450 words
New Delhi
31 March 1973
Dearest comrade,
I was moved to tears on reception of your most unexpected and at the same time most welcome present of $25 (twenty-five dollars). It came at a moment I was really “in a fix”—my one good pupil having been out of station for a week or so and therefore not taking any lessons.
I had just taken on another tuition, but a wretched one (better than none!!): one hour every day save Sundays, for 200 rupees (about $25) a month, and . . . transport not paid (which means every day a little more than half a dollar less, and at the end of the month, half my salary less!! Let alone the difficulty of getting a “scooter” at once!).
The last time I went to that lesson and came down at 3 p.m., I had to walk in the burning sun half a mile before I could get any conveyance and . . . had a sun-stroke, or what appears to be the beginning of one by the symptoms. Had to lie down for a day or two (just get up to feed the few poor stray cats and dogs that wait for me regularly). That is the reason why I did not reply by return.
I also had to have the draft cashed by someone else (who has money in the bank) for I never had such a thing as a bank account, and, there being no branch of your bank here, the Bank of India told me they would have to send back the draft to New York, have it cashed there, and send back the money. It would take “a month” or so! Fortunately I found that other way out.
I just got the proof of the fourth forma of my French book (being printed in Calcutta). Many mistakes, naturally! And so, so slow! Work began in August 1972. But better that than not at all, as I wrote.
Shall write again when I feel a little better. It is very hot here, even in March (over 100 Fahrenheit). What will it be in June?!!
Thanks for all you are doing to reprint my The Lightning and the Sun [1]. I have one copy of it, and only one. If you really cannot get any other, I shall have to send it to you (air mail, registered). But as I have only that one left, I would be most grieved if it got lost. So I shall send it to you only if it is not possible for you to get another.
With the ritual greeting of the faithful,
Savitri Dêvi Mukherji
And again thanks for your so kind present! It touches me deeply! Do get in touch with Mr. Mukherji [address omitted].