Recall: Alvin Martin

Alvin Martin, SMIT 2000-2004

"Khamoshhhhhhhh!" goes the trademark dialogue of one of India's famous actors, Shatrughan Sinha. And that was just one of the many names by which the subject of this recall was known - a lot of other names being "Mr. Gentleman walk", "Mallu", and so on. Occasionally in the corridors of 3rd floor I block of the SMIT hostel , an imitation artist would surface - such was his talent that he would "khamosh" the great Shatrughan Sinha himself with his act, to peals of laughter and rounds of applause from the sparse audience!

Meet Chaturey, aka Alvin Martin.

A very sophisticated and classy chap whom I got introduced to in my early days in SMIT, he had the look of somebody who was "decent", and one who came from a well-to-do family. No he didn't need to mouth these words - it was apparent from his dressing sense and his hairstyle! 'Immaculate' would be the word if I had to describe him, and I trust the others will agree with me.

As boys always do, we had a lot (and I mean 'a lot') of fights in college. In every fight, there would be Chaturey who'd come smack in the middle of it, making an entry as dynamically as any Bollywood movie hero - and then the rest of the fight would go in trying to restrain him. In fact, so dynamic would be his entry that it prompted some of our friends to call him "Dynamic Entry" after just a few fights.

A devout Catholic, he rarely missed his church sessions on Sundays. Even in Majhitar and also in Bangalore, I've seen him head religiously to the church on a lot of weekends.

One of the most vivid memories I have relating Chaturey is of our Kolkata trip in 2002-03. We'd gone there for a month long industrial training which, though not necessary for us in that particular semester, was something we did more because we wanted to be in a 'city' rather than learn something technical. And even if the others deny this, I'll still hold my ground on this point! As soon as we landed in Kolkata, we had the supreme Sumiran incident (more on this in Sumiran's recall). I'll never forget Chaturey's reaction to it - a testimony to his nickname! I'll also never forget how we, the underprivileged "Unicore" guys, survived - yes, survived - that month in Kolkata. We were penniless, were paying for our training, sharing our cab fare down to the last paisa, having puri-sabji-tea for breakfast by the roadside, calculating on how much to spend for lunch each day and also for the cigarette after that... As college goers we were half-skeletons when we had reached Kolkata; by the end of it all that remained on our bones was gaunt flesh and no meat.

In the same month in Kolkata, on one weekend I'd gone to Jamshedpur with another friend to visit Garima - she was doing her industrial training there. That weekend the boys went to the discotheque of Hotel Taj Bengal, called "Incognito". From what I heard, Chaturey and Sunil went up to the bartender, and very arrogantly asked for "two large vodkas with Sprite, please". They later revealed that they'd picked this up after listening to some people order their drinks! The bartender quickly did his thing, and the two of them had two tall glasses of vodkas with Sprite in it. Along with that came its bill, and the two almost dropped their jaws to the slick dance floor when they saw, for the first time in their lives, a bill of about Rs. 750/- for two vodkas with Sprite! Studying in Sikkim we were used to two full bottles of vodka for that price, with the Sprite thrown in! Understandably, they had to confirm, and reconfirm, and again reconfirm the amount with the bartender. In the end, they shook their heads, paid the amount (having had to borrow some), and gave a taste of the "most expensive vodka so far" to all the boys there. Everyone else, too, were flabbergasted, and I can only imagine them sipping on that vodka almost with reverence.

Chaturey's recall will never be complete without the mention of the love he so valiantly fought for. His fight against a daughter's obedience, and against a society's stern code. His fight for a good many years, squeezing the last bit of his heart for her. A fight so gallant and so earnest that one can only imagine, respect and revere it. For that, my friend, we are all very proud of you.

I've had a few tiffs with Chaturey too - and it has only helped us strengthen our friendship. I am largely indebted to this guy, who along with all of my friends fought for me when I was hospitalized in a fight. Who did late nights helping with the design of my electronic car in college, for my mini-project. Who came up to me and said that I sang "Pahilo junima" very well in college - probably the only compliment I've got from him on my singing, which is why it makes it that much more valuable!

It is needless to say that Chaturey is the key think-tank of our brotherhood - it is for us to realize and for him to know. He is our Chaturey, a dear friend, and a dearer brother.