Hidden in the streets of Etawah is a gold mine named Chambal Archives. We had no idea about the extent to which we were about to be amazed. This archive is the personal collection of a 70 year old man, Mr. Krishna Porwal sir, an ex-businessman who has a passion for history. He gave us a memorable tour of his entire collection.
The collection included relics of the pasts of all sorts from recent archives to things that are hundreds of years old. Utensils, cameras, original pictures, tools, all sorts of things. The highlight of the collection though was his book and magazine collection, with over 30,000 books in his personal archive. Antique rare books of all genres, from medicine to literature, magazines from the first edition to the current, he has it all.
He had been collecting since a child. The books while collecting are usually in deplorable condition, owing to the time that has passed. What he does is he tidies up the books to readable condition. He then binds and covers the books by hard paper or cards which he scavenges from waste or streets to promote recycling. He’s been doing this for years everyday, thousands and thousands of books, all alone.
Even more inspiring about the aura of the place was that he has read every one of those books in his archive. The books are not included in his archive until he has read them, till that time they are kept outside in cardboard boxes. He told us how much he loves reading and still is a prolific reader and reads for as many hours he can spare after he’s done with his daily restoration. Also, he can read Japanese, Urdu and Bengali along with Hindi and English.
His knowledge, his magnificent ideologies are a result of such prolific reading and insurmountable passion. Also, he is a singer, poet, artist and has interest in film making.
It’s not everyday when you get to interact with such inspirational people. I wish I could imbibe some of your qualities sir. Despite being a man of national and international recognition, he is an extremely humble man. I hope you can find someone just as passionate as you are; who can carry forward your legacy. Although, he estimates, he should live for 32 years more!
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