Horegallu Lesson Summary

Introduction

Horegallu is a short story that starts with a stone bench and concludes with a powerful lesson. It is straightforward, endearing, and stimulating. Written by Sudha Murthy, the story is small and easy but at the same time, serves a great moral lesson to the readers. The short story throws light upon the "burdens" that are present in the life of a common man and how sitting and sharing worries for a second and taking a break can actually bring hope and positivity in the lives of the people.

Summary

Sudha Murthy's 'Horegallu' is an anecdote. The origin of this impactful story is from The Old Man and His God: Exploring India's Spirit. The narrator remembers spending the summers of her early years in a little town where she was near her grandparents. In the village where she stayed, there was a huge banyan tree that provided shelter and comfort to the people who used to pass by. There was a "horegallu" for the convenience of the travelers under the banyan tree. Translated, "Horegallu" basically refers to "a stone that can support weight." The "horegallu" was a stone bench where people would sit, chat and share travel-related information. Nearby the "horegallu" was an earthen pot as well which provided the travelers with cool drinking water to ease their travel.

Murthy talks about how her grandfather used to relax under that banyan tree, and the word "horegallu" brings back all those beautiful memories of her childhood. Her grandfather had many years of experience as a teacher. He used to sit with the villagers and have a soulful conversation with them about their "burdens". The word "Burdens" actually serves as a metaphor in the story for trivial concerns, everyday tensions, and worries of a common man. He was affectionately referred to as "Masterji" by the people of the village who used to meet him. After discussing their "burdens" with the author's grandfather, the people of the village felt a sense of relief and rejuvenation.

These farmers and other people of the village continued their travels with their "burdens" after sharing them with someone who helped them carrying a pleasant and upbeat demeanor. As a child, the narrator could not comprehend why he listened to their "burdens." Her grandfather explained to her that "horegallu" is necessary since everyone carries their own burdens as well as struggles. People will benefit if they share their "burdens" with others. They will recharge by cooperating. "It (Horegallu) helps people regain their strength," he explained to the author.

Many years later, Murthy again comes in contact with a person who is actually similar to her grandfather. It was one of the narrator's co-workers at the company where she worked, named Ratna. She believed that Ratna had qualities that were very similar to her grandfather. They both played "human horegallus" in the story. Ratna was a middle-aged senior clerk who was always smiling her heart out and had great energy. She was well-educated and she had worked for the company for approximately 25 years. She had empathy for others and was a very sweet and thoughtful person. She paid close attention as other people discussed their "problems."

She exuded an "infectious cheerfulness" that made her co-workers happy. Ratna listened to each person's "problems" during the lunch break. The narrator talks about how Ratna was to handle the "problems" that other people were dealing with. To this doubt of the narrator, Ratna said thatshe only heard about their "problems." She could not resolve anyone's issues. They had no choice but to deal with their problems on their own. Ratna provided them comfort and refreshment by hearing their troubles with sympathy and without judgment. She, therefore, assisted them in reducing their obligations. The narrator questioned whether Ratna violated these people's confidence by disclosing their "troubles" to others. To this thought, she responded appallingly, saying she was not expecting such a terrible thing. It was a "greater" sin in her eyes. In addition, she claimed that only those who trusted her would confide in her about their problems. At least temporarily, this kind act of listening to people talk about their everyday struggles helped them feel less burdened and gave them relief and inspiration.

According to the narrator, her grandfather and Ratna showed selflessness and generosity. They were not behaving in this way to gain attention or incentives. Instead, they experienced "joy" after becoming "human horegallus." Thus, the term "horegallu" denoted a sympathetic, patient, and non-judgemental listener who is kind, attentive, and pure-hearted and listened to others' issues and concerns without judging them or sharing their secrets with others. This attentive listener was supposed to a happy person with a positive outlook on life. Then and only then could they offer comfort and help people feel less worried about the "burdens" in their lives. The narrator wished that people would acquire such "human horegallus" so that each person may have the opportunity to lessen their "burdens."

Conclusion:

The story delivers a very important message for the reader that everyone carries their loads the best they can, given their circumstances and capabilities. However, they sometimes must take a break to put their worries aside and relax. The narrator's grandfather and her colleague Ratna were the kinds of people who helped others merely by listening to them without asking anything in return. Both of them contributed significantly to society in their unique ways. They kept doing their kind work of being a good listener since these deeds of kindness made them happy, although no one usually thinks about praising or rewarding them for their work.

A good listener needs to be compassionate and patient. He should also avoid passing judgment. Nobody can resolve another person's issues. The act of sharing itself may help the person gain some understanding of the issue. Most importantly, a good listener needs to be dependable. They should not betray the other person's trust. More horegallus are increasingly needed in the modern world. This is relevant in a world where individuals are becoming more self-centered. In her conclusion, Sudha Murty expresses her wish for many more living horegallus on this planet, like her grandfather and Ratna.