Recollections

Photography

Pranab-da encouraged my interest in photography. I became competent in both still photography as well as photography of moving objects. Sri Ma played tennis during those days. I obtained Pranab-da’s permission to take Her photographs at the tennis court. After clicking many photographs, I was readying myself to take another shot. Mother would come towards me rapidly and then retrace her steps just as rapidly. By the time I could adjust the lens, She would be “out of focus”. Everyone around was laughing at my predicament. I understood that this was Her deliberate play. I finally managed to click one photograph.

I have photographed Mother in Her various modes of activity. I would follow Mother around and whenever an opportunity presented itself, I would take Her photograph. Of course, Pranab-da used to take Her photographs all the time.

Once my birthday was near. I wrote to Mother asking for Her permission : “Mother, I would like to photograph you on my birthday”. Mother replied,”Ok”. I took it as Her assent. I was filled with joy. I met Pranab-da and told him everything. Pranab-da advised me to carry the letter with me, when I went to Mother on my birthday.

On my birthday, I went to see Mother in the evening. A smile of indescribable sweetness played on the Mother’s lips. I felt as if I had become transparent before Her. I made my pranam at Her feet. She kept Her hands pressed on my head for quite some time. I stood up after a while and said,”Mother, I would like to take some photographs.” Mother said, “I do not allow anyone other than Pranab to take my photographs. You can photograph me when I am at the balcony.” I said, “Mother, but You had yourself granted me the permission earlier.” Mother said forcefully, “I do not give such a permission to anyone”. Then I said, “Mother, I had written a letter seeking your permission and you had said ok.” I quickly took out the letter and presented it before Her. After seeing the letter, She said, “Ok Vishwajit, you may take the photographs.”

The Mother sat there with one hand on her cheek - what a rare sight and I was blessed to capture it in my camera. I photographed Her in various poses. I sent the prints to Her later on. She really liked some of the photographs. I silently thanked Pranab-da for his timely advice without which I would have missed this blessing.