'HIS'tory of HER-STORY

HIS-STORY : 1

He discovered a 3-carat diamond during an archaeological expedition. When I met him, he wanted to show it, but lost it. He treated it like a lost rock. I would have cried if I lost a diamond.

He is the first and only Paleontologist (yes, Ross's profession) and an archaeologist I ever met. I was privileged enough to visit a personal collection of fossils, a cultural and botanical preservation centre.

His name is Sunil.

If you know me, history is like a fling among many subjects that I get attracted to. This unexpected meet helped me learn and witness different types of fossils (both living and dead), day-to-day instruments that are used by tribes, jewelry and hunting tools that belongs to the Monolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages. 

I witnessed this kind of collection earlier; what is more interesting now is the one who presented the importance and value of each of the items. He did not explain to me because it was his job; he explained with all his heart and love for the subject.

One pic with the Paleontologist

When he learnt about the bones of a demon who was killed by lord Ram found in a place in Karnataka, he drove all the way to figure out the truth behind the claimed statements. Sunil goes on to field trips, lives with tribes, learns about their culture and hidden information, helps tribes to get contract works when needed, and lives among plants and nature.

He invited me to a place where he created his home. His creative side was evident as soon as I stepped in. He has house is like a mini museum . I was in awe looking at how he converted wheels of a bullock cart into a  shelf with a collection of artworks from tribes from Andaman, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. 

When asked about his way of life, he shared one of his friends, who was a priest, lost his life a few years ago. Sunil's friend could not experience adventures. His friend's last words on the deathbed shaped Sunil's perspective of live. When every inspiration felt too rusty, Sunil’s lifestyle felt refreshing. He dared to be different.

HIS-STORY : 2

I met people who mentioned they wanted financial freedom by 35 years of age and wanted to relax the rest of the life. This uncle I met retired as a Sanskrit Pandit doesn't want to relax. His kids are very well settled in life. His wife is also working on her passion. When I asked him what he does in his free time, he replied, "I do not have free time". 

His collection of Talapatra Grandhas

He showed me his collection of Talapatra grandhas (inscriptions on palm leaves from ancient times), which has the formulas to prepare ayurvedic medicine. He is obsessed with ancient literature and medicine. Now he is on a mission to pass on the knowledge about many trees, explaining the importance of its health benefits to the next generation by converting age old Sanskrit scripts. He is the man on a new mission every day!

He showed me the dedication a "PURPOSE" can give in life. Having financial freedom is very important, but without purpose, the journey might be uncomfortable.

HIS-STORY : 3

I left the nursery feeling itchy, which continued for over 30 minutes. The other uncle, a native of Kerala state, took me to a spot, enthusiastically explaining the details about plants using scientific names while I was scratching. I then asked if there was something wrong with the place, as I felt uncomfortable. He then slowly started saying that a few of the plants were poisonous/allergens which were once used to kill people. (YOU CAN IMAGINE MY REACTION)

The wildlife photographer captured wilderness in me!

He is also a wildlife photographer and an expert on wild plants and animals. He collects the living fossils, i.e. the trees which are hundreds of years old. I am always in awe of his way of observing animals. He took my brother and me and showed us an owl, which is the biggest owl I ever witnessed.

He lives far away from family, following his heart.

HIS-STORY : 4

If I were able to witness these "HIS-STORIES", it is because of my Dad. I cannot write about him in just a paragraph. He is the reason of who I am today, and he always surprises me with his obsession over many things (Earthworms - His recent obsession). His obsessions pushed our family to get new experiences making life interesting. When he was in his 20's, stability was respected but he choose to stay chaotic and he still has the same sprit.

A random pic with Dad

Every story shows a pattern - "OBSESSION". What would be the level of obsession, planning and deeper vision of the one who hired all these people? I haven't met him, but if I do, I will dedicate this blog to him for funding these rare gems.

This new year began with a lot of self-doubt and uncertainties, and I was not sure how to put into words what I was feeling. These stories gave me inspiration to take that chance, to follow my heart and to experiment with my obsession.

Stepping into 25 with "HER-STORY"

This is the HIStory of love, obsession and passion in "HER-STORY".

(PS: HIStory - Copied a friend's idea)