Dateline Stockholm – The Delhi Walla Enters the Nobel Prize Club
The blogger’s photography gets recognition.
[Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi]
The Delhi Walla has got the Nobel Prize for literature. Well, almost. A picture taken by me has been put up in the official website of the Nobel Foundation, Nobelprize.org.
In November, 2008, the South African Nobel laureate in literature, Nadine Gordimer, came visiting Delhi. It was her first visit to India in 14 years.
I too went to India International Center to listen to the author of acclaimed novels such as A Guest of Honour, The Conservationist, Burger’s Daughter and July’s People. More than 150 people had squeezed into the auditorium to be with the writer who during her Nobel Prize lecture in 1991 had famously referred to the South Africa of the apartheid years by saying, “Only many years later was I to realize that if I had been a child in that category — black — I might not have become a writer at all, since the library that made this possible for me was not open to any black child.”
While speaking from behind the lectern, Ms Gordimer, then 85, appeared fragile enough to fall and hurt herself. But she stood erect. Her eyes were penetrating, her face was stern and she frowned when a cell phone rang in the middle of a discussion on race relations in South Africa. After she got down the stage, Ms Gordimer was surrounded by Delhiites, who requested her to autograph the copies of her books. Looking vulnerable in the midst of an eager crowd, the author obliged.
Squeezing through her admirers, I managed to take some pictures of the Nobel laureate. In February, 2010, one of those photographs was uploaded on the Nobel Prize’s website. Click here for the proof. A screen shot from that link can be seen on the top.
Ms Gordimer in India International Center
Ms Gordimer in India International Center
Ms Gordimer in India International Center
Ms Gordimer in India International Center
Mano, I have always believed in your colossal talent! Am not surprised at your achievements — very very proud of you. Every success of yours is special to me — you are borne to do magnificent work, dear Mayank.
much success to all your passionate endeavours.
South Africa is in my blood — Nadine Gordimer is South Africa’s pride — a very remarkable writer and a superb person. This is an honour for you as much as it is for us.
Here is to The Delhi Walla –Salute.
Brava!
Shaheen Sultan
Way to go bro! All the best!
Congratulations brother… so now I know that, apart from me, the Nobel Committee also appreciate your photography skills!
Mayank, You deserve it all. You are writing the History of Delhi by your camera. So, you are modern “Ibne Batoota” equiped with advanced devices.
Big cheers for Mayank
Keep it up
Bravo, Mayank!
Congrats Mayank..
Those Nobel people know a good thing when they see it. Congrats!
Congratulations!
Congrats Mayank. I am sure greater glories await you…Amen
Congratulations Mayank! Am so happy for you!
Guy is getting the blessings of Hazart Nizzamuddin Awliya.
Congrats Mayank. I am very happy for you:)Parul
congrats & a hi5 to you
Boy,You are special!didn't I tell you this….
Congratulations. You do amazing work, so very well deserved!
congrttttss dear.waise u r underestimating ur self,ek din teri bhi pics nd autograph log aise hi lenge.GOd bless.U hav lot of guts zenious
congrats MAS
MAS, mate congratulaitons. Well deserved honor indeed.I liked Gordimer's statement “Only many years later was I to realize that if I had been a child in that category — black — I might not have become a writer at all, since the library that made this possible for me was not open to any black child.” Many people, like Deen Dayal (in your next day's blog), despite having skills, sincerity, focus, do NOT get to ACHIEVE in traditional materialistic sense only becuase they did NOT have OPPORTUNITY.Ciao,Vishal
@ Shaheen@ HAssan, KSAI like the way you guys congratulated MAS, with you own unique way 🙂
wow! way to go.!.!.!.heres hoping you actually get it! (or is that too much to want)
Great work done !!! :)http://spicy-indian-dishes.blogspot.com/