“After the celebrations are over, and after all guests have left, we get called upon to collect the leftover rice. The landlords do not think we are as equal as other humans. When I get word, I hide my pride and go and bring the rice back home. I think no one should throw away so much rice. I also work in the landlord’s fields. I get half the yield, and I feel fortunate to have work, many do not. And many have left the village to go elsewhere leaving behind their ailing fathers and mothers. I understand why they left. But I think I will stay here. I will only leave when there is too much of unhappiness to bear.” (Sudha Nanda Ram Harijan, Birpur, Saptari)