'I reached Renu's village without knowing anyone but what surprised me was the warm welcome, friendly help I received here that changed me forever and I decided to research on Indian village life in the backdrop of the village,' Woolford said.

'Till now, very little has been written in English about Renu's village and his writing. I am doing research and writing my thesis in English. It will help others to know about Renu's writings,' he said.

He has already completed more than 60 percent of his research work.

'Renu's village attracts me like no other place. I am proud to say that it is my second home and the villagers are my second family,' he said.

Woolford has visited Renu's village six times for research work but admitted that it is not easy for him to visit so often because of his family back in the US.

Woolford plans to teach students in the US about Indian village life.

'I am working on the syllabus of a new course - Indian village life - in the department of Asian Studies in the University of Texas,' he said.

Woolford, however, felt that poverty in rural India is a matter of concern.

'Poverty and the lack of education sadden me. Things have changed in Renu's village in the last two decades. Now girls are joining schools, awareness has increased about health and sanitation,' he said.

(Imran Khan can be contacted at imran.k@ians.in)