Tripoli notes- This year, I separated my Reading journal
into a different website.
Gracereadings.com (links are given below
Letters– In the past year, I consciously developed the theme of –Write a letter to a loved one who has passed way-and every month review those letters. These deepen my connection with many currents.
BHATT FAMILY 1970
Remembering parents and times gone by- 1970
Here I am reproducing in part a letter I wrote to my father- who passed away in 1999, on meeting his old friend and colleague from Army medical Corps in August 2015
MEETING SURI UNCLE- In August , when I went to India, I met Brigadier Suri. He talked affectionately and told about many intricacies of life, how it developed after his retirement, the business he is doing with his son-Muneer. As we sat on that evening in Palam Vihar, my mind’s eye went to the times in the eighties in Pune when I used to come from medical college, and stay in Chest diseases hospital of Golibar Maidan-and prepare for the next semester. The studies of Pathology and Pharmacology in the second professional, the intense studies of Medicine, Surgery in Final professional. The trips you used to make to visit me in Old Boy’s and New Boy’s hostel of Maulana Azad. I cherish those trips we made together, the one-on-one time we spent, the times we went to Golcha and Regal cinemas, the times we went for a trip to Shimla.
In such letters, I also write about books and related thoughts
SPIRITUAL MATTERS- Have been reading the book on the Quest for Historical Jesus, which go through the debates between spiritual, mystical, supernatural, rational, mythological , esthalogical aspects of the life of Jesus. Did Jesus know that he was the Messiah- the Son of God, or did he think he was a prophet. Different writers, ranging from Strauss in 17th century to Schweitzer in 20th century have written about these issues from different perspectives. For me, going through these debates and issues makes me closer to different spiritual trends- and I think about our own Hindu-Indian mythological tales- the Ramayana and Mahabharata, their association with real geographical places like Ayodhya and Indraprastha – and how these shape the consciousness of living humans.
Walks– Previous year-Walks..through parks, museums. Here are some photographs and walks of the year gone by and some yesteryears.
July-saw Blue Moon over Niagara, and tried to capture it in night.
Walks in Kalemgdon Park-Belgrade,-the historic place where first world war started. (Are we living through World War III?)
And some friends and family, from different places.
2002-LODHI GARDENS-DELHI…Remembering Walks of yester years
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED PERSPECTIVE..DR.SAAD MAKHLUF, -Malta Sweiqi..with Sahil. A former Libyan National level football player, Chief of Libyan Olympic Committee, and dear friend…many interesting discussions over the years
This year, Sahil became taller than me, at 14 years 6 months age.
On this occasion, I looked back on some walks together
The writer Peter Drucker said that the predominant need in our culture was for individuals to make their lives useful to themselves and others, and he believed that non-profit organizations were best suited to do that.
According to Peter, non profits organizations were most effective in establishing “the functioning community and functioning democracy of tomorrow”.
This year, through a deeper touch with some such voluntary organizations which impact culture, like Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science centre, Peel Art Gallery and Museum Archives, YMCA, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Riverwood conservancy, we explored the themes of Functioning community.
We also looked back at some past years-walks through Libya, Malta, India and the different communities like BNHS-Bombay Natural history society, Museum of Fine Arts-Malta, The Sukh Sagar Indian Community centre-Malta and reflected on how such organizations shape our perspective.
Through readings- Like Chris Hadfield’s experience on Life , seeing movies like -Namesake based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel of the same name, we explored in depth, the Art of Reading themes told in the course by Tim Spurgin.
See blog
The Colonel Says
We discussed the many lessons from this book, after visits to the Ontario Science Centre
The Greatest journeys are those that bring you home
WALKS -RIVERWOOD
Remembering Catherine Parr Traill…She found beauty in weeds
On these trails- we rediscovered the writings and orientations of writers like Catherine Parr Traill ,(1802-1899) who found her path to North America through Nature…She found beauty in weeds…
WALKS- TORONTO ZOO
REMEMBERING WALKS OF YESTERYEARS
2003 -Qutub Minar -Delhi
2004- Ghadames- Libya..On the Ancient caravan routes of Sahara
EDWARDS GARDENS-Toronto Botanical Society- This year Sahil became taller than me
THE RHODODENDRON SOCIETY OF CANADA-Edwards Gardens-Leslie Street-Toronto
ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE Ontario Science Centre hold many interesting theme based exhibitions apart from having a very interesting permanent collection. We saw “Brain”, “The Science of Rock and Roll” and “Myth busters” and went into the world of “Lemurs” in Madagascar and “The Universe-Through Hubble”
See Blog-
https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/10/13/ontario-science-centre/
WALKS AND DISCUSSIONS- We went for several interesting walks in Riverwood and discussed about different themes ..
