Just got a phone call from Raka. Like I said in my last post, he is attending the Girimitra Sammelan today. In fact, he’s been gone since last night, meeting his friends, many of whom are involved in organizing the event, or have stalls there. He attended the talk last evening and went to stay with a friend.
When he came to know that he could submit photos for the competition, he had hurriedly scanned through the casual photos he had to select some to send in. He didn’t have much hopes that they would be selected, since he hadn’t really shot them from a competition perspective, but more from simply recording events mood. It was more the spirit of the thing. Participating to his best in whatever way he could.
For the last few years, he is so focused on working and other things, that he hadn’t really got the time to be in this space of mountain lovers – which is really what his roots are all about. He gets to go outdoors, to the mountains, do things…. as a part of his work, but a part of him mourned the close bonds that came from having deep and lasting friendships with like minded people, having that all important circle of belonging, where he wasn’t providing a service, but really being in the moment, with equals. Doing things for the sheer enjoyment, just being.
When he spoke with me last night, he sounded thrilled. People were just gathering, and he had already met so many people he knew. Some he was still in touch with, others he knew well years ago, but had moved to different circles, still others he had heard of and enjoyed discovering….
He seemed a little disappointed that not a single one of his pictures was even selected for display. He hadn’t expected any prizes, but I guess to him it was more about making his mark on the event, having his presence hold significance kind of thing. I was disappointed for him too, though I could understand when he described the prize winning entries and really praised the kind of photographs that were on display. In his words, my photos weren’t really anywhere close to that.
Imagine my surprise when I suddenly got a call from him today. He was browsing the pictures, and found one image he had submitted over there – displayed for everyone to see!!! He just had to pick up his phone and call me up. 
I am soooooo happy for him. He is feeling very sentimental about being in this space after so long, meeting old friends, reconnecting with people he doesn’t get to meet often, socializing with his regular circle as well…… I KNEW how important it was for him that his contribution (that’s how he saw it, more than a competition entry) to the proceedings hold meaning.
So yay!!!! Three cheers for my guy and his awesome stuff.
When he comes back, I will update with the happenings from the event, the actual prize winners and other such things.