07/10/2026
He recognized me after 34 years.
It felt like a flash, but actually,
It was a cycle of emotions.
It was 1991.
I was in class 7th.
A formal announcement,
To participate in a All-India story writing competition.
Myself,
A boy, studying in a hindi medium school,
Wrote a 50 - page story ( all -handwritten)
And submitted for the same.
Sent it through registered post.
After one month,
I got a postcard saying -
"All India Rank 2" in the story writing competition.
The reward was special.
I was invited for the NATIONAL YOUTH MEET at Delhi.
Delhi was too far that time ( Not like today).
The 3 days stay at Delhi and spreading the message of
"SAY NO TO DRUGS" with peaceful procession, was a first time experience.
Why I said it's a circle of emotions?
The organizer Dr. Rajesh Kumar,
Runs this organization called SPYM.
[Society for the Promotion of Youth & Masses).
He still runs it and has helped enormous lives in different ways.
I could not speak to him for long in 1991.
Yesterday, I spoke to him for around 30 minutes after 34 long years.
He recognized and remembered everything, like what I do.
We shared our well-beings,
And I invited him to share his life-journey,
So that I can publish him as an achiever in our annual alumni magazine.
He doesn't need additional reconginition,
But it's our way of showing gratitude to his contributions.
Sometime, life seems a small circle.
PS: Have you met someone after so long, who still remembers you?
