The little indian drummer boy
Diario dell’esperienza
This Christmas season the fifth class at the Waldorf School of Como had the pleasure to act out the story of The Little Indian Drummer Boy in front of the whole school community. The children were able to experience the rich Indian culture through their clothes, dance and food. They had the opportunity to prepare pakoras, which are vegetable fritters, and share them after the show with the audience.
In grade 5, the class is captivated by the wisdom that speaks from ancient texts and tales. The Little Indian Drummer Boy is one of these tales. It is the story of Ghopal, a young boy who lives in India who helps and works all day and longs for a drum. He asks his mom for one, who tells him that drums can’t “fill his stomach.” But he wants a drum to make his heart go boom, boom, boom. His mom makes pakoras, which are fried vegeatble fritters .
Ghopal eats only some of the pakoras and creates a plan. He sets off on his ways to the market to sell them. On the way, he first sees a crying, hungry baby. Feeling sorry for the little child, Ghopal gives him some pakoras. The mom is so grateful and gives Ghopal a pot. His journey continues on to a woman who has broken her pot so he gives her his pot. In exchange, she gives him her shawl. Then Ghopal meets a merchant, who gives him a horse for the shawl. Ghopal then sees a wedding, where the groom is missing. Ghopal offers to go get the groom. The happy bride asks Ghopal what he wants. His answer is immediate “A drum!” Ghopal gets his drum, and still sells his pakoras at the market, coming home with a drum, a horse, and money for his mom! Throughout the story there is a fun little rhythm : “I wish I had a drum. A big bass drum. My heart would go boom, boom, boom. The story of Ghopal warmed the hearts of many knowing that through his good actions in the end Ghopal received what his heart desired!
