“On my way around the Meenakshi temple today, I had the pleasure of meeting two lovely ladies. The one in the pink saree is kamakshi. She is 70 years old. When I asked for her name, she pointed towards the temple and said – she is Meenakshi and I am kamakshi. . . She has many interesting stories to tell but she needs a coffee to get started and a dosa to end. Trust me, they are worth it. She is a leper but shows no sign of slowing down. Her toothless smile is probably the best I have ever seen and made me realise- my problems are nothing. She asked me if I would meet her tomorrow. I smiled and said, if not me, somebody else would. She comes to the temple every two days after an arduous bus journey 30 kms away. . . The second is a 90 year old fiesty lady jothi ammal. She has been in madurai since the Britishers were the rulers. She claims to have seen Gandhi and also voted for him. She was 15 yrs old when she voted.(need to check that ) She is silent and needs a little sambhar rice to warm up but is she talkative! She used to rear cows in her young age. She told me tales of how there were 10000 trees in madurai and how she used to roam around alone. She again can be found around the temple. She appreciates if somebody sits with her while she is eating. Both the ladies have a sweet tooth despite the lack of actual teeth. . . So when are you making #twonewfriends like I did? If yes, add the tag and share their stories. Sometimes just talking to them makes them feel alive and they appreciate that you acknowledge them as fellow citizens of this planet. I am sure if the tables were turned , i would appreciate someone talking to me than just throwing money or food at me. Time and attention is what they seek. A coffee and a snack does help fulfill their hunger. . . Do share your stories of making such new friends. If you are in Madurai or plan to visit sometime soon, do go around the temple and meet them and donate them some clothes. Please share so that these lovely ladies can make many more friends.”

Submitted By: Siddarth Dudheria