For an interesting perspective on a 21st century work table –and the Laptop
SEE BLOG- A 200 YEAR WORK TABLE
https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/10/18/a-200-year-old-work-table/
RIVERWOOD
ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM..Every object has a story
ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM-ROM..Bull the Rhino – 1963 -2008..Every object has a story…To explore this theme further, see blog on Archeology Museum-Istanbul, which has some of the best collections I have ever seen SEE BLOG- EVERY OBJECT HAS A STORY-ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM-ISTANBUL-NOVEMBER 2014 https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/11/11/archeology-museum-istanbul-every-object-has-a-story/
Toronto Botanical Gardens
ART GALLERY OF MISSISSAUGA- Special exhibition-25 years of SAHMAT
SAHMAT- 25 YEAR..Art Gallery of Mississauga- Teaching the next generation ..Our Legacies…Told Sahil about Safdar Hashmi..remembered those days of 1980s..
DARWIN’S DREAM PONDS- Toronto Zoo..Exploring Lake Malawi
Diaromas..Africa section
GIANT PANDA EXPERIENCE
Giant Panda..comparing with bears of North America
Walks
Walks..Toronto zoo
Riverwoood walks 1
MERCHANT OF VENICE
Many lovely hours spent at Port Credit- Discussing Nuances of Literature
How Shakespeare created characters such as Shylock and Falstaff, who outgrew the confines of their play, and talk to people through the centuries.
…………revenge!
I’ll treat you as badly as you Christians taught me to—
and you’ll be lucky if I don’t outdo my teachers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5adzpdkdw
Through the many journeys, the young boy makes, one sees the unfolding of new realities. The writer-psychologist Phil McGraw tells that these are the small things which make up life and we should cherish each such moment. The differences of catching the different routes of MIWAY . Last year, he used to go by shared car pool.
This year, he wants to explore the society, through Miway.
” Yesterday I took 3 E and 5 S and took around an hour or a bit more to come to school, but today when I took 26 E and 5 S, I arrived in just 35 minutes (not counting the time it takes to go to the first bus stop in either time).”
As I look back on the photographs, notes, journals we have kept over the years I remember our many journeys together.
On this work anniversary, I got together with some colleagues and remembered times gone by.Here are some pictures which mark points in that journey.
Remembered friends who helped shape my perspectives. Some food workshops, some memories of the expatriate community of Libya and some walks in the region.
SEP 2003 ADEL DALI, DR.SAMI FITORI, DR.BHATT
FEBRUARY 2005 ADEL DALI-SAGAR BHATT
APRIL 2004
DR.SANDEEP VOHRA
2005
DR.BHATT, DR.VISHWANATH, JESU RATNAM
LAXMAN REDDY, WITH SAGAR
2009-MAY UDAY PAL YADAV, MR.MOKHTAR(Maintenance)MOHAMED GHOUL, Tunisian EngineerSAGAR-SAHIL
2004-11 (November)
Ghadames
Dr.Mathew, Dr.Sanjay, Dr.J.C.Chopra, Radiotherapy doctor
And Bhatt family-Sahil on my shoulders, Sagar with ball,Mamta
A memorable trip to the town on the Ancient caravan routes of Sahara
2005
Engineer Khaled Sherif and sons
He was the person who first interviewed me
For joining LSMC- in July 2003
2004-JUMA SAAGA DAYS
Dr.Vishwanath, Ranga Reddy, Dr.Jeevan Shetty, Laxman Reddy
LSMC DIRECTOR Dr. Fathi Abukteer with Haythem-2008
2009-Partnership with patients-LSMC Radiology
A follow-up patient –she has been coming for me since 2008
2010-DR.MOKHTAR SNUSI..In his house
Meeting him, I always felt I was meeting an old friend.
Many lovely hours talking about so many points about life
Civilizations, Arab spring and beyond
2012
Solaiman Abuzeidi- Poet, Friend, Night –Friday Shifts
With son
LSMC Radiology is only department which runs 24 x 7
Solaiman got married while in Radiology LSMC.
…It takes the Heart of a Lion to do an X-ray in the Tripoli of today
2012 -Radiology Staff
Rex with Anil,Merla, Jeevan- Dec 2011
SEE BLOG-
San Francisco Church-Dahra-Tripoli-The expatriate community faces complex issues relatingto education in the conflict ridden Libya of today.
