Protocol: Athithi devo bhava

 Protocol: Athithi devo bhava

This was in a small town between Ludhiana and Moga one wintry, January afternoon.

Wrapped in warm shawls we were having a great discussion on challenges in rural Punjab as compared to urban Punjab when lunch arrived. Two bowls were set in front of each of the people sitting around the coffee table. Dal was poured in one and some delicious looking potato, tomato, peas curry in the other. Curls of wispy steam were wafting over the bowls and teasing the nostrils with the smell of delicate spices and the unbeatable aroma of hot dal. Then a large plate, stacked with a pile rotis was kept in the centre. All this distracting food on the central table and the discussion politely continued. 

In my mind, I was thinking - Am I drooling? Hope it’s not too obvious. Then Ravi* who had accompanied me asked - Do you need a plate? Familiar with holding the roti in your hands and dipping pieces of it into your set of bowls and eating I politely declined. 

And we're still going on with our discussions... 

By now, I was beginning to think - we need to eat all this wonderful food before it gets cold. And hoping someone amongst the dignitaries was going to begin eating. Please. So we could then follow. 

That is when Ravi said, Should we get something else for you? I said - No, this smells great! He said -  Please eat Ma'am! They are all waiting for you to begin!

(Needless to say, I didn't have to be told again! One of the most delicious meals and a very thought provoking conversation that was vastly useful for our work. 

And after, I remembered not to keep anyone waiting at the table for the rest of my stay! )