'Bookish' by Ruta

I first read this book, when I was in std 8th. And have read it many a times, since then, gifted a few copies. Every time I read this book, my eyes tear up.

I am writing about a Marathi book, Ek Hota Carver.  (A man called Carver) By Veena Gavankar.

An African American boy born in 1864. His mother, Mary, was a slave with Carver family. Luckily Moses Carver and his wife Suzan were kind and treated Mary, her elder daughter and two sons well. Jim was healthy, could do hard work, after all ‘Slaves were meant to do that.’ But the younger one, just two months old, was very fragile and would cough throughout. One dark night, Mary was kidnapped by a Gang which sold the Slaves. Mary’s daughter was killed and Jim barely survived. Mary’s youngest son , who had 'no name' that time was bartered for a piece of land and a horse. Moses and Suzan got the child home, but Mary disappeared forever. Suzan’s love and nursing got the child back to health. He was Mary’s Son. Mary’s Son was more interested in plants, flowers, helping Suzan in the kitchen. Moses thought, anyway the boy is so weak, let him be a help to Susan.

Dear readers, this story of Mary’s Son happened during the times, when in America the Racial Conflict was on its peak and they were burnt alive if they expressed themselves. By the year 1875, Slavery was prohibited by law. But the attitudes towards the community was hard to change. Elder brother Jim left Carver family to support himself and Mary’s son, popularly known as ‘the little gardener’ stayed with Carver couple. They gave him a name now, he became George Carver. Moses was worried for George, how will he support himself, will he get an admission in any school. So he took George with him to an agriculturist friend of his, Mr. Yaygar. Moses took a few tips from Mr. Yaygar.  Mr. Yaygar presented a book to George. Later Moses found out a school which was meant for children like George. And George was set for his journey in the big world. Jim came to see George. Jim was not too happy about George’s decision to learn. But George said,  “Brother, is knowing ABCD enough? I want to learn so many words, so that I would be able to write a whole book.” The days of hard work, insults, accusations, hunger began. All this due to the color of the skin. As a result young George became aloof from the world of people and was drawn towards Mother Nature. His long fingers, his curious eyes, were his means of communication with his dear friends, flowers, shrubs, plants, trees and his Black Mother, ‘the Earth.’

During his fight for survival, George also met a few kind, loving people, who noticed his talent. They admired his love for nature, his beautiful paintings and also his talent for music. No wonder, George’s fingers WERE magical. George passed his school exams with good grades. He was very happy that Highland College had accepted his form.

It was 1885, month of September, George stood in front of the college Dean. George was astonished to see the cupboard full of books. But in minutes his curious eyes were full of tears, as the Dean said, “There seems to be a mistake….” George did not want to hear anything further. He came out of the campus, out of the city limits, it was the harvesting season. At least he would have some thing to do, to eat and a place to sleep.

But now George was not a short and weak boy. The hardships and the experiences made him tough, inside out. Later through a well wisher he came to know about an institute which was open for the ‘Colored People’. His dream of becoming an Agriculturist came true in 1896. George Carver became a professor in Simpson College, Iowa. Life started to be Normal.

And then one day George received a letter from South America, all the way from Alabama. It said, “ I can not offer you attractive salary, or position or fame. First two are with you now, the third one, you will get anywhere. But I am asking you to leave them all. In return, I am offering you endless hard work and a responsibility to uplift the down trodden, who have been in poverty, slavery for ages. I am asking you to create a noble life for them.” 

Who wrote this letter? What was George supposed to do? Will find out soon.

Till then, flip the pages of your favorite book. Be Bookish !! Best regards, Ruta