The presence of his absence

 

Bala and me

Bala's presence at YK Antiques has been so impactful that when he left Hyderabad, it left a gaping hole. One that we cannot fill and thinking we can fill it is only foolish. His passion and love for YK Antiques is unparalled. 

Satya, Bala and sir with Dobara team

For the unitiated, YK Antiques is a home museum in Alwal, Hyderabad, and is run by YK Murthy and is supported by the love of volunteers -- Satya, Vinay, Preeti, Laalithya, among others. 

And today, there was a School Tour to the museum. And personally, the presence of Bala's absence was felt. Before Bala moved to Goa, he spent most of his time at YK Antiques and he and YK Sir set the home museum with utmost care. Whenever there was a school tour, Bala would spontaneously conjure some fascinating activity. 

And this time, it was we who had to do it. I knew it would be hard to fill in the shoes of Bala. And the next thing, I thought was to involve my mother, who is creative and spontaneous. The tour for children was done in 4 batches: when the first batch came in, we spoke to them about rolling stone that is used to make chutney, and then about the mini library that Bala made. Sir told about the door and the tiny bell which was used as a calling bell in olden days. 

Later, when we took them inside the home museum, they were enthused to learn about the various antiques such as collapsible glass, brass ware and how elephants were directed with an 'ankusham'. Later my mother took charge of the painting activity where children had to draw what they liked. 

The kids who made artwork today

We repeated this for other batches as well. Sir had taken turns with Satya and once me to explain about the antiques. Later Satya mentioned how Bala's tour talks were his inspiration. 

While, we did what we did with enthusiasm, there was Bala's absence felt. Here we are grinning after a hearty meal and a tour done with love. 

Me, Mom, Sir and Satya

children awestruck with a landline :)