April 2012 – Radiology department-LSMC, different professionals, managers, doctors, dentists,
Staff nurses, radiographers of different nationalities and backgrounds have varying approaches to
Issues..Our Front desk Manager-Mohamed Shweki has an interesting style..will not get
Burnt out easily ..see blog
2012-Mokhtar Hafy-Accounts, Ahmed and Ali-IT..Many layers of LSMC workings
2009 staff- Ravi, with daughters of Uday, Dr.Fathi, Dr.Bahlul Ramadan
2009- Christmas- San Francisco Church-Dahra- Carols-Choirs of over 20 nationalities praying and singing together.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PATIENTS- ATTABIB HISHAM- My dear friend- Born 1967- Died 2010
MOHANDAS..One of my dearest friends in Tripoli, a moving force behind the “Tripoli Reading Group” being nursed to recovery by Mitza (Milica Ivanovic)..Mali ..see Blog-WHY READ FANON https://prashantbhatt.com/2013/08/23/why-read-fanon/
BAB AL AZIZIYA..AUGUST 2011…Witnessing first hand a 21st century insurrection
2011-March
Evacuation..from War zone.
Mr.Sunni –LSMC Board member with Santosh Khot
Mr.Sunni ensured that all those who chose to evacuate
Will get their dues in US Dollars.
A brave decision which showed his character.
In March 2011 we all faced our moments of Truth.
No one knew for sure what would happen
2011- Revolution in Libya
“ All British nationals were told to leave. I hold a British and Libyan passport. But I chose to stay behind. I am from this land. Whatever happens to the people here, will happen to me”
Shara Jraba discussions
When I asked him can I record his interviews on camera he replied.
“Doctor ! In the Tripoli of today, I cannot even trust my mother. You never know what pressures a person can be put under to make statements. Record what you want, in writing, but nothing on camera.”
2013- LSMC Radiology
Afternoons in Mammogram Room
Reem Alamin and Kareema Musbah
Many refreshments
We have a good harmonious working atmosphere.
WALKS..2004- Cairo Cafes-Regilla.
LSMC STAFF ..MRI Tech- UDAY PAL YADAV..2006 , at the Marriage of Biomedical engineer Mohsen
TRIPOLI EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY- SISTER ROSSY with Daughters of Uday
PARTNERSHIP WITH PATIENTS- WITH DIFINKA..2008
A Bulgarian lady, who made Libya her life. She came to me as a patient, and turned out to be a very special mentor.
2009-Mr.Deshbandhu Snehi- Minister – Indian Embassy
2009- Mr.Taj Alam- A dear Friend
Baking..Egyptian Bakers..now not seen often in Tripoli (West Libya)
FOOD WORKSHOPS- UDAY PAL YADAV, MILICA IVANOVIC..Making Rotis..2008
FOOD WORKSHOPS- MR.DESHBANDHU SNEHI- 2009
FOOD CULTURE- SHORMA
PARTNERSHIP WITH PATIENTS- ATTABIB HESHAM- 1967-2010
LSMC REFERRING CONSULTANTS- DR.DETLEV SCHROEDER, DR ESSAM
LSMC RADIOLOGY- PRASANTH ABBURI AND SANTOSH. APRIL 2010
RADIOLOGY FRIENDS- OP Sir – Dr.O P Gupta of Meerut, with Mr.D M Sinha- The Gita Reading Groups
TRIPOLI EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY- Dr.Balaji Patil-Oil Clinic, Dr.Singh-Ministry of Health, Dr.Varun Natarajan-Urology Consultant-LSMC-Razi clinics. Nov 2011
RADIOLOGY FRIENDS- Arun Mahajan..we grew up in practice together
RADIOLOGY FRIENDS- WITH RAJIV 2011-October –With Dr.Rajiv GuptaDr.Rajiv and I grew up in private practice together.Now (Sep 2015) he is Director of MRI Division,Medanta Medicity-Gurgaon.
RADIOLOGY FRIENDS- 2011-October -Greater Kailash-New Delhi. Dr.SANDEEP KAWLRA-DR.BHATT
Dr.Kawlra is my mentor.
He taught me many things about Radiology and Management.
He is now the Director of Radiology-Medanta Africa Currently in Nairobi-Kenya (Sep 2015)
TECHNOLOGY-INNOVATION MRI of Siemens- Application Engineer Mokhtar Mars with Ammar and Santosh.Shifting from GE Signa series to Siemens Essenza series went smooth for these experienced professionals
TECHNOLOGY-INNOVATION- MRI Siemens..Ammar , Santosh, Rowena, Application Engineer Mokhtar Mars
YASIN..The Joker..LSMC Staff..But this Joker, had the guts to paint walls against Gaddafi. He was picked up in March 2011 by the dictatorship, spent many months in jail, broke out in August 2011..
