Auld lang syne. Second series : My Indian friends

In this reflective memoir, the author turns his seasoned eye toward the people and ideas that shaped his fascination with India. Drawing from decades‑long recollections, he sketches encounters with scholars, poets, and everyday companions whose words and deeds nudged his thoughts eastward. The narrative weaves personal anecdotes with observations on the country’s enduring literature, philosophy, and ritual life, offering a portrait that feels both intimate and scholarly.

While never having set foot in the subcontinent, the writer’s imagination is animated by vivid descriptions of rivers, mountains, and bustling bazaars, as well as the timeless chants of Vedic priests and the lively debates of modern Indian thinkers. He muses on how cultural misunderstandings can cloud appreciation, urging listeners to hear the ancient voices of India with the same respect given to Greek classics. The first act invites curiosity about the friendships that bridge continents and the enduring legacy of a civilization still alive in its traditions.