It was a bright and beautiful day. By 2:00 pm all the chairs were filled and hundreds were standing. It was a joyful celebration of Ruth’s (Granny’s) life. There was deep emotion but the tears dried and there was laughter and singing. Her favorite song “Amazing Grace” filled the air in both English and Telugu. The fifteen speakers were all mercifully short (average five minutes) and were students and former teachers who went to school under Ruth as well as community, tribal and political leaders. We had Christian, Muslin and Hindu participation.
I was thoughtful when one speaker referred to Ruth as Mucherla’s Mother Theresa. I cut the ribbon, by request, and the senior most security official (a two star commander) pulled the curtain to unveil the pillar with Ruth’s photo etched into the five foot black marble plaque along with her now famous Nine Rules of Granny. Because we were on high security alert in the area due to Naxlites and strikes across the state demanding a new state, we had twelve fully armed police officers. This is a state requirement for gatherings of this type at present in the district. This attachment of security with the addition of twelve ministers made a full house of protection.
There were tons of flowers, including lots of roses and marigolds, which were her favorites. For many it was a pilgrimage. Many had spent hours on the train or bus to be there. The outpouring of caring, remembrance and devotion was inspiring and very moving.
I closed the three hour program by holding up an original drawing of hibiscus that Ruth drew while at the school in March 1996. She had written on the photo “I am happy to be here! It is another home for me”. Her ashes now rest in that home for all time.
Richard
