Outer Delhi Charms-Horse cart on a foggy winter morning…

Onwards to Najafgah

“He died a hero, never discriminating against his only daughter, despite being disowned by his own father for not having a son” came a comment from Mamta, who had known him through all his troubles, over the six years she ran her practice there.

This was Bijender Singh Sansalwal, of Bijwasan, Outer Delhi, a rustic ‘Jat’ with a kind heart, lot of street logic, our landlord of the small dispensary in front of Syndicate bank.

Last year, I rang up Fraz who now runs a diagnostic centre there and he told me the sad news of the sudden untimely death of Bijender Singh. It is now one year since he passed away. (21.2.08)

Through this story one got a window into the world of the rural-urban social setting of Outer Delhi, very close to Palam Vihar and the way these people, originally from Rajasthan who migrated to these areas –some say-during the times of the Mughal emperor Akbar- live their lives.

A lot of their life revolves around the land and inheritance issues.

“I get up at 3.30 and go to the Mandi to buy vegetables” he used to say.

“In the evening-Bhains Bhai ko nahalaata hoon-I give a bath to Buffalo Brother.”

Samosas. Jalebis. Tea on a foggy Delhi evening and some wisdom from the ‘world-view’ of Bijender Singh. Watching Blue lines go by. Route number 578 to Mehrauli. 790 to Dilli Gate.

We miss him and remember him. Good old Bijender.