Fancy dress competition

It was in the cold Margazhi(December), my self and my sister were busy spinning the coconut leaves under the shade of the neem tree. The pleasant weather and fragrance from the jasmine flowers were filling the air. The All India Radio, Thirunelveli was broadcasting the famous Kaanada based song Alaipayuthey. I was busy with my work and looked preoccupied. My sister could not understand why I was so deep in my thoughts and my spinning has turned very slow. She looked at my face and asked me why I’m looking so monotonous.



I did not answer her immediately. I was soaked in my thoughts and I could not answer any one. Now and then my target of spinning 15 leaves before lunch was horrifying me. I was scared about the punishment from mom. My sister was concerned and took the long coconut leaf and hit me gently. I looked at her as though rising from a deep sleep. Again she asked me why I am looking worried. I told her about the “Fancy dress competition” and how my class teacher is particular about me joining the chosen few in the class. I was not interested in the competition as it will cost for the costume and damn sure mom will not allow me to participate. Most of my sixth standard class mates were rich and I’m sure their parents are going to shell out a fortune for their wards. I’m not going to stand a chance in the competition.My sister joined my worries now. She was seriously thinking to help me in one way or the other. Meanwhile couple of friends joined us in the morning work and we all started discussing the topic. Finally one personality was chosen and I was to dress like that iconic figure. The costume has to be simple and we can’t afford to buy anything new. With whatever we have, we have to manage the show.



The D day came and we assembled in the green room. Our costume was very simple; A towel with a blue lining at the border to cover my head and a white sari with the blue border. With a thin frame and a round face I was standing in the row of competitors. My name was called and I was in the stage. The neon lamps throwing their 1000 volt light on my face, I was saying these words “The hunger for Love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread” - Mother Theresa. I scrolled down the stairs fearing the slipping sari, wondering how my mom wears this long piece of plain cloth. At the age of 11, uttering the words of Mother Theresa inspired me all through my life and motivated my thoughts and prayers towards those who are less privileged and those who are in want of love. Mother Theresa is always an iconic figure in my life and Yes! I stood first in the Fancy dress competition.