Memories take me down to the March of 2007 where I met a Great Personality from Serbia. He is Professor Dr.Aleksander Petrovich, a Stalwart in Anthropology , a Knowledge-Mine. Sir was UNESCO's Vice President and UNESCO Committee Man from Serbia and was here in Ananthapur in Andhra Pradesh for presenting an Invited Paper in the Indian National Cartographers Association's Annual meet. He was very much interested in visiting Kerala and was eager enough to study the physical and anthropogenic patterns of the God's Own Country. The first two days he was the guest of Sukumar Sir and Ahalya Madam, Senior Scientists,Centre for Earth Science Studies. Later Me and Ambari received him at Ernakulam Railway Station. His accommodation was arranged at a three star In Kochi. The first question he asked me was "you being a Geographer tell me do you know Serbia", where is it located?I told him :  

                              "Oh my bird, oh my dear grey falcon,

                                How do you feel with your wing torn out?"

                               "I am feeling with my wing torn out

                                Like a brother one without the other."

and Sir, Serbia is located on the cross roads of South Eastern Europe and borders Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, those mainlands I could tell. Sir was very much impressed about my description of his Country. He told me that his Best Half was a Meteorologist in Serbia and later she learned Sanskrit and now is a Professor in Sanskrit in the University of Serbia. So according to her the Serbian Capital Belgrade is Sri Narayanapuram. I was surprised but that may be a possibility much nearer to the truth. 

I was more surprised when he told that he and his family member were vegetarians and that in India he has decided not to take any spicy food. The two days in Kochi, Sir relied on fresh fruit juices without ice and sugar. We visited the Jewish Synagogue and Streets of Mattanchery, the Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, Bolagatty, Marine Drive, Wellington Islands, and the Hill Palace. He enjoyed the visit to Hill Palace. He was keeping his ears sharp to the splendid explanation given by the guide at the Palace about the Kerala architecture esp. those of temple architecture and Nalukettu. The hours spend with him was a period of mutual knowledge sharing. I could learn many new things. Our views almost had a point of intersection when he said that the Father of the Nation is Swami Vivekananda. Gandhiji was a Great man indeed but it was through Swamiji that the Nation was known to the whole World. We debated on many such things.

Sir was very much pleased by my explanations about the region, its culture and my observations. He was very much impressed by the helping mentality of Ambari and the driving of Biju chettan. As per his suggestion we purchased a number of Ayurvedic medicines from my Aunt's shop at Thrippunithura. There we met my sister Bhagya chechi on the road. Sir compelled us that we should take a photo together that he can take back the memories along with him. It was finally at Nedumbassery that we realized that it was the time for us to part. I could see his eyes becoming wet. He was becoming emotional and we were very much moved by the simplicity of his soul. He said ,I wish that I should take birth next time in India. I have started loving Kerala and  India more and more  through your words Devan. I was feeling elated at his words. I have contributed indirectly to my Nation's Pride.Here, this Great Man like to be born as and Indian. He embraced us and walked towards the Airport.

Thereafter, I used to receive mails from Siberia, Scotland and the Latin American Countries. Professor Aleksander Petrovich was travelling, travelling across the world as a Visiting Professor but wherever he went,however busy he was, Sir used to mail me. He referred me to a Professor friend of him Sir Starsevich who promised me an MS seat at the University.But somehow I couldn't accept the offer. I still cherish, love and respect those moments which I spend with Sir Aleksander Petrovich.