WARNING!
Before you download this book on your Kindle, click on Nargis Natarajan to get to know who the author is.
As a personal story, and a dedication to her father, the book gives the
reader a full view of ‘a now happy – now sad’, big Indian joint family with
many characters, children and pets. And of course a good laugh almost all the
way.
When I downloaded the book, I thought I would have a glimpse
into a traditional Indian family which almost built Berhampur, also known as
Brahmapur (Wikipedia)
from scratch. But what I fell upon is a modern, progressive family which was headed by a great visionary, a
patriot, educated and progressive doctor, Dr Firoz Ali and the story of his large family and his contribution to a city he loved so much- Brahmapur. It is sad that he lives in every space we
see today in Brahmapur, although his name has become unknown to most. Daddy,
A Bouquet of Memories is a history of his work as a Social Worker, a
dedicated doctor, a poet and nation builder, as told by his daughter. It is the
story of the man for whom, his Brahmapur was his life and light.
Better known as ‘the poor man’s doctor’ Dr Firoz Ali, gave
up his Government Medical job to serve the people of Brahmapur. A freedom
fighter, proud of his country and his city, Dr Firoz Ali contributed in each and
every way to build the city, although if you google his name today, all you
find is one or two references. Considering that at one time, the Brahmapur Railway
Station was named after him, it is sad how names, persons are deleted from our
histories as if they never existed at all.
Some mention:
In Arun Bhatt's blog:
"I went towards Dr. Firoz Ali’s residence. A three
storey building now stands there. There is nothing imperial about it other than
the name “Imperial College.”
And Here:
“It may be noted that due to untiring efforts of well-known
social worker Dr. Feroz Ali, the long-cherished dream of Brahmapur citizens for
an auditorium became a reality in 1977.”
History is built around people we want to remember, or what
someone, somewhere thinks is worth remembering and passing on. Living histories
are wiped out which is why, reviving old memories, writing facts that will stay
forever, has becoming so important.
I would put Daddy, A
Bouquet of Memories, as not only a memory but a living history of
Brahmapur, facts, one does not get to read in the text book, Wikipedia or any
other book about a place or city.
We in India, choose to remember a Gandhi, a Nehru and
forget, even, try to wipe out people who we do not want our children to
remember as builders of this nation.
Welcome then, to a Nehru look alike and a Gandhi at heart, a
generous, kind and benevolent man, called Dr Firoze Ali, The Daddy you may certainly never forget, not if you are from
Brahmapur, Orissa.
