New Delhi, August 22: The launch event for the book ‘Bespoken’ took place on Saturday at the Silver Oak Hall and Patio in the India Habitat Centre. The ceremony was attended by Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), presided over the event.
Author Ashok Kumar Bal shared the inspiration behind the book and his journey to uncover the remarkable story of Andrew M. Ramroop. He revealed that the idea for writing this book did not stem from extensive research or a pre-planned agenda, but rather from a simple incident.
Bal recounted a day when he visited a tailoring shop in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda area with his son. After taking measurements, he began a conversation with the young shop owner, Mohit Belani. During their chat, Bal noticed a framed certificate on the wall that read ‘Savile Row Bespoke Academy,’ signed by Andrew M. Ramroop. This name sparked the beginning of the entire narrative.
When Bal inquired about the certificate, the conversation gradually shifted towards Andrew M. Ramroop. Mohit spoke highly of Andrew, describing him as a legend with extraordinary skills.
Bal noted that this conversation left a profound impression on him. He returned home with Andrew’s name lingering in his mind. Subsequently, he began researching Andrew online, discovering so much about his life, work, and achievements that he felt Andrew’s story was akin to a modern epic.
Bal emphasized that he viewed Andrew not just as a skilled craftsman but as an exceptional source of innovation, art, craftsmanship, and knowledge. This realization led him to decide that Andrew’s story should be presented not merely as a biography but as a significant book.
The author mentioned that during the writing process, he exchanged numerous emails with Andrew. Initially, Andrew was somewhat hesitant. However, when Bal proposed that the first chapter would focus on Andrew’s ‘Indian ancestral roots,’ he became very emotional. Many people mistakenly perceive him as African based on his appearance, unaware of his Indian heritage.
Bal continued, stating that when he suggested the first chapter would center on Andrew’s Indian lineage, Andrew became excited and agreed to the proposal to write the book.
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