If you ask higher secondary students from the past decade, many of them would probably remember this name. This anecdote written by Sudha Murty is so profound that it helps readers understand the value of listening and being listened to.
Horegallu refers to a stone bench placed beside village roads, offering travellers a place to rest physically and mentally before continuing their journey. In the anecdote, this simple stone bench becomes a powerful symbol of emotional comfort and relief.
Problems are an unavoidable part of everyone’s life, and they play a major role in shaping a person’s character. However, instead of suppressing worries and becoming more burdened by them, people should express their feelings and share their struggles with someone they trust. A horegallu becomes a resting place for such emotional burdens, and everyone deserves to find one in their life.
The anecdote highlights two human horegallus — the writer’s grandfather and her colleague, Ratna. Her grandfather was a retired schoolteacher who patiently listened to the concerns and daily struggles of the villagers. Ratna, a smart and compassionate senior clerk, also became a source of comfort for her colleagues by listening to their troubles with care and understanding.
What was common between them? Both were excellent listeners. They listened patiently to anyone who approached them, without interrupting or judging. They did not try to impose advice unnecessarily, nor did they reveal the private matters shared with them. Their silent presence and attentive listening itself became a source of healing. As a result, the people who spoke to them felt lighter, calmer, and emotionally refreshed.
Doesn’t every person in the world deserve a horegallu? And shouldn’t every person try to become one? Listening and being listened to are among the most underrated human qualities. Yet, they are also among the simplest ways to bring peace and comfort into someone’s life.