As I stepped into the familiar embrace of Sohrabh Bhaiya’s family after two decades, a rush of nostalgia engulfed me like a warm wave. Sohrabh Bhaiya and Tinku Didi, once towering figures of my childhood, had completed their schooling when my own educational journey had just begun. The reunion was nothing short of a jubilant celebration, a gala moment marked by emotions, stories, and shared memories.
Amid our joyous gathering, we found ourselves drawn to the family photo album, a treasure trove of moments frozen in time. As we flipped through its pages, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in my perception of the spaces captured within those images. The house and garden, once sprawling expanses that filled my childhood imagination, now appeared diminished, almost like a quaint dollhouse nestled in the recesses of memory. The grandeur that once enveloped those spaces had given way to a sense of intimacy and nostalgia, a poignant reminder of the passage of time.
And then there was Sohrabh Bhaiya, the embodiment of youthful vigour and athleticism in my childhood recollections. His presence had once loomed large, akin to a horse galloping through the fields of my imagination. But now, in the pictures, as he stood before me, a lanky adolescent with a gentle smile, I couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation. The passage of time had sculpted him into a different guise. An adult man now yet his essence remained unchanged.
I found myself reflecting on the enigmatic nature of time and space. The same bus journey that had once felt like an endless odyssey, stretching across vast stretches of countryside, now seemed like a fleeting moment. Not sleeping for an entire night is just so normal now. It was a revelation, a realisation that the contours of our perception are not fixed but fluid, shaped by the currents of experience and memory. I