Tent home

Railway saloon

My parents were like gypsies and lived in more than twenty homes during their lives. My brother and I lived as part of the baggage and were taken to wonderful parts of India and the world. A railway saloon was our first home. It was attached to a train when my father had to move in the course of his work as part of the railway police. The balcony had uninterrupted views of the passing countryside which my mother often spoke about.

After my father's promotion we moved to a colonial house set in acres of gardens. They had to move to Delhi after India won its independence. Lack of proper accommodation prompted the pitching of tents in an open space where the present Supreme Court stands. I remember spending time in this marvellous village of tents.