#33 Cross the finish line
December 6, 2022•415 words
In 2013, I got my third camera from a friend and a veteran photographer for Rs.12,000. Since I had only 10,000 from all the photography and design assignments I did, I said I will pay the remaining 2,000 by next month. He agreed with a smile.
He also called me for the Chitra powrnami festival at Karveripattinam (a small village near Krishnagiri) that was scheduled to happen in two days. He said it would be a good place to try out my new camera. I was excited. But, since I did not have any money left with me, I said I can’t join but will try my level best.
All I needed was 1000 rupees to make the trip, but neither I nor my parents had that kind of money as it was the end of the month. The next day I went to college and my professor called me and said: “I am supposed to teach a class at a distance education center tomorrow. I won’t be able to. Can you teach the class? They will pay you Rs.900”. Since I was in the final year of the Master’s degree, I was eligible to teach undergraduate students.
I was excited because the money can get me to the festival. The next day, I went to the Guindy for the class, but I did not commit to going to the festival that was scheduled to start the next day. I didn’t know whether they’ll pay me on the same day or later. I finished the class by 1 PM and they paid me Rs.900. That is when I thought “I can still make it!”
I took the bus home, had lunch, and told my parents that I am going to the festival in Kaveripattinam. I packed my bags and left the house by 4 PM. I got a bus to Vellore and then from there another bus to Krishnagiri. By the time I reached Kaveripattinam, it was 2 AM. I slept for a couple of hours and woke up early to shoot pictures. It was one of the best photography trips of my life.
Life is surprising. 48 hours before the festival I did not have a new camera or the money for the trip. But, it happened! When you badly want something, life doesn’t give you everything. Instead, it gives you something to catch on to - something to work with. It is up to us to use it and cross the finish line.