Down Memory Lane: Elephanta Island, India

In 2004, I travelled to India for an international Controllers’ meeting and arrived in Mumbai a few days early with several colleagues, hoping to see something of the city before the work began.

Our colleagues in the Mumbai office recommended a day trip to Elephanta Island to visit the famous caves, so on Sunday we took the boat across the harbour. To our disappointment, the caves were closed. A local guide noticed this and persuaded us instead to explore the island and his village. There, local people invited us to drink tea, talk and play with the children, and visit the school. We were deeply touched by their friendliness and warmth. The teachers told us that the school lacked writing materials for the children, and later that week, from our Mumbai office, we were glad to send them a large supply.

That day marked the beginning of my affection for India and its people. I later returned to Mumbai and Chennai, though regretfully only for short business trips. Some journeys stay with us not because of the pictures we take, but because of the people we remember.