Two Souls One Mission
(expertise & vision coming together) Rural Adventure fiction
By Vaman Acharya
Surya was working as an agro scientist in Germany, returned to his ancestral place Shivanuru, now a deserted village. Most of the houses in the village were empty and dilapidated. Villagers were moved to different places in search of jobs. Everywhere there is a palpable silence. The water in the well is contaminated. A bad smell coming out of the well. The stray dogs were barking here and there. Surya met a few residents, who remained in the village. They revealed their different pathetic stories. One of them said he saw a leopard moving in the wee hours and he miraculously escaped. Surya was filled with sorrow. He resigned from his highly paid job. He had always dreamt of his village flourishing once again.
One day, Surya visited Devanuru village just one kilometres away from Shivanuru to gather information about the local market for his agro projects. At the village market, he accidentally bumped into a young woman, spilling her groceries on the ground. He expressed sorry and helped her to keep all the groceries in her bag. They introduced themselves. Her name was Jyoti, a skilled dairy farm manager who left her job in the city and came to Devanuru to look after her aged parents.
Surya shared his vision for Shivanuru village with Jyoti, mentioning his twenty five acres of barren land and lack of plan. Jyoti suggested setting up a dairy farm explaining her experience. She was ready to work with him and also prepare a project report for the twenty five cows unit and work out employment opportunities for rural youth.
Surya was impressed and agreed to explore the dairy farm idea and decided to discuss further.
A fortnight passed.
Jyoti informed Surya that the project report was ready. Surya and Jyoti met in her house and discussed.
“Jyoti, before finalising the project, let us meet Bharamappa, president of Gram Panchayat, Devanuru and Shivanuru.”
“Yes! Surya, he is a nice gentleman. He will help with all the work like registration, subsidised bank loan, labours and other issues.”
They met Bharamappa the following day in his home. He was happy to know about the dairy farming scheme and assured them to help. His younger brother Kashinath was a crooked fellow who tried to create obstacles for their dairy farm as he felt that his illegal income earned through money lending on exorbitant interest would be stopped. The villagers unitedly warned Kashinath not to come in the way of the dairy farm or face consequences. Bharamappa also told him to keep quiet.
One month passed.
One day Surya and Jyoti met in the Devanur Hanuman temple on the small platform beneath the tamarind tree and continued conversation with an intention to give the final shape of dairy farming.
“Surya, the first step is to understand the demand for dairy products in our area and about the competitors. Second, decide the size of our dairy farm. Third, choose the breed.”
“Jyoti, my friend Ramesh is a Veterinary medical officer, has told me that there is a good demand for dairy products here. Initially, I would like to purchase 25 jersey cows to start with.”
“Okay fine Surya. Your own land is best suited for a dairy farm. Then comes cattle grazing, housing and infrastructure, soil quality irrigation. Do not forget to take expert opinions on these issues.
“Yes Jyoti, I have already in mind to take the help of another friend Nagendra, who is an agricultural officer.”
“Then comes the shelter for all the cows to be constructed after consulting the dairy farm owners. Buy one van at present for transport of dairy products.Last but not the least, employment of skilled and unskilled labourers mostly from our Village. You have to see the funds management.”
“Jyoti, I have to approach the bank for a loan with the project report.”
They concluded the meeting with a positive hope.
Surya and Jyoti worked tirelessly for
one and half years. Their dream became a reality.
Everything was ready.
The dairy farm was inaugurated by Bharamappa. The business started from day one.The dairy farm business increased year after year. By-products of dairy farming such as manure, ghee, cheese, butter, yogurt, and icecream picked up the market. About one hundred fifty both skilled and unskilled workforce worked hard.
The years of hard work and dedication, the growth of the dairy farm was exemplary. Surya has appointed Jyoti as a managing director and he as a chairman.
This was a first step to transform into the progressive hub of prosperity. Still there is a long way to go.
The romance blossoms between Surya and Jyoti. Her parents, Bharamappa and villagers blessed the couple. Those who left the village started coming back gradually to settle in Shivanuru village with the hope of getting a job throughout the year.
Villagers recognise the great service of the duo named the dairy farm ‘Surya Jyoti dairy farm.’
With Jyoti’s expertise and Surya’s vision, the dairy farm became a huge success. Shivanuru developed along with Devanuru as a progressive twin village.
