She enriched Chandigarh’s cultural life
By Rajnish Wattas

EVERY time I visit Chandigarh’s Museum and Art Gallery complex, I expect Suwarcha Paul’s ever-smiling face to appear from somewhere. She was such an integral part of its ambience.It’s hard to believe — though it’s nearly one year since she left us that she won’t show up any more. Or did she ever leave us? People like her, who are so real, live, live on.

Whenever we met, her usual greetings would be, "hi, how are you?" or "What’re you up to now?" But it was not I who was up to anything, it was she herself, the eternal ‘busybee’ always in action.She could be in the midst of almost anything — be it arranging an art exhibition, organising a seminar, a book fair or a painting competition. And then without any further ado, she would say, "OK, then come and give me a helping hand — you’re an architect, make me a quick sketch of the layout I have in mind..." That was a command few could defy!

She had an inborn instinct to take charge of events being held in the city. She was the proverbial ‘Big Sister’, who would quietly take on the mantle of a leader, and ensure that everyone put in their best.

While working as Assistant Curator in the museum, her work went much beyond her duty. She could be the moving spirit behind organising a city carnival, a festival of gardens, a kite-flying competition or an equestrian meet! However, her favourite area of interest was to encourage child art, a movement for which she made special efforts.

Every moment of her life had to be lived, and every minute was spent in making a ‘difference’. She couldn’t merely be a part of the crowd; it had to be the adrenaline-charged centre-stage. Her zest for life was irrepressible and contagious.

Her keenness to expand her horizon and to explore new realms was astonishing. I noticed her fiery spirit when we were working together for setting up the museum in Chandigarh. The museum — the first of its kind in the country — aimed at showcasing the making of Chandigarh and encapsulating its history from inception to the present times.Though a highly architectural and academic task, she lost no time in picking up technical jargon, and dug out most valuable archives, blue-prints and documents on the history of Chandigarh. She could soon enough, distinguish between Albert Mayer’s sketches on District Plan and ‘Superblock Plan’ — esoteric stuff — challenging enough even for architects leave alone lay persons!

She was also well-known for her no-nonsense hands-on approach. I vividly remember her exasperation at the sloppy manner in which the floor of the museum was being swept, on the eve of its inauguration by the then Prime Minister. She immediately took the mop from the shocked janitor, and started scrubbing the floor herself, till it really glistened!

This, of course, ruffled many feathers at time; but her inherent warm-hearted nature always won over everyone, eventually. Once she had a heated argument with some of us over an academic point. But, soon she surprised all of us by ordering a Black Forest cake and arranging an impromptu party! Who could remain red-faced after that.

She also loved to play the ‘Agony Aunt’. People came to her seeking help and advice for all kinds of problems.She never hesitated to ring up anyone, however high and mighty, to help out a friend or a lowly employee of the office.

She had her finger in many pies. She was an active Rotarian, a keen member of the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy, Alliance Franchise and INTACH, besides many other organisations to whom she contributed keenly.

The day was never over for her. One day when we were all packing up after long hours to work, she asked me to drop her at the Rotary Club, instead of home. She just combed her hair, popped in a pill for headache; and was ready for a meeting. Sometimes when I asked her why she drove her self so hard, she would always reply with an enigmatic smile: "Don’t worry all this keeps me going." She was, of course, fortunate enough to have a very supportive family and a large number of friends and well-wishers who enabled her to contribute so much to enrich Chandigarh’s cultural life. And most significantly, she got ample support, trust and encouragement from the top brass; that appreciated her work and also honoured her suitably.

And as a most gracious gesture, a special plaque in the entrance hall of the city museum was installed in her memory, commemorating her work and dedication.

Even if fate took her away, rather suddenly; her indomitable spirit and love for the city lives on...inspiring us all to go that extra mile and never say die. Isn’t that what life is all about, and not a mere measure of days, months and years lived on the calendar?