One of the first questions when my father passed away was "What's going to happen to Kamat's Potpourri now?" -- as he was the primary content provider. I didn't know the answer then, and I don't know the answer now. But I must share with you some of the most unexpected things that have occurred the last few weeks.
First, Amma has taken the task of filling in Bappa's shoes and has been sending me the weekly content updates, just like Bappa used to. The efforts taken by her to prepare these contents are almost painful for me to bear. She's no artist or photographer, and she doesn't have an able assistant like Bappa had her.
My auntie Dr. Sushama Arur also has been sending me content.
D.G. Mallikarjuna, an friend (and a disciple of Bappa, as he has called himself in "My guru that I never met" to be published in the Kamat Memorial Volume) sent me a catalog of birds from India that he himself documented in the remote areas of Karnataka and Orissa. The articles and pictures were specifically prepared for my use, and for possible use in Kamat's Potpourri. He also sent me a fantastic stamp collection from which I can gather so many ideas for new content development.
Today, another friend, Sudhama Shastri (we have never met, all our contacts have been through electronic medium) sent me a carefully compiled list of information, pictures, and ideas for adding to the website. The postage on the packet alone was more than most people can afford. Another friend, Nainil Chheda of Directi.com, has sent an offer of web-hosting. I can't believe folks love us that much!
I am overwhelmed, humbled, and deeply touched by these gestures to keep Kamat's Potpourri website running and updated.
Yet, I simply do not have the editorial resources or time to live up to the expectations of family and friends, so I am going to do what I can, while thanking them for the support and ideas.
