Distant yet very Near

 

“Old flows into New” Sitting in my balcony which is full of creepers, I usually slip into my thoughts. The thoughts which bring my distant past very near to me as if the events, places and people are right in front of me and unfold a grand scene from an equally grand show. At times the past, present and future are so entwined that it becomes difficult to discern one from the other. When I try to get some clarity by starting from one end, I end up stirring up my entire life. Confused as well as amused I look at the entwined creepers in my balcony and it is they who speak the truth. They echo in unison “Old flows into the new year after year and generation after generation. If you try to pull a fresh end of ours, the old ones move too. The very old ones, though down are not done. They spring to life the moment you touch their younger ones; ever eager to be a part of the present and take you into the future”

“Is that what I am doing now?” I question myself and try to lay a bridge across the past, present and future.

“English” It was difficult for me even to dream that one day I will be able to come as near as I did now  to this language. Born in a village which had only one graduate, I found it difficult to be inspired to learn English. To be honest, I made it a point to even skip classes of the elementary school of my village.

So! What made me develop an interest in the language and excel as well? Let us travel down the memory lane.

Going by the academic qualifications, my father was not educated. But, driven by a strong sense of responsibility, he started educating himself in his heart’s desire; “music” during his early teens itself. He went to distant lands, earned a scholarship and perfected his musical skills which became a means of sustenance and succor to his loved ones.

During his stay at home in between the tours, my father used to  set aside a time for practicing ragas so as to prepare for the next tour. I used to watch his routine intently without ascribing any meaning and it drew me towards studies.  I found myself attending school regularly. On one day, Mr Gopalam, the only graduate of our village came to our school and spoke to us in English.

Was that the starting point for me in my long journey in the companionship of English? Was it the inspiration drawn from my father? Was Mr Gopalam a role model for me?

I did not know anything at that time. But looking back it can now be said that the main force behind my transformation was my father and Mr Gopalam helped lay the foundation.

Small Images! Big Memories!!