A young man before an imposing colonial art school

From PhalkeFactory

A month later the results were to be declared, hence I entered jj with a heavy heart as was not expecting a positive result but, to my surprise I passed with flying colours, I was very happy and my excitement had no boundaries. Now I was extremely hungry and thirsty but this was not the normal hunger and thirst, it was unique.It was unique from the ordinary world,and it could be satisfied only by absorption of art.

Days passed by. I was waiting for my world to open its doors for me. The day arrived and I left for college with the necessary equipment. I reached VT station by bus and then walked my way towards JJ. On my way I saw a bird with a broken wing that was trying to take on the sky, but it was only after many efforts that he managed to get on to his destiny. I felt as if it was the replica of my life as my condition was similar to it but after seeing his determination I also got inspired and got into my world of art with a new confidence & determination. Here I was at my destiny desire &my dream, I felt as if I had butterflies in my stomach. I entered the gates of JJ, which were huge and made of strong iron, the surrounding were lush green and clean as it was run by the british.the building was very huge to look at and, i merely found myself as ant in frond of a elephant.

I entered my class on 1st floor and settled on one of the bench. Our professor’s MR.TERRY & MR. GREENWOOD came and introduced themselves. They had this great knack of finding talent in their students. They were great gentlemen of ethics. I was sitting alone.

excerpt from Amrusha Dalvi's interpretation of Abalal and Phalke in JJ