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Nutan?s principles
As the years went by, he got used to being addressed as ?Mr Newton?. He was neither related to the ?original? Isaac nor did he achieve any feat in science that could earn him the sobriquet.
As the years went by, he got used to being addressed as ‘Mr Newton’. He was neither related to the ‘original’ Isaac nor did he achieve any feat in science that could earn him the sobriquet. Yet, Newton he was, even if it was simply the mispronunciation of his name ‘Nutan’ in the land of Big Ben.
My stay with him in London evokes memories of his magnanimity as a host who took it upon himself to personally look after each need. The philosophy of atithi devo bhav couldn’t have been demonstrated better by anyone. The visits of his friends and relatives from India were like opportunities for him to remember his motherland and the generosity of his hospitality was a homecoming of sorts.
Before reaching Britain, he had a tryst with Bombay. He had wanted to become an actor. Although blessed with a magnetic personality and the looks of a film star, success eluded him. His appearances in movies were only cameos. He was gifted with a deep, rich baritone. I was always sure that had there been opportunities then, he would have made a great name in broadcasting. But a promising job with British Rail cut this dream short.
It was in cricket that his patriotism and national feelings found free flow and expression. As an indefatigable devotee of the game, he never missed watching the men in blue in action.
Even in a rain-curtailed match, he ensured that he did not miss a single ball of the match, even though the result was only of academic significance. He was the ‘Cricket Chacha’ of the Indian team on television. A loss would often triggered a migraine attack and his face wore a scowl till India won a match.
The ‘Paki’ — a noun by which all South Asians were labelled much to their chagrin — was for him a subject of debate and anguish. His observations, after the July 7 bombing of the London Underground, was insightful for their indepth analysis and academic value. He debunked the multiculturalism of present-day British society.
The agony of staying in a foreign land always weighed heavily against the charm of better prospects in life. Yet, perhaps he should have abandoned the decision to return. Seeking the opportunity to make amends, he returned to India.
Leaving the panchtatva in the holy waters of the Ganga, I wished his wish for returning to the country of his origin had not been fulfilled.
