Kids Say the Darndest Things!

This Saturday, a few of us CSR folks from our company (translate Singa paalam-- we’re apparently not supposed to blog about work or our office at all) went to Thirusoolam (a neat little hamlet just behind the hills that you always think will be perfect for trekking, whenever you feel active in the comfort of your bike/car/bus).

It was the CSR event for the month of June, and the organization we tied up with was Kaingkarya—an NGO that encourages the children of the village to go to school. It also conducts some training outside of school as well, and also nursing training programs.

In any case, we sponsored their sports day. We’d have liked to be more involved, but as it turned out, the young men of the village had it all covered.

It was good in one sense, because we had a lot of interaction with the kids. There were several interesting exchanges, which were very insightful—some funny, some very telling. These are, obviously, just translations:

Boy: Are you Hindu or Christian?
I: Why?
Boy: Chumma…
I: Can I not be Muslim?
Boy: Are you Muslim?
I: What do you think I am? (I’m not sure why I don’t give him a proper answer—maybe I still feel it’s not a kosher question!)
Boy: I think you’re Christian.
I: I am what you think I am (The kid must have thought I’m crazy!)
I: Are there many Christians?
Boy: No.
I: Are you? (I guess the question’s suddenly kosher!)
Boy: No, I’m Hindu. Are you really Christian? (This kid just doesn’t let up)
I: Is there only Hindu and Christian? Maybe I’m Sikh, maybe I’m Jain, maybe I’m Parsee!
Boy (calls his friend over): Hey, it seems Akka’s a seek da! You know, what you put in your hair on Diwali!

*--*--*

Lots of girls are fighting with boys who, it turns out, are their brothers. One such girl is talking about her brother, who’s actually quite the rowdy—and he’s not even 10!

Girl: He doesn’t listen to anyone at home.
I: Hmm… how did you come have a brother like this?
Girl: I don’t know.
I: (Trying humour here): Did you ask your mom why she bore such a brother for you?
Girl: I did.
Girl’s friend: Oho! As if mothers bear children after asking!

*-*-*

Girl: Are you from out of this country?
I: No. I’m from here only.
Girl: Then how come you’re so white?
I: I guess my parents are fair, so…
Girl: Are they from out of the country?

*--*--*

There were about 8 girls called Manimegalai. Everytime I asked some girl’s name, and the answer was “Manimegalai,” the girls burst into laughter!

Girl: Don’t call any girl called Manimegalai. If you do, around eight of them will answer!

*--*--*

Some of the kids are studying in English medium schools, and most in Tamil medium schools. One of the boys thought it was somehow funny.

Boy: Vanakkam, Englipees.
I: What’s that?
Boy (to another boy): This is Englipees Akka, da.
I: And what’s your name?
Boy: I’m Englipees.
I: Oh, so everyone’s Englipees?
Another boy: He studies in an English medium school—so….
I: Oh, that’s nice!
Boy: Avnu.
I: So, you’re Telugu as well?
Boy: Yes, all-India all languages.
I: You didn’t speak in Kannada.
(The conversation is getting a bit “out there”.)
Boy: Yes, I know it though.
I: Very good. Now how about you speak in English for me?
Boy: No Englipees. Haha…

The reason I mention this really otherwise boring conversation is that the boy seemed sort of embarrassed that he was in an English-medium school.

*-*-*

Well, it was a nice outing all in all. You should visit the temple that is atop a hill there--very cool. Try and go there before the sun gets up!