A lot has been happening for the past couple of weeks. The Blank Noise intervention was a wonderful experience and all the running around really paid off. Jasmeen is leaving tomorrow morning. A brilliant woman. You just have to see how focussed she is about her work! I must say, although I have been working for Blank Noise for some time now, this is the first time things are really clearing up inside my head. I love the way we worked. I loved the way the intervention opened me up to so many things about Calcutta and its people that I had never noticed before.
For the last few days, I have had random and long conversations with hawkers, shopkeepers, autowallahs, rickshawallahs, littlekids, wearyaunties, gigglinggirls. And suddenly I know everyone in the entire stretch of the Gariahat market. Well, most of them. Like, I really know who the kid selling pirated CDs is. And what he loves best. I have his phone number. He has mine too. I know I won't be calling him up when I am blue anytime soon, but I know that I can, if I wish. That feels great. I know. I am mad. It's impossible to emphasize enough on the importance of these conversations. I give up trying to explain.
The walk condemning the Nandigram killings was, also, a reason for hope for more reasons than one. I have been to the walks when Singur happened. I distinctly remember feeling a little out of place among the theater workers, actors, intellectuals( although I was sure I wanted to be there). But this time it was very different. I met the common man at the walk this time. The doping student. The old man with a hurting knee. The teacher with his students. The housewife after the day's chores. The cute girl in glasses. Everyone of them.
I am surprised how addicted I have lately become to walking alone. Going on limbs to absolute nowheres. I walked to Subhayu's place the day before but lost my way- which is insane, considering I go to his place more frequently than anywhere else.
Mark Knopfler is really great. Yes. I know what you are thinking. I just felt like mentioning. Just that I am listening to Walk of Life right now.
On a slightly gloomier note, my semesters start the 3rd of December and I am having to study. Not that I am complaining. I don't mind, really.
The Blank Noise project sounds wonderful. Wish I had heard of it earlier.
ReplyDeleteThe walk was a revelation this time. All friends and foes (I study in a very, very politically inclined college) came together to protest a wrong. At least the hearts are still in the right place.
i love walking alone too. I walked from Princeton to Golpark alone yesterday... loved it.
ReplyDeleteBtw, "I don't mind, really."
Okay, who are you and what have you done to the dorky perv we call Saptarshi?
I know what you mean... all those connections.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't had time to write of it.
I had heard about blank noise a long time back, but didn't really get any info regarding their work. what do u guys do exactly? isn't it something about combating eve-teasing... would be nice if you post some more regarding this.
ReplyDeleteI like the title. Found it interesting.
ReplyDelete@ ad libber: Yes. Only if people really start doing something about it now. It's about time.
ReplyDelete@ Panu: You do? We will walk alone together one day. Down North Cal streets, right? :D
@ Sue: How do you do? :P
@ Blabberwocky: Done. :)
@ Ate: Thank You.