Tale of a strong-willed Spaniard

EXPAT SPEAK

In 1979, a Spanish teenager came to India. While touring, he chanced upon a book that changed his life forever. “It was the Bhagvad Gita.

I began reading it and one of the shloks in the third chapter struck me hard. It said ‘To be a wise person, there is no need to go away from the world or society. You can do it alongside your work.’ This book taught me spirituality and gave me both material and spiritual satisfaction from my work. Yogah karmasu kaushalam,” says Oscar Pujol, Director, Instituto Cervantes who will soon be bidding goodbye to India after a long stay of 22 years.

But before leaving, he shares his ‘karmic connect with India’ with Metrolife.

A scholar in Sanskrit, Oscar is an example of how will can work wonders. Remembering his first encounter with Sanskrit, Oscar says, “I went back to Spain and decided to come back to learn Sanskrit because I was almost ‘abducted’ by the language and was convinced that it is a language worth devoting a life to.

However, my first attempt at learning failed because of visa issues when I wanted to take admission in Shantiniketan. Also, learning Hindi was easier than learning Bengali. So I tried again and got admission in Benaras Hindu University.” Oscar’s love affair with India had begun. Till date he keeps a small Bhagvad Gita near his heart (in the shirt pocket). 

“I have been in India since there were no chips, no mineral water and no brands. The conditions in Benaras especially were tough. But it was a question of ‘wanting’ for me. I conquered the problems through my will and anybody can if they make up their mind. Also, people here help a lot.

As a foreigner, I can say that Indians are warm and welcoming and not every country is like that,” he says and adds, “Indians have a lot of curiosity. They don’t like living alienated lives and like to ask about you. So I have always received a very sociable and friendly environment here.”

Learning Sanskrit must have been quite a task? “It might sound tough in the beginning but becomes easy later. Since you know Hindi, it is easier to learn Sanskrit. You can learn it in 15 days if it is taught the right way! But the way it is taught here is boring and that is what takes away the interest of youngsters,” he says and starts talking in the language. Every word from his mouth is so perfect that it could easily put any local to shame!

His love for the language and for India made him come back every time. “I was working with an institute that promotes Asian languages in Spain when I was offered the position of Director, Instituto Cervantes. It was appealing because I always wanted to come back since I feel a ‘karmic connect’ with this country.

Be it the Bollywood movies or popular Indian food, I love it all. So whatever I do, it is my way of giving back the country what it has done for me,” he says with a heavy heart and adds, “I never go out of India of my own will. Simply because I don't want to go!” he says and his sad eyes speak the rest.

He hopes of coming back soon and we hope the same but for now, Adiós!