1987 09 24 RWR to folks Sep 24, 1987 [Connemara Hotel Madras, India stationary]

In 1995, the Taj name was prefixed to the Connemara and so it remained till a couple of years back when, as part of a rebranding exercise by the Taj Group, the Connemara became part of the Vivanta range of Taj Hotels. When the Taj took over the Connemara and decided to open an Indian restaurant, Camellia Panjabi wandered through the grounds and discovered a rain tree as old as the hotel. She decided to build a largely open-air restaurant around the trees.

Dear Mom Dad & family,

I’m returning to Delhi from Madras-on airplane. Had 3 good days in Madras. I looked up Susan’s only living relative in India-Lionel Naug-age 87. Lives alone 2 blocks from beach. Has diabetes, asthma, etc. but spry old chap. Lives in 2 room house-you could put all his house inside your living room. But real gentleman. I asked for a picture & he excused himself, went to a ide room, put on a fresh shirt & tie & combed his hair. More class than I have!! He has one servant-a small Dravidian Hindu who cooks, cleans, & gives him insulin shots. His (& Bob Naug’s ) father was a “barrister”-received his degree in 1903 & it is one of few things framed on his wall. He has one son-in Canada.

I bought some coriander & gooseberry pickle in Madras & a couple saris, sandals & new belt. I’m pleased I’ve only needed a tie once (for a reception at Ambassador Dean’s house). Last week I was at a reception for J.R.D. Tata-a wealthy parsee from Bombay who first became concerned about population grown problems in 1951-& took his concerns to Prime Minister Nehru who dismissed it as “nonsense”. The name tata is known all over India & much of Asia-because all city buses are made by him and have his name TATA on the front of them. Another delightful old chap.

p. 2

I am traveling with Dr. Diesh-who is my chief associate at USA ID. He just celebrated his 70^th birthday & plans to “retire” in December-unless I find some real work for him to do! He’s worked at USAID for 8 yrs-before that for World Health Organization & before that was Director General of Health for India. Truly one of the “greats”-and a wonderful adviser. He considers Bill Foege his best friend because they worked together to eradicate smallpox for India. He wants another campaign in life.

You ask what I do. It’s hard to say in a few words. The project I just reviewed in Madras focuses chiefly on prevention/treatment of leprosy & tuberculosis. But I also met with the head of family planning, the chief epidemiologist, chief of laboratory which makes vaccines, etc. Each person is seeking resources & I’m trying to find appropriate ways to help. Sometimes with $, sometimes identifying other places they can get help, etc. Other health problems of immediate concern result from drought & scarce water-food shortage, cholera, guinea worm infection etc etc. Am also still working on maternal mortality problems & scheduled to attend OB/Gyn meeting in Calcutta in Dec. & health services administrators meeting in Madras the next week. Will try to take Susan-to visit her old home in Khargpur near Calcutta & to visit her uncle in Madras-whom she hasn’t seen in past 28 years. Will write more.

Love to all

Roger