December - 1 (2014)

Basapura is a tiny village. Madevappa works here in a flour mill, and his wife Devakka makes rotis and sells in nearby town. A school-going son, a daughter still in cradle and Madevappa's aged mother are others in the family. It is a hand-to-mouth existence; but they have got used to it, with their own small pleasures and distant dreams. The whole village is getting geared up for the Chief Minister (CM)'s visit on 1st December. CM's officially scheduled overnight stay in Madevappa's house naturally gives Madevappa and family extra attention from all quarters giving them the feeling of a higher status and a brighter future. They look forward to the event. CM's visit goes on well with grand welcome, dinner with Madevappa, inclusive of photo shoots, press meets, discussions with local leaders etc. Madevappa and family are over-awed by the proceedings, but hardly get to interact with the CM. Instead, they face embarrassing moments feeling as though they are outsiders in their own house. Wide media coverage highlights CM’s exhortations on the need for humanitarian approach in dealing with people suffering from serious health setbacks. Though well intended it creates difficulties to Madevappa and family driving them to despair.