Technology is way overrated
Sometimes when all modern technologies like social media, Google maps and GPS fail, you resort to manual labor. Had a surprising outcome today trying to do that.
Having failed to track down Anindya – my friend from my very early childhood days, today I went to the house that he used to live in the mid seventies (that I could best recollect).
A middle aged person came out, rather amused by my look (clean shaven heads are not that common in North Avenue of Durgapur). “Kaakey chai”? (“Who are you looking for”?)
I tried my best to explain the situation – “Dekhoon, prai chollis bochor aage, ei baaritey Babu boley ekta chhele thakto. Bhalo naam Anindya Sarkar. Kothay ekhon thakey jaanen? Ba ke boltey paarbey jaanen”?. (“You see, forty years back, there used to be a friend of mine called Babu who lived in this house. Also called Anindya Sarkar. Would you know where he is now? Or would you know who might know his whereabouts”?
You can only imagine my reaction when the gentleman replied “Aarey Bachchu, amakey chintey paarli na? Babuda rey!!! (“Bachchu, can you not recognize me? I AM that Babuda”)
He has lived in the same house for nearly fifty years. And I had been looking for him all over social media!!!!
Wow. Good lesson. Check the simple solutions first. Soooo glad you found your friend
I know, Roger. I assumed that nobody would be living in the same house for fifty years.
remember the dialogue – “Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko agar dil se chaho to saari kayanath tumhe usse milane ki koshish me lag jaati hai..” from Om Shanti Om ? you are on a hunt to find old friends -you will find them or they shall remain waiting till you find them – wherever they are
Bachchu, reunion kake bole bujhte parchi. Babuda-ke katodin pore dekhlam.Tui to asadhdhya sadhan korli.Kantadir khabar ki?
Kanta dir golpo bolbo tokey porshu
By the way, Khokon, mitu-dero khnuje peyechhi
Mitu-r chobi anbi.
Moniruddin, I ran out of time today to meet Mitu. But I have promised her dad that I will visit him during my next trip to India (April ). I will certainly get pictures. Btw, I just finished talking to her and Indira. I will get you the numbers when I meet you.
You are on a roll, Rajib Roy. We are all looking forward to ( and rooting for) your next successful attempt to locate old friends.
Great job, Rajib. Reminds me of the time when I went searching for my friend called Ghosh who i knew the Apartment building (10 floors) in Calcutta but not the flat number. Knocked on every Ghosh in the building. My seventh ring was successful.
Awesome!