the readers on a train journey through the tea gardens of Assam, India, with two boys named Pranjol and Rajvir. Along the way, they stop to enjoy a cup of chai and learn about the popularity of tea worldwide. The story also explores the history of tea and its legends, as Rajvir shares tales of how tea was discovered in China and an Indian legend about tea plants growing out of an ascetic’s eyelids. As they reach Dhekiajuli Tea Estate, Rajvir impresses Pranjol’s father with his knowledge of tea and expresses his eagerness to learn more.
The story highlights the importance of tea in Indian culture and the significant role it plays in the economy of Assam. It also shows the difference in experiences and perspectives of the two boys, with Rajvir’s enthusiasm and Pranjol’s nonchalance towards the tea gardens. The journey sparks Rajvir’s curiosity and desire to explore more about the world of tea, providing a hopeful and positive ending to the story.
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