July 27th

Day 4: Unconditional Love

Anything We Do, We Do Together

Hello, my name is Jahnavi (or Jahu, as everyone calls me) and I am from New Jersey. I am 24 years old and am honored to have been a volunteer for the 2023 Giggling Geckos Camp. :)

The Mandir at Dawn

Jagadeesh Anna had asked Sweety and I to get a shot of Manmohan Uncle opening the gates of the Mandir. So this morning, at 5:27 AM, I patiently waited for Uncle at the steps of the Mandir and a few minutes later, he came and I followed behind him and set the camera tripod as Manmohan uncle unlocked the gate. It was beautiful seeing Baba at dawn just before the sunrise. He was glistening even without any light shining on him. As Uncle flipped a switch, the lights all suddenly turned on and the most beautiful shot of this moment was captured. Baba was glowing and it felt surreal and indescribable, all occurring in silence and peace.

Following Arati, we had a meeting with the Docuseries team as the Geckos were heading to breakfast. We received valuable feedback from Sruti Akka and she also mentioned to Jagadeesh anna what docu-series episodes can be completed now. Jagadeesh anna then told what other content he needed to be filmed now.

Haritachala’s Outdoor Gallery 

Ammagaru was not feeling well so we did not have storytime. The Geckos proceeded to continue painting. The progress was amazing and seeing their vision come to life was beautiful. Manmohan uncle had mentioned to some of the girls the significance of their paintings. Just like everything else in Harithachala, the paintings have a story. When others see them, they’ll recall the Geckos and the memories associated with the camp. It was an endearing thought and motivated me further to not only gain a positive experience from living in Haritachala, but to also leave a similar impact as I leave. In addition, I am constantly reminded how grateful I am for the uncles and the time the Geckos were painting was another one of those moments. Seeing their efforts to liven up GTR with their colorful art, the uncles brought everyone coconuts. Everyone relished in the fresh, cool coconut water, drinking two or three bondas. It was a much needed boost of energy and we were all so thankful!  

Washing Clothes (but also our worries away!)

As we finished our delicious lunch of chamadumpa pulusu, appadam, mudda pappu, and onion pachadi, the Geckos went on to wash their clothes as we went another day with a dysfunctional washing machine. Though initially, I worried how I would manage without a washing machine, but it was fun taking turns with Sweety and the aunties in our Himagiri room planning when we would wash our clothes. 

The Geckos washing their clothes truly was an unforgettable experience for us (me and Uday anna) and for them. Uday anna and I were shocked as to how well they were washing their clothes that we questioned whether they had done this before. It was hilarious and we obtained great content! Dharani, in particular, truly lived the struggle of carrying her freshly washed clothes to the clotheslines and drying them, and I enjoyed doing a mock interview with her. Later, as we sat in GTR filtering some videos, Akka joined us and told us a funny story about her Whatsapp conversations with a random Indian woman living abroad. The story since then has become a staple in our conversations and we would randomly reference it from time to time as our own little inside joke. 

Kho Kho!: Unleashing our Inner Athlete 

Akka went home and we went to the area near the community kitchen to play Kho Kho! It was so enjoyable and the star players were definitely Neelima aunty, Malini aunty, Sphurana, and Smaran. Their quick pace and alertness made them favorites when choosing players for teams and everyone would shout warnings any time they were on the field. Tanvi and I stood shoulder-to-shoulder, our eyes darting back and forth at the runner and the opposing chaser,  mentally guiding our teammate to victory.

Our tired bodies then took baths and headed for arati and dinner. We had my favorite, pretty beetroot idlis, and the Geckos’ personal favorite, cold perugu annam, for dinner and we all ate to our heart’s content, joking around with Akka, each other, and the aunties and uncles. 

Blessed Are Those Who Care Unconditionally

We concluded with the Gratitude Circle and we were particularly touched by something Manmohan uncle said. He expressed how comfortable he felt with the Geckos and they in turn are also comfortable with him and don’t hesitate to ask for anything they need. It exemplifies the trust everyone has in each other, that they can ask for what they want without feeling as though it would be a burden. We also discussed how Gurubandhus try to do everything to perfection. Manmohan uncle, despite taking care of the tasks in the Mandir everyday, puts in the same shraddha and efforts in drying the stage Baba sits upon, giving Arati, managing the farm duties, overseeing the staff, and so much more.

We see the aunties every day asking Ammagaru how to cook each dish to perfection, the way she cooks it, and working in the heat of the outdoor community kitchen; the food is so delicious only because of their tireless efforts. We see Uday anna on the run, constantly searching for the perfect moments to capture our heartfelt smiles and sweet moments to send to our loved ones. We see the uncles ready to go at a moment’s notice out to the stores for anything anyone needs, whether it’s medicine, coconut water, vegetables, or paint. Everyone does everything out of their love for Baba and Guruji and that’s what makes it beautiful. We don’t do things expecting something in return; we do them because it’s our Saipatham gurubandhu.