THE THREAD OF SURVIVAL AND BONDING

Moments from citizenship orientation programme for subordinate staff from State Bank of Indore

The fields and the nearby bushes were the grazing areas for the cattle which were monitored by an eighteen year old boy, Bhavar Singh Khakodia and his friend Abdul. It was part of their daily routine, which helped their families to earn their livelihood.

Suddenly Abdul felt a sharp pain in his feet, followed by a severe burning sensation and giddiness. Bhavar examined his feet and couldn’t make much out of it. But the next moment he saw a snake not too long, creeping into the bushes.

His friend was bitten by a snake and Bhavar had to do something immediately to stop the poison from spreading to his legs.

As is common in the villages, Bhavar was wearing pajamas. The next moment as it occurred to him, he pulled out the thick thread that holds the pajamas around the waist and tied it to the feet of Abdul to prevent the snake’s poison from spreading further.

He ran to the village for help and saved Abdul.

As on date, Bhavar is working as a messenger with State Bank of Indore at Shamgarh branch and is twenty six years old.

Since then, the two families have developed strong bonds between them and though belonging to different communities they celebrate each other’s festival together as if they were their own.

CONTRIBUTED BY HARINA, STATE BANK LEARNING CENTER, INDORE