Returning Home to India

Audley client Eric Martin was hesitant to return to the India he grew up in, however, with the help of India specialist Niall he took the leap

By Audley Travel

March 15^th, 2019

Below is the letter that client Eric Martin sent to his country specialist Niall expressing his gratitude and appreciation for having returned to the land of his childhood.

Niall,

Thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip to India, and particularly for encouraging me to return to the land of my birth. I did have misgivings, since I was born in times that were not propitious for people who had strong ties to British India, but what I found was a tribute to the influence of Gandhi and Nehru. The people were happy to know that I had been born in Bangalore. My wife and sons were touched by the genuine goodwill shown to me, and to them. As one Hindu said to me: "India has many sons, and you are one of them."

Bangalore amazed me with the exponential expansion of its borders and economic activity. What was once open plain and jungle, some ten miles north of the railway line, is now industrial estates, humming with activity. It was no surprise to me when Vinay, our first guide, said that the population had grown to over ten million! The thousands of scooters, motorbikes, and cars made driving a formidable challenge, but Muralee our driver was superb! He amazed us with his ability to overtake in heavy traffic, giving himself a margin of safety which made my hair stand on end. That is, the hair I still have left...

Eric with his family on their Audley vacation to India

Mural of Tippu Sultan’s summer palace, Bangalore

Eric and his wife with the sacred bull calf Nandi

Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore's vast civic building

I did find the street where we lived, Robertson Road, and discovered that our house, and all the houses on that road had been demolished, and replaced by apartment blocks. I wasn't disappointed, since the burgeoning population needed space. I went to our old church, Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral, and showed Elizabeth and the boys the family pew. Going back to something familiar, which has lasted untouched for 60 years, was very gratifying. I also went to St. Joseph's Convent, where the kind nuns educated me in their excellent elementary school. We were given a warm welcome.

Interior of the Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral

Exterior of the Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral

Standing outside of Saint Josephs Convent

The coffee plantation was uniquely enjoyable, and Wilfred Sequeria the manager was most hospitable. We enjoyed the short time we were there. Muralee took us to Mysore, and we were fascinated by the countryside of South India...miles and miles of coconut plantations, interspersed with rice paddies and vegetable plots.

Meeting Joseph in Mysore, we made yet another friend. He knew local history very well and gave us new insights into the dynasties which had ruled the area. He was also knowledgeable about the wildlife in the sanctuary, which was simply incredible! I have never seen such a vast congregation of birds anywhere, and never have experienced so many large crocodiles at close quarters!

Eric and his family with their driver Muralee

Lastly, we had the pleasure of meeting Abby in Chennai, a gracious and knowledgeable guide, who amazed me with her command of British history in Madras. I took 18C history at Edinburgh, which included the gradual dominance of the East India Company, and was happy to find someone who could converse with me about that time.

And so, dear Niall, to the end of the journey, which was truly amazing for all of us. I want to thank you for making this possible. I hope that we can work together again, and I wish you and your company the very best.