Feb 13, 2002 05:22 PM
1439 Views
(Updated Feb 13, 2002 05:38 PM)
I visited UK for the first time in 1963. I went there as a Ford Foundation Fellow to study for one academic year at the University of London Institute of Education. I had opted for the Post-graduate Diploma Course in the Theory and Practice of Audio-Visual Aids. My professor and head was Mrs. Helen Coppen, with Mr. K. M. Harrison to assist her. Mrs. Coppen's husband, Professor Lewis was teaching us Education in the Developing Countries. He was very knowledgeable about the Indian educational scene.
I stayed at the Indian Students' Hostel at Guilford Street, at a very short distance from the Russel Square Tube Station. Mr. Sen was our Warden. Later his niece, Rita became my student at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Life in London was quite enjoyable. I was liking the English weather, not liked by many Englishmen. With my thick overcoat and cap, I was braving the winter. I arrived in London in October, and stayed on till the end of June. I have visited the beautiful Lake District, although it started snowing an hour after we arrived there. Travelling by the British Railways was a luxury. Visiting Brighton by rail was very interesting. Our family friend Meher and her mother were living in Maples, and their Market Garden was a thing to see. All by natural manure. My classmates at the Institute were from India, Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa. Sam Kenie ( Uganda) was a fine guy, very fond of girls. In those days Fish and Chips used to cost only a Shilling and 3 Pence. Enough for one lunch or dinner. Another hobby of mine was window shopping specially for Cameras and Lenses. Buying good clothes from Oxford Circus was a great experience.
I was lucky to be in London during the Christmas time. Soon before the X-mas, I visited Dr. & Mrs. Dewar in Norfolk as a Guest. Their kids started calling me Uncle B. Britain and India had and have a long standing relationship. My presence in Britain for 10 months added some flavour to it. Some of my Indian friends, who were then studying at the Institute, are now in India. Sometime I chat with them or write to them. UK, you are still OK with me, and will remain so.
