Last night was inspirational and your responses seemed to suggest that. They have been of a number that has not been seen in the recent past. My gratitude and my great honour. Equally gratifying has been the inputs from FmXt towards either the poem, Madhushala or its reference to the events in my life. The events I must admit came in quite by accident. It was not to be. I had wanted to merely dwell on the verse and the strength of its import. But, somehow, those early years spun past me and I did not make any effort to stop the tide and the flow. I am happy that many among you found it inspirational. There have been many in my Father’s life that have confessed to similar attributes. It has not been uncommon among those seeking a companion, when confined to a solitary or a lonely existence. In particular have been those, that during the fight for freedom of India’s Independence from the British, were jailed and kept in most adverse conditions. Many among them have confided to me in person, how my Father’s poetry kept their spirit and motivation alive. During one of my very early visits to Nepal in the year 1954, there were many celebrated politicians who during their confinement in those early days in prison, had read and sought strength and consolation from his poems.
What is it then about poetry that manifests itself into this great pacifier, this wonder of words and rhythm, this carrier of deep philosophy, during times of trial. I think, if I remember correctly, my Father in one of his forewords, mentioned that we tend to find ourselves in the thoughts of the poet. We look for answers that we were unable to find. We cherish the universality of expression and allow it to engulf us with its magnanimity. And somewhere, somewhere, we are happy that there are others too that suffer similar situations. That we are not alone. That the poem and its expressions are our greatest companions in a world that has been separated from us, either through injustice or through force.

I have attempted today to cover as many responses, with that much sought after yellow line. When I started, the comments were within reach. But as I struggled to reach each and every one, the numbers kept increasing and then it became physically impossible. My fingers as you all may have realised, have been the only element in my body that has been exercised the most during my stay here in Singa pura..

During one of my meetings with the server BigAdda.com, the people that matter had suggested that they had a desire to convert the blog and my posts into a book and release it. I would find that terribly embarrassing, but if they were to persevere, I would want to suggest, nay, insist, that the book also contain some of the responses from the FmXt. I have found that during this long journey of ours there have been incredible inputs from those that have so liberally contributed to every blog of mine. Many among them have had a most lasting effect on me and I am certain they must have on you as a reader too. Some of the debates that were initiated, the discussions and points of view have been so engrossing and valuable that it would be a pity if they were left out to dry !

It would have to be a mixture of several different categories - serious, intellectual, humorous, indifferent – so that there is an opportunity for some democratic fairness in their representation.

There have been some frantic and concerned questions to me about my stay here and my return. I like the interest that FmXt takes in my well being and my actions and activities. It is your prerogative of course. You are extended family and it does become a mild compulsion on my part to divulge news about me.

I am here, as many know, to be with my friend, Amar Singh ji who has had to undergo a rather serious medical condition. Both his kidneys have collapsed and he had to have a transplant. Singapore is renowned for its this particular medical facility. Not just in the nature of the professionals available, but also in the post operative care and consultation at its various Hospitals, that are run with great efficiency. Many regard Singapore as a medical tourist destination. I have during my stay here and visits to the Hospitals, found a large percentage of the patients to be from other countries – India, Bangladesh, Australia, the neighbouring countries,Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East to name a few. Transplants require donors and that then becomes a sensitive issue. The Government here has very strict procedures before such a surgery can be undertaken. There is not only the medical side to the event – matching of tissue and blood and disease free organ, but also the process of ethics. The donor is subjected to several interviews before they accept his willingness to donate. And even after the authorities have assiduously interviewed the donor, he is given a period of a week to reconsider his desire, in case he may wish to change his mind. Kidney transplants are tricky, and post the operation, care has to be taken on infection and acceptance of the foreign body in your system. This is a long and tedious procedure and requires the patient who receives, to be in close proximity to the doctor. Which is why, my friend remains here and I by him. Amar Singh ji has been a most sincere, steadfast and incredibly caring friend. I consider him to be a part of my family and I shall be with him till he has sufficiently recovered to return back home. It will be the least that I shall be able to do for him.

I wish to draw attention to another sensitive matter. Fatima, that gutsy little fan of mine from Durban, South Africa and who has so diligently and with much commitment run fan groups and at times made valuable contributions to the blog, is in prayer. She lost her dear Uncle a few days ago and now tomorrow her Father has to undergo a surgical procedure which is quite critical. Can we all just put our hands together for a prayer for her and her family, to insure that all goes well with her Father.

Fats, you are in our thoughts and we send you all our warmth and good wishes and deep prayer. Be strong !!

“ In prosperity our friend’s know us … In adversity we know our friends..”

With my love as always ~

Amitabh Bachchan