‘An additional sense of purpose’

“I have known Gemar ji for more than 10 years now. So, when he had first mentioned to me this opportunity to be a guide, I was intrigued.

I live with my family which comprises my father, my brothers and their families. We are farmers and though this land looks arid to an outsider, we cultivate crops that are not water intensive. We have however recently invested in a borewell that allows us access to a more regular supply of water. We are primarily dependent on our farmlands. We cultivate to consume and occasionally sell our produce in the market.

That’s why this opportunity to become a local guide was of interest to me. It is because of this role that I have learnt English. I am now a lot more at ease and conversant with tourists and sharing with them the ways of our life here in the desert.

In some ways, being a guide also makes me want to be more in tune and alert about the on-goings within my village. It gives me an additional sense of purpose.

And the extra income, though seasonal, helps. I still continue to work with my family on our farm and tend to the goats on the days I take tourists around for the village walk. It means beginning my day a little earlier than otherwise but that’s okay.”

Read more about Hacra Dhani here

Meet Gemar of Hacra Dhani