Visit of Big Apple, Rondezvous, Memories, and, Hopes

I just returned form New York City last evening. Since I did my summer internship at United Nation's in 2001, this was my first re-visit of the big apple. I met some of my UN Colleagues there-Dr. Jeanne-Marrie Col, Nirjhari Delong, Korazon etc. Met Adam Rogers of UNCDF. He is an amateur photographer as well, his photos taken in Afrian countries frequently appears in various UN publications. I did also meet some UN officials of Bangladeshi descent: Dr. Selim Jahan of UNDP and Mr. Hasan Ferdous of UN Information service. Could not meet A.K. Chowdhury, -one of the Under Secretary Generals, as he was away. Also could not meet Dr. A.R. Khan and Ms. Gay Rosenblum-Kumar, as they were out of country. My host family was great. This Bangladeshi couple (Mr. Munna and Mrs.Zharna) is known to me since last 12 years. They were very welcoming.

I did coincidentally meet journalist Saleem Samad in NYC(hey Saleem bhai, stay evergreen!). Mr. Saleem is now in exile in Canada and taken political asylum there. He was staying in NYC for last three months in connection with a fellowship. I did meet other journalist friends,viz. Mr. Muzahid Ansari of nybangla.com( Ansari Bhai, your Moorighanta was fabulous), Darpan Kabir of ATN etc(thanks, Darpan, for sharing your novel with me. The character Simi was a wonderful creation!). Met some great youngsters such as Manzur of Habiganj(hey Manzur, your green veggie was great!), and Mithu of Naogaon(hey Mithu, I hope and pray that your wife can soon be with you!).

Few words about artists. I had a desire to re-visit MOMA this time and also to visit some studios of artists in NYC who are of Bangladeshi background. One name was in my head. I only know about one sculputure in NYC- Mrinal Haque. But, this time, I was happy to meet another great artist Alam Tipu. In my next visit of NYC, I would like to visit Alam Tipu's studio(Alam bhai, your website is a cool one: www.alamtipu.com ). Please keep up the good work.

I enjoyed meeting these new people, as well as, visiting old friends. While passing by the Peen Station I was reminded of the trips organized and participated by my UN summer interns from around the world.
Will be looking forward to visit again this vibrant city in near future.
Miss You Big Apple (the metaphoric synnonym of NYC), as you host some poeple with even Bigger Hearts!