On a chilly winter morning in January (1st January 2010, to be precise), we left Greater Noida for Dubai. I kept the car window rolled-down, the chill in the air notwithstanding, as I wanted to fill my lungs with the air of my lovely township for the last time. This particular suburb of Delhi is very special to me for few reasons - we became house-owner for the first time when we shifted here, my kids started their first school here and I got back to my professional life after a prolonged sabbatical! I almost belonged to this place the moment I stepped in my new house, still smelling of fresh paint (inspite of there being very few modern facilities in the vicinity).
....while leaving, the thought of staying without friends and relatives in an unknown land made me sad and worried at the same time. I loved my teaching job so much and enjoyed being surrounded by students or activities. My identity as a professor was really hard-earned and losing that identity for uncertain period was the last thing I wanted! After all, I came all the way to Kolkata from a small village many years ago to create an identity for myself!
The first few months here in Dubai was a constant struggle to adjust myself to the new set up, environment, people and could not think clearly as to how I was going to keep myself engaged. After lot of prodding from Suparno, I somewhat started thinking of ways to make good of the free time. Within the next 15 days, I found myself in University of Wollongong as a Masters Student! I have not enjoyed being a student so much when I was in Lady Brabourne College, Jadavpur University or Institute of Chartered Accountants.
During semester break, I thought of visiting Studio Fitness out of curiosity and the trainer there took great effort in explaining to me the benefits of yoga and body pump. Well, I took membership the next morning and still continuing with yoga and body pump! Above all, i have started enjoying the sessions and gossiping with few friends there! Have I ever imagined these when i was leaving Greater Noida 1 1/2 years ago? ........Not in my wildest dream.
In my earlier years in Delhi ( 7 years before marriage ), I have never visited Sarojini Nagar Market or Lajpat Nagar Market. Post Mall-mania, I visited Great India Place only twice and I never felt it was necessary. I always loved to shop (whatever little I did) in neighborhood market as the joy of bargaining was unmatched in malls. .... but now, almost every week, I soak myself in the scented air of Ibn Batuta or Mall of Emirates or Dubai Mall to my pleasure.
When I contrast my present self with my earlier one, I can only say that my evolution as a person is still on-going and I am afraid to say that I am gradually falling in love with this life. I have not given up on the idea of creating my new identity here as I am seriously contemplating of enrolling myself for Doctoral study after Masters. I am, somehow, convinced that with years, I will be a person better evolved, with knowledge of Finance, Yoga, Body pump, various brands of clothing and cosmetics available on this earth …
Many of scientific theories have been made redundant by newer research but the theory of evolution of Mankind is eternal!! Long live Darwin!
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