The wedding and the PaalaGuttaPalle team

The group made items for a big wedding. Saree sleeves and kercheifs with a pouch. Large numbers. Done with the perfection that matters so much to them.

 Saree sleeves that gift sarees were wrapped and tied in. The sleeves can later be used otherwise as table spreads or hand towels.

A pocketed kercheif in which the kumkum and turmeric was kept for the guests.

Yesterday the lady called me. "Aparna, I have been thinking. The girls have done so much for this wedding, and such a wonderful job. They should be part of wedding.

Can they come for the reception ? They can be part of it, and also show their wares. On a side table.

Please tell them. That I would really like them to come."

Roopa and the others were happy to hear this.

Sometimes I think that more than all the economic impact, this is their real success.

Establishing their identity. In all humility and humanity.

Building a community, where the both customer and producer are givers and receivers. Tied in a common bond of sincerity and commitment. And affection.

The rural winning over the urban. The winning of hearts.

That is the magic a village weaves.

Me to Khatija Rahman, "I may not be able to be there. Anyway Turiya will be there as your assiatnt."

Khatija, "Turiya and I are assistants to Roopa Akka and Rani akka."

And that is the central understanding that the Palaguttapalle family is knitted together on.

En route Chennai !
Roopa and Rani.

They had made bags for the wedding.
And then the customer invited them.
To be part of the wedding.
And also to show the 1000 guests are their various bags.

They have come a long long way. I remembered the beginning days when they were unwilling to go to Tirupati. Uncertain.

And now it's been exhibitions in Goa in Chennai.
It's been dealing with many senior government officers.
It's been handling media.

With respect and confidence. And friendliness. Always.

A long day. A tiring journey from the village. A beautiful day. A star studded wedding. Classical music. Multi cuisine food.

The beautiful return gifts, pocketed napkins made by the PaalaGuttaPalle team, placed on a desk at the gateway. Roopa, Rani, Khatija and Turiya there, handing them to each leaving guest, with the PaalaGuttaPalle name card.

The bride and bridegroom, very happy to meet Roopa and Rani, and to take their gifts of bags. They thanked them for coming, promised to come to the village.

The parents of the bride and briedegroom went out of their way to make the team comfortable.

Nice evening, nice food, a sense of validation at many levels.

This is what happens when producer meets consumer. In a sense of genuineness. With respect and openness.

Mutual affirrmation. Mutual joy. Mutual growth.

Multi cuisine spread at the wedding. Bahala bath, bisi bela bath, pulao, adai, panner pakoda, cauliflower pakodas, papads, ice cream gulab jamun ... buffet.

Roopa, "But if there is plain rice, and sambar. And we sit and mix with our fingers and eat. That is when one feels satisfied, contented. Isnt it madam.". Rani nodded.

Village meets city ! There are differences. And they can yet be good friends.