my earliest ambition in life….

The earliest ambition as a child was to become a bus driver of a school bus.

I grew up in a small town of Himachal Pradesh called ‘Una’. Situated at the base of the Shivalik ranges, it resides in south west part of the state. It was amidst the legends of the temples, the holy Gurudwara, the Market yard, my home and my school that I spent my childhood. I am the youngest of four and by no means, like my other siblings would claim - a brat!

I was almost four when someone asked me what I wanted to become when I grew up. ‘A bus driver’ I said firmly. While others laughed, my mother only smiled at me, charmed by my high ambition in life (I thought). I had to explain further; ‘driver of a school bus’ said I; they laughed more. ‘They’ll never understand’ I though to myself and moved on

The school operated two buses on different routes to pick up most of the children. While the routes were different, we used to always meet the other bus at a chowk … and then the race began. Clutching hard on to the rail of the front seat, most of the children would enjoy the thrill of the ride. Sitting there, with all that noise around – some children screaming; some cheering; some even crying, the first ambition of my life took shape. The days when we won, I always used to salute our school bus driver - He was my hero. The days we lost I would sulk the entire day.

Like many of my other ambitions those that were yet to germinate in my mind… it was short-lived. Much later, the circus came to our town.... and then I wanted to become a bunny!

I am now - a farmer by accident!

… and this is the beginning of my story.