Rameshbhai Jhalla's article in AV of the 30th January light up my memories of Bombay. It was mid-50's, I was staying at Modh Vanik Hostel near Dadar GIP and I did my Commerce degree through Podar college. We were 50 boys studying for different degrees. It was a time for fun, frolics and freedom with great responsibility. After dinner at 6 pm, we used to go for walks on Vincent road, 8 to 9 pm listen to Radio Ceylon's Geetmala programme. We also learnt Bhagwat Gita, visited neighbouring places. We became very close friends and even now after 60 years our families keep in touch.
I too stayed at Vanik Hostel on Pali Hill Road, Bandra, Vile Parle and Jai Bharat society, Khar where I rented a room when I was working as an Accountant. I was about to go to office after holiday when a sanyasi came and said he was going to Rameshwaram, so needed help. I gave my last 5 rupees that I had. He chanted some shlokas and said, “You have chances of becoming big in the next 6 months.”
Then on impulse I applied to British High commission, I got an employment voucher in 6 weeks! I got engaged in Dec. 1964 and married in Feb. 1965 and we migrated to London thereafter.
Upendra Kapadia
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