Bauji….

24th November was the 98th Birth Anniversary of my maternal grandfather Dr. Vishwa Chander Ohri. As I was remembering him I typed his name into Google, and I was pleasantly surprised to get lots of results pertaining to his literary works and newspaper articles in his memory. To us, he was our Dear Bauji. I deeply revered (still do) him and admire his literary achievements, but his politeness and humility were his hallmarks. Though how persevering and possessor of a keenly inquisitive mind he was, you can gauge from a brief look into his life.
He was born in Jhelum( Now Pakistan) in 1923. The family shifted to Chamba while he was still a child. Some family circumstances forced him to leave the education after High School. That did not deter him from doing B.A., M.A, and then Ph.D., while still earning for his family. I can only imagine doing a Ph.D. in those days, doing research and all that as the knowledge and information weren’t available on fingertips or could be had at the click of a button as they can be now. That earned him a job in Education Department. But as he possessed a keen, inquisitive mind, and Chamba was or rather still is an important historical town with rich heritage and culture, he was drawn to history and art. Chamba Museum (http://bhurisinghmuseumchamba.in/) was established in 1908 by Sir John Marshall. I am of the firm belief that opportunity does present to us in different guises. It’s your decision or rather your preparedness that determines what you do with it. As chance would have it one such opportunity did present to Bauji in his life and it was as if destiny was preparing him for his calling in life. He was always very particular about having a thorough knowledge and that was what propelled his career into the art world. What happened was that in the year 1954, Bauji answered a question posed by the then PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was visiting Chamba Museum, which the then Curator ( honorarily a post held by Inspector Of Schools) couldn’t and glanced towards Bauji for answer. The rest of the tour of the Museum for Panditji was conducted by Bauji. This led to Bauji’s deputation for technical training regarding Museum Work and conservation of manuscripts and historical artifacts. The training paved the way for him to be appointed as Technical Assistant at Chamba Museum. In the year 1963, after a tough UPSC interview, Bauji was appointed as the Curator of the Chamba Museum. There were limited resources at those times. He painstakingly restored many miniature paintings and acquired artifacts often traveling to interiors of the state on foot and also collaborating with the National Museum Delhi. His hard work rewarded him as during his painstaking work he was able to make several important discoveries on Pahari Miniature paintings and scripts. In1973 he was transferred to Shimla for establishing a new State Museum there while the charge of Chamba Museum was also entrusted with him from 1976. He worked with the same zeal and diligence in his new endeavor.

The State Museum is atop Inveram Hill Shimla. It is a beautiful building. The residence of the curator used to be on the upper floor of the building. Many of my happy childhood memories are from that building as we invariably went to Shimla in our summer vacations. Bauji was very fond of his grandkids.
I was always coaxing him to take me to play video games on the Mall Road and we would invariably pick up some pastries or ice cream of which I am still fond. Many a time he would be my savior by protecting me from a beating by my mother after I would have done some devious mischief. My punishment sometimes included Bichu Buti (Stinging Nettle), Bauji would almost always rush with antidote/salve. Another thing I truly admired about him was how he would nudge you towards positivity even in troubling times. I distinctly remember, at one time I was having some troubles at college and was also suffering a bad injury and was very disturbed. He in his own smiling way told me that sometimes it is good that all the troubles come together. That way you would never be able to tell which problem is bigger and before you know it, you would have passed your trials. That was him, reminding you of your positive side even when you doubted yourselves. He believed in the good in people and has in a very self unassuming way mentored/ charted the course of life of many master craftspersons/artists. The State recognised his contributions in the field of art and culture and awarded him with Himachal Gaurav award in the year 2009.
He was a very caring and affectionate person. Grandma always used to receive toffees even when they were in their Eighties and had no teeth.
In his later years, he seldom could venture out of his home in Shimla as he was unable to traverse the tough terrain of Shimla. He was suffering from macular degeneration but never did that stop him from reading and commenting upon various manuscripts and studies which he received, with the help of a magnifying glass that he always carried with him.
He left us in February 2016, leaving the world richer with his contribution to the world of art, heritage, and being a Gem Of A Person.

PS: Dr. Vishwa Chander Ohri authored, co-authored, and edited several books.
Some of his works are available on Amazon to which the links are below.

Disclaimer: The author narrates his memories and anecdotes told to him by his elders. He readily acknowledges that many people have contributions to the success of people.
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