It seemed that both of us had bonded and wanted to spend a few more minutes
together – reluctantly he stood up and said that I was welcome to visit him again
the next time I am in the country. It seemed surreal to be invited again. A young
boy of fourteen not getting one but two invitations to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan?
This must be rare and a real honour. I could only nod humbly. His parting words
still resonate in my mind: “Never forget your roots and make us all proud by being
a true man.” We waited for him to leave the room and then we were ushered out.
His secretary told us that we could, if we wanted, visit the famed Mughal Gardens
in the grounds. But I for one was not interested. My mission had been accomplished.
Nothing could compare to this experience.
As I reflected on my roots the blazing sun meant I could no longer wear my blazer.
The blue garment, I now held, embodied a place that has allowed my mathematical
mind to flourish. It was, admittedly, a blue blazer often worn to a much colder place
in Scotland – but this is a place where I have fulfilled some mathematical goals of
mine well ahead of schedule. I knew in that moment I had been true to myself and
my roots - and that was what mattered most.
Zari work is an integral
part of the decoration of
the idol of the Hindu
Mother Goddess, and
almost all the artisans
having this skillset are
from the Muslim
community.
(Arunava Patra Photography)
Arunava Patra is a photographer based in Kolkata. He has worked as a
content producer for various television channels, and is an occasional
columnist for the Anandabazar Patrika. He has a degree in electrical
engineering from Jadavpur University.
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