Ahobila Sastry: The Mysterious Educated Soul
Ahobila Sastry, or Ahobilan as he is fondly called, is a legendary figure in our family circles. His story passed down through generations, has captivated our imaginations and left us yearning to know more about this enigmatic character. While no one living has seen or met him, his legacy is fueled by tales of his remarkable education and peculiar quirks.
Ahobilan was our family’s solitary beacon of education, a shining example of intellectual prowess whose academic prowess remains mysterious. Rumour has it that he attended the esteemed University of Baroda, but the specifics of his education elude us. Ahobilan was towering, complemented by his dark complexion and high cheekbones. He defiantly sported a moustache, deviating from the norms of our family, and his attire exuded an air of sophistication. Clad in a crisp, clean dress adorned with a blue jacket and no tie, he completed his ensemble with British-made brown shoes, meticulously polished to perfection. Topping it all off was his signature hat, a charming accessory that accentuated his innocent smile.
Once a year, Ahobilan would grace our town with his presence, announcing his arrival through a handwritten postcard. The entire community would act, preparing to receive our esteemed guest. Whitewashing the exteriors of every house became a collective endeavour, as large vats of lime were prepared to ensure a pristine appearance. The neighbours cleared the streets of debris, only coated with cow dung, a pungent reminder of the festivities. Banana stems adorned each doorway, while mango leaf festoons added a touch of elegance to every entry. Flower garlands of various hues embellished the landscape, providing a fragrant welcome for Ahobilan.
The day of his arrival was nothing short of a grand spectacle. A baby elephant from a nearby ashram would extend a garlanded welcome to Ahobilan, with the neighbours and family lending a helping hand to help him mount the majestic creature. A lively music band would lead the procession as Ahobilan took a short ride on the elephant, captivating the entire community. As he disembarked from his regal companion, the elders would shower him with garlands while the children’s ecstatic applause filled the air. Each neighbour would extend an invitation for lunch or dinner, presenting a sumptuous spread of local delicacies to honour our revered visitor. The festivities would carry on until the last day of Ahobilan’s visit, a joyous celebration of his presence in our lives.
Year after year, Ahobilan received a hero’s welcome, yet the community remained oblivious to his daily activities and means of survival. He was an enigma, a man of great wisdom whose purpose eluded us.
It so happened in a particular year that Ahobilan had to travel to London. The neighbours came to know after he arrived in the town. All the festivities stopped, and Ahobilan had to travel to Rameswaram for ‘purification’ per tradition. He had to tonsure and undergo a ‘tongue burning’ ritual with a ‘dharba’ before entering the town again.
And then, in a specific year, the unimaginable happened. No letter came from Ahobilan, causing a stir of concern in the neighbourhood. Word quickly spread that a young boy had witnessed Ahobilan bathing in a nearby pond, stripped of all clothing and seemingly disconnected from reality. Anxious neighbours rushed to the scene, only to find Ahobilan standing in a daze, devoid of recognition. The shock was palpable, leaving everyone bewildered and searching for answers. The mystery remains unsolved today — an extraordinary man blessed with pearls of wisdom, reduced to a state of madness.
