In the Company of Nature

In a picturesque village nestled amidst the lush green fields, a serene scene unfolds, capturing the essence of simplicity and tradition. The artwork portrays an old man, gracefully seated in his traditional Punjabi attire, exuding an aura of calmness and contentment. His weathered face reflects a lifetime of wisdom and experience.

At his side walks an ox, harnessed to a centuries-old machine called “arhat”. The machine’s handle rests upon the ox’s shoulders, connecting him to the timeless task at hand. With a steady rhythm, he pulls the handle, activating the mechanism that draws water from the depths of the well. The absence of modern technology is conspicuous, highlighting the village’s reliance on age-old methods.

As the ox plods forward, the machine hums with ancient efficiency. Metal buckets, drenched in the cool water, swing gently back and forth, like pendulums in a rhythmic dance. Droplets cascade from their brims, cascading into the awaiting pond below. Each bucketful contributes to the vitality of the village, sustaining crops and nourishing the land.

The scene is bathed in the soft glow of a frail flame emanating from a lantern nearby. Its flickering light creates a gentle ambiance, casting warm shadows that dance across the canvas. The lantern’s simplicity contrasts with the bustling city’s electric glow, emphasizing the village’s connection to a simpler time.

Surrounding the old man and his faithful ox, the atmosphere is permeated with a cool tranquility. The silence is occasionally punctuated by the sound of the ox’s hooves against the ground, blending harmoniously with the distant chirping of crickets. The air carries the scent of damp earth and fresh water, a reminder of the close bond between man and nature.

This village scene, captured by my camera recently in a folk festival in Islamabad, Pakistan, encapsulates the beauty of a bygone era. It celebrates the quiet strength of tradition and the harmony found in the union of man, animal, and the natural world. In this rustic tableau, the old man’s relaxed demeanor and the ox’s unwavering dedication inspire a profound appreciation for the enduring ways of life that continue to shape our world.