Amdavadis recall fond memories of city life

It was a story-telling session that made for a fond journey into the past. As part of 'The story of Ahmedabad — as told by people who have lived, felt and known Ahmedabad', writer Esther David narrated her experiences of growing up in eastern Ahmedabad.

Among other things, what held the listeners' interest was the interesting anecdotes about her father, the late Reuben David, animal lover and creator of the Kamala Nehru Zoo in Ahmedabad.

"He could communicate with animals in a way that nobody else could, making him a delight to watch," said David. "Coming from a family of doctors, he, despite not being a doctor, knew animals better than a vet could."

She spoke about how, following Reuben David's civil marriage to the 16-year old Sarah, he was ostracised, only to be welcomed back after he received the Padmashree.

"Till date, his log cabin exists, and every year, his birth anniversary and death anniversary are celebrated at the zoo," she said, adding that her experiences at the zoo, in the company of her father, make her look back very fondly to those years spent in the walled city.

The story telling session took place at Jyoti Sangh. Organizers plan to have similar sessions with different speakers, every month.