A blog of my feelings…ranging from commenting about other's blogs to commenting about stuff which happens in life and from posting mails which I like, to ranting on stuff.

I have been reading this book named Ajeya, of Babu Krishnamurthy. This book is a biography of Chandrasekhar Azad, who needs absolutely no introduction to Indians.

“Ajeya” means “Invincible” /  “A person who cannot be won” /  “A person who can never lose”. This was the perfect title for a book on Chandrasekhar Azad – who lived and died free – Just like the statement which he had proclaimed:

“Main Azad Hoon, Azad Hi Rahoonga”

The first time I laid sight on this book was way back, when I was studying. This book was with a friend of mine and he had recommended this book for some serious reading and insights into our freedom struggle. Though I had read the book then, I still wanted to “own” a copy of this book. This is not a best seller or a controversial book. This book is a biography, and it is in Kannada. So, I wonder how many of you would have even heard of this book.

Since then, I was trying to buy this book, but various things had prevented me from buying this. Sometime in May-June 2009, when I was on a visit to Mysore, I saw this book in Sapna Book House. There were just 2 copies of this book, which were promptly picked up by me and my friend Ranga.

Mr Babu Krishnamurthy, (BKM as he is more commonly known) has taken a lot of pains in collating data, had locked himself up in isolation in Nandi Hills and has written this book, one which was originally supposed to be around 60 – 70 pages, but went on to 700+ pages and is now 582 pages.

The cover image of this book is:

This was done by the artist BKS Varma and was based on an original picture of Azad which is now a statue in the park where Azad was killed brutally murdered:

Statue at Alfred Park, Image courtesy - Wikipedia

While I was reading this book, my cousin too came over and was really thrilled to know that I finally owned this book. He has asked for this book from me, and before that, he thought of making a sketch of Mr. Chandrasekhar Azad, in his own inimitable style of using charcoal and pencil both together. A few pics of him sketching and his final sketch are below:

The toughest part - the facial expression

The facial expression completed

Working casually.. That is what I like!

Giving the finishing touches

The completed poster image is:

Main Azad Hoon, Azad Hi Rahoonga

Once the poster was completed, I was so enthralled by the same that I suggested, why not contact BKM and get his autograph on the book and the poster? His contact details were provided on the book, I tried the number on the book but was told that BKM is not in that address anymore. The next option was to google for his name. Not much help there too.

In a stroke of inspiration, I assumed that BKM might not have changed from his earlier BSNL connection, the number mentioned on the book, and searched the BSNL Directory using the web. Using our BSNL’s directory services, I located the updated number of BKM. When I tried to touch base with him on that number, I was told that he was working as the editor of the magazine “Karmaveera” and his office number was shared, along with his mobile number. I called his office, reached him directly and asked if I could meet him for an autograph. Though he was surprised about receiving a call about one of his books written in 1974, he agreed nevertheless. It was saturday when this happened, just the day before the Ganesh Chaturthi. I had lots of shopping to be done including buying the idol, flowers, plantain leaves, stump, mango tree leaves etc etc; also had a movie to watch that night at 1945 Hrs. – Kandasaamy.

The office of Mr. BKM is on residency road, BKM is such a down-to-earth person that he even gave us the route map for his office. It was 1600 Hrs when this happened. We managed to reach his office by 1625 after losing that right turn and then, came back through shoolya circle to richmond circle, rode carefully not to miss his office and met him.

Though the gate had a board named “Visitors vehicles not allowed”, we threw caution to the winds and parked our bike inside the compound. The security bloke was a friendly person who warned us but on getting to know the reason of our visit and on hearing the name of BKM, he allowed us inside by guiding us to the office of BKM.

We met BKM, and he was just opposite to what opinion I had framed in my mind. I had a bespectacled gentleman, wearing a ultra modern thin rimmed rectangular glasses, in his early 60s sitting in front of me, going through an article of karmaveera, editing it and proof reading it. He welcomed me in perfect English with a warm smile. As soon as I knocked the door and peeped in, he immediately looked up, and asked: “Mr Sukumar?” and on responding, he said “Please come in, I have been expecting you”.

The image / opinion in my mind was that of a strict Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) guy wearing an old fashioned gold rimmed spectacles, speaking only in Kannada, a kind of a celebrity coz he was being invited for various guest lectures. Though he had never claimed to be a part of RSS, I still have that opinion, probably just coz of the book being printed out by Rashtrotthana Parishat.

His warm welcome put me off guard for a couple of minutes actually. We (Me and my cousin) went in, made ourselves comfortable (literally speaking) in front of him. He excused himself, completed his proof reading and editing and then, gave us time. It was 1645 Hrs.

I had deliberately not told him about wanting his autograph on the poster, and in my introductory call with him, I had asked him to give me an autograph on the book.

He asked us when we read his book and on looking at the portrait, he was elated and getting the actual reason why we went there, he became emotional and reminisced of the past when he wrote the book, the kind of responses he got after writing the book, the kind of pressure people put on him to write other historical novels etc.

Speaking to such a learned person and such a great but down to earth personality humbled me. I asked him if he had considered making the translation of “Ajeya” into English, he answered me that he was pestered by learned people to do the same, and he had even given the script to a couple of learned scholars of the Benaras University, but was not satisfied with their translation. He was currently working on the same. When I asked him if I could help him out in typing the manuscript, he said the typing has been done. Nevertheless, he asked for my contact information, which floored me. I could not muster my courage to become the same old me. I was being transformed in front of my own eyes, all due to his humbleness.

This is one meeting that I would never forget and it has taught me a lot of lessons. I would be more than glad to be of any help and am praying God everyday that he gives me a call or contacts me. It would be my dream come true if I could help an author in creating such a masterpiece and my “squirrel’s contribution” – aka ಅಳಿಲು ಸೇವೆ.

I am keeping my fingers crossed. This is the second opportunity for me to help someone to write, in as many days. I just want to do it!