It is always heartening to see foreign diplomats and expats discover the real beauty of India, taking a deep interest in its vibrant culture, rich history, and spiritual traditions. Recently, I attended a book launch and photo exhibition by Her Excellency Mrs. Daniela Sezonov-Tane, the Ambassador of Romania to India, and her husband, Mr. Paul Sezonov. The event, held on October 4th at the Lokayata Art Gallery, celebrated the release of her book “Twilight Chronicles: A Journey through India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka,” penned by Ambassador Tane.
Over time, I had been following Ambassador Tane’s journey through her social media posts. Every weekend, she and Paul would share captivating glimpses of the various regions they explored, immersing themselves in the myriad colours of India. Their fascination with the country was apparent, and the book launch was an opportunity to witness firsthand how deeply they had connected with the essence of the subcontinent.
Twilight Chronicles is not just a travelogue but a personal reflection on Ambassador Tane’s experiences during her visits to India and its neighbouring countries. The foreword, written by Shashi Tharoor, sets the stage for a profound exploration of these lands. The Ambassador begins her diary by recalling her visit to Rishikesh in 2000. She poignantly reflects, “It’s been more than two decades since my first encounter with the Ganges and with Yoga in Rishikesh. The place is almost unrecognisable now.” Her observations highlight the evolving yet enduring spirit of India.
The book takes readers on a journey through some of the most iconic places in India—Kolkata, Ladakh, Agra, Rajasthan, Banaras, and many more. Ambassador Tane also includes her experiences from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, weaving together a journey of her diplomatic and humanitarian missions, as well as her personal travels. What makes this book particularly compelling is how it evolved naturally over time. Originally, it began as a diary and a series of letters she wrote to family and friends back home. Through these writings, she captures the sacredness present in every corner of the world she visited—a sacredness we often overlook in the rush of our daily lives.
The launch event featured an engaging panel discussion with Rajiv Dogra, former Ambassador of India to Romania and Italy, Meenakshi Lekhi, Former MoS, MEA and Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express. Their insights on the book added depth to the occasion, highlighting the significance of cross-cultural understanding and the beauty of shared experiences.
The event also marked the opening of the photo exhibition “Whispers of India” which was inaugurated by Dr. Bhupesh Chandra Little, Head of the Department of Applied Art at Jamia Millia Islamia. The exhibition, beautifully curated by the couple, was divided into six distinct sections: Colours of India, Everyday Life, Heritage, Human Expressions, Landscapes, and Urban Landscapes. Each section showcased Amb Tane and Paul Sezonov’s remarkable talent for photography, as they captured familiar yet breathtaking scenes of India. With over 20,000 photos of the country in his collection, Paul has an incredible archive that truly speaks to the couple’s love for India.
For me, the experience of attending this event was a reminder of how much India continues to fascinate and inspire people from all corners of the globe. Amb Tanes’ journey is a testament to the profound impact India has on those who take the time to immerse themselves in its diversity and complexity. I am yet to finish reading Twilight Chronicles, but I am eagerly looking forward to diving deeper into their experiences.
The book will be available at the upcoming Diplomatic Nite, scheduled for November 23rd 2024. Through her exploration, Amb Tane has beautifully shown how India, with its endless layers of history, spirituality, and culture, continues to captivate and charm those who walk its lands. It is truly inspiring to see foreign diplomats and expats embracing the soul of India, taking the time to understand its people, places, and traditions in such meaningful ways.
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