Memories of My friend
Dr. Milena Hubschmannova

by Om Joshi
(Jaipur,India)

Dr. Milena came to small town in Rajasthan India after reading my article on Gypsies to my home in 1959 from Prague.

I never expected as I was born in a earthen hut in small a village where my father studied and became teacher. I studied and after post graduation I was appointed as a lecturer in Sociology in a town.

Dr. Milena told me about Gypsies in Europe who came there from India. She encouraged me to visit Czeckoslovakia and study Roma, and I went to Prague in 1971 with US$ 49.00 which was allowed by the Govt. as foriegn exchange. I was invited as a visiting fellowship.

Under guidence and friendship of Milena I visited many Gypsy homes and colonies around Prague,Brno and Bratislava. She arranged lectures for me. My interpreter Dr. Masa encouraged me to visit Europe after my project but I had no money except $49.00, Milena and Dr. Masa told me that I may use my skill of painting and take a risk.

I went to Germany and stayed at Frunkfurt and spent $14.00 on single day for staying in youth hostel and food. Young hostel partners suggested me to go to Munich as Hitch Hicker as Olympic games was going to be organized, where I can sell my paintings and can earn some money. I Hitch Hiked with three stops and in Munich I stayed for eight days and earned $169 beside, food and stay expenses.

From Munich I returned to Frunkfurt and travelled to Paris where I visited Museums, Gallaries and Churches. At Mont Matre a lady artist helped me and she sold my paintings for $369.00. I became rich and travelled to Hungary and Rome. The advise and encouragement of Dr. Milena helped me great way.

She travelled to India 5 times and asked me to study Romas, I travelled to Prague 3 times and took a team of Gypsy Singers to participate in Roma Festival, KHAMAROH.

She was devoted to her studies, she wrote "Believe me, that not a single day passes without my thinking of you.. There is more work to do and less and less energy.. since 1991 I am teaching Romani Language, History and culture as well as Urdu... I would like to educate somebody who would take over my work when I get retired."

She never retired and continued to travel to USA, Australia and Gysies homes. She wrote most interesting book about the Gypsy lady' life history. She died in a road accident in south Africa.

My self and my family always remember her.

O.P.Joshi, Jaipur India