Now many people say that they are “revolutionaries”..In March 2011, there were few people who had Guts like Yasin to openly oppose the dictator..These are the FRIENDS OF BOUAZIZI..who shaped the Arab streets during the Arab spring
HAMRUNI…my Libyan “son”..another brave man, he used to Break the siege of Misrata from the sea, via Tunisia…during 2011 revolution
Mr. Juma..only 8 feet tall
COMMUNITY OUTREACH- Zanzour -December 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness programDr.Mahmud, Dr.Nagia Abied
COMMUNITY OUTREACH- Zanzour -December 2014
Breast Cancer Awareness program
Dr.Mahmud, Dr.Nagia Abied with local volunteers from Municipality
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE- 2013- Maidan Aljazier- DR MAHMUD ABDURAHMAN, DR.FATHI LAJALI..He helped end my Visa slavery
“You bought your release letter, by surrendering your rights” Advocate Alkoot commented over a discussion in Fornaj
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE- MR.MEHMOOD ISMAIL-Alsiraaj International- with Rajiv Singh-2009…”Is the glass half full or half empty”..he taught me many things
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE..Vijay-ji.(My Chartered accountant-Mr.Vijay Kumar) with Naresh Bhatt. “People tell me things which they do not even tell their family members” he had told me long ago. Over the years, I found the truth in this assertion of my dear friend, advisor and chartered accountant
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE..College time friend- Sukhdev Singh..Lodhi gardens-October 2011- .Now a Professor of Physiology in Rohtak Medical University. “I told my Post graduate students, that I am failing them as they had not taught their undergraduate students”They asked him how he knewHe answered- “You do not know the answers to those questions which undergraduates ask, and when we are not able to answer, have to go back and read our subject in depth.”
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE- Mr. Joseph Antony- Gulf construction group.
Many lovely hours spent in Dahra, drinking coffee and discussing many nuances of life, expatriate working life.
He has spent a lifetime in the Arab world
LSMC RECEPTION..2013 JUNE…Mehmood Ismail, with Ayub, Santosh, Dr.Shetty
2013 7 BARBECUE AT JRABA…Dr Jeevan Shetty, Mr.Mali
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED PERSPECTIVE..DR.SAAD MAKHLUF, -Malta Sweiqi..with Sahil. A former Libyan National level football player, Chief of Libyan Olympic Committee, and dear friend…many interesting discussions over the years
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE…Dr.Singh in Khadra area-August 2011
He has great life experience, and would calm me down on many occasions
TRIPOLI EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY- Hasen Bujari and Milica Ivanovic..
Friends who helped shape my persectives
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED PERSPECTIVE..Dr.Dragomir Mirkovic-2006 . Yugoslav Surgeon. “You have good position here. I have seen medical practice in all continents. Try to remain, as much as possible, as long as possible.”
DR.DRAGOMIR ..My guide in many things in life.
“I am back from 3 years in Uganda. I am ready to come to Libya”
I tried to reason with him, considering that he is a surgeon, safety is an issue.
This veteran is not easily frightened
LSMC Security..Yasin and Haythem- 2014
FRIENDS WHO SHAPED MY PERSPECTIVE..DR MAHMUD ABDURAHMAN, ADVOCATE AHMED SASSI ALKOOT…The Tripoli Reading Group..Many lovely hours spent discussing nuances ranging from Chekhov to Orwell’s – Homage to Catalonia…sifting the differences between Political Anarchism and Communism..
See blog- WAITING AT ADANA….https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/01/19/waiting-at-adana-1994/
MUDIR NASER WITH SOLAIMAN..Mr.Nasr has to do many of the difficult jobs which are necessary to keep any organization running. A tough man
Dr.M.C.Soangra, Orthopedics Surgeon, a veteran of the Indian community of Tripoli with family
Dr.Rajiv Tandon, my dear Bratha shree..a very bold surgeon, we started discussing books together, as I made him more active member of Tripoli Reading Group. He gifted me the Biographies of Gandhi-ji and Dalai Lama when he was leaving Tripoli
The wall magazines, the clinical radiology discussions, and the many nuances of different equipment Imaging systems
The Kidney people..I learnt a lot from this team of Nephrologist and Urologist
JAN 2011- Dr.Nasr Omrani operated me for my knee. Here seen with crutches-with Bahia and Dr.Hussein Belazi-Pediatrician and good friend
Watching this collection on the work anniversary, I thought of the many facets of life which developed when I shifted from Delhi to Tripoli.
Some people have stayed with me, some moved along..
The words of the Sufi Mystic -Rumi, come to mind
Come , Come, whoever
you are,
Wanderer,
Worshipper, lover of leaving
It doesn’t matter
Ours is not a caravan of despair
Come, come even if you have
broken your vows a thousand times.
Come- come yet again, Come.
—
Through these many experiences, relations, built over the years
I realize the truth in the words of the writer -former Bishop of Scotland
Richard Holloway
” The toughest lesson life teaches is the difference between who you wanted
Prashant Bhatt's notes 