PST Park, Purul

Liba Hopeson *

If a man from a remote village is taken to New York City, he would be amazed to see the magnificent skyscrapers, dazzling roads, swanky cars and other glamorous things he has never seen in his life. But, he would simply marvel and savor gazing at the splendid city.

He won’t think critically on how the New Yorkers have taken years to develop the city, how they have burned their midnight oil to acquire knowledge, how they have struggled and suffered to reach the stage they are in. His sense of wonder would be in a different sense. It is easy for us to say that something is nice but we hardly contemplate on the process of how it is brought forth. PST Park, situated in Purul is one as such.

The proprietor, Mr. Thole Cain, a man of action, told me that when he shared his dream of building a park, people laughed it off – some dismissed it as trivial. So, initially, it was a preposterous notion in the sight of the pessimists, yet his hope was never shattered. With an intense desire to do something different and contribute something unique to the village, Mr. Cain stood against all odds and moved on.

His spirit of sacrifice outweigh his fear of debt and failure, thus he bought some area of land, an ideal location for a small park. Though people were throwing stones at him, his determination stimulated him to be optimistic and sail persistently.

PST Park was launched in 2007. The journey of the proprietor has been onerous then. Without much support from the Government and people, he had to toil and strive to beautify and enhance the park. Envy and denigration kept haunting him but his indefatigable spirit invigorated him to forge ahead.

The author sat and talked with him at length – it was riveting to listen to him as he shared how he took up the challenge and gave painstaking efforts for the lovely park. As I listened to him intently, I discovered that he was undeterred by the adversity he underwent. I’m writing this for without knowing the true realities well, it’s hard for human to appreciate and think deeply.

The time and energy that Mr. Cain has invested is never in vain. The park, though not parallel to the city parks, is in a condition to attract quite a lot of people. There are gorgeous flowers and plants, a cool pool, a nice green house, a small striking museum and other eye-catching things. It has a soothing and congenial space for having casual as well as formal deliberations too – many have utilized it. It is no wonder that, some couple, after their grand wedding ceremony, come to the park for taking photos. Many town dwellers too have visited the park.

Strolling in any beautiful place is fun for everyone and so is in PST Park. When our mind is freshened by its splendor and stillness, we gain incredible things, some inexpressible. Whenever I’m in the park, not just relishing its beauty, I cogitate and learn priceless lessons. Every time I step in the park I notice some difference – a hint that the proprietor is dynamic, agile and smart.

Interestingly, he is planning to open a cafeteria and provide boating facility so that it can attract more visitors and tourists – heartening news for all. He’s trying all that he could in making the park more arresting. What a great lesson to learn! An individual’s endeavor, though appear petty and trifling at first, should not be belittled and demeaned, for it can become a great achievement, pride of the society.

Indeed, State Tourism Department, though not writing to urge for aid, can assist the lone individual, striving for something better. A responsible man is worth assisted. If the proprietor is helped, I believe, the helper will not incur loss.

PST Park may not be as elegant as many expect to be, but it can rouse you to come out of your complacency-world and come to the praxis-world. If you have not been to the park, you can pay a visit once. After seeing the park, if you feel that I’ve eulogized the proprietor and the park too much, apologies! Yet, I would suggest you to cloth with positivity and filter your mind. Then I believe that your visit would not trigger remorse.