DAS STUDIO REVISITED: FUN & LAUGHTER ALL THE WAY

Last time when we (Hermonites) visited Darjeeling’s iconic landscape, Das Studio, which one fan described as the “mecca of photographers and mountain lovers”, we were lucky to meet Durga Das Pradhan. Durga was familiar to us as he was always there with his team during our school’s year-ending annual photo session. Sadly, Durga passed away a few years back.

   This time when I stepped into Das Studio with my family we were hoping – but still not too sure of meeting him – to see Mohan Das Pradhan. And lo and behold he was there!

   Meeting Mohan was in my wife Tsering’s bucket list for a long time. My twin daughters – Sonam and Kunga, both avid photographers – were also eager to meet the intrepid traveller, who freely roams around the world with a big smile.

   Mohan daju, a 1960 North Pointer, and I have been in touch – off and on – on social media for a long time. But meeting him in his den was a huge surprise and a big treat. Funny thing was that he, too, was most delighted to see me. “You’ve made my day!” was his first reaction when he saw us enter his studio. He warmly and most enthusiastically welcomed us into the studio, where his beautiful wife Sheila was also present.

   All of us spontaneously started clicking with our mobile phones the moment we met even as Mohan and I chatted amidst bursts of laughter. “You still bucking with the system?” he said or something like that to which I replied, “No, I’ve given up twenty years ago!” After another burst of laughter, he reacted, “You still have the spirit!” to which I replied, “If they start bucking again I’ll do something worse!” Another burst of laughter!

   It appears that Mohan, now renamed Hira Kazi (family name), was quite observant of what I have been doing all these years. This was something that touched my heart.

   On a quieter note he said, “Now settle down with your wonderful family and enjoy the peace.” What a wonderful advice from a North Pointer to a Hermonite, who has led a colourful life with its many ups and downs. Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts – school motto).

   Mohan’s next move was, “What are your girls doing? They have a whole life ahead of them” and then started chatting with them, while my wife and Sheila were busy talking. The girls were thrilled. What he told them was short and to the point: “Go around the world. There is so much to see and experience but don’t forget your roots.”

   We could have stayed longer and went on and on but it was time to say goodbye.

Sometimes,

I feel I want to go back in time…

Not to change things,

but to feel a couple of things twice…”

(Robert Drake)