27/07/2025
An Unexpected Encounter at Chennai Airport
Today, while waiting in line at the security check at Chennai airport, I had an unexpected and memorable encounter. In the adjacent queue, I noticed a man speaking softly to the security personnel — his face sparked a familiar thought in me. After my security check was done, I approached him gently and asked his name, mentioning that he resembled someone I knew.
With a calm smile, he replied, “My face is very common.” Curious, I quickly searched for an image of Gopalkrishna Gandhi online — and the resemblance was undeniable. When I asked him again, he simply pointed and said, “It’s written there.”
To my surprise and joy, he then started speaking to me in Bengali — asking why I was in Chennai, sending good wishes for me and for Bengal. His warmth was deeply touching.
When I instinctively bent to touch his feet out of respect, I noticed he was wearing a repaired cotton trouser — a small but profound detail that revealed his utter simplicity and humility. No airs, no entourage — just a quiet, dignified presence.
Meeting someone like him reminded me that greatness doesn’t always arrive with a grand announcement — sometimes, it stands beside you quietly in an airport line, smiling gently, and wishing you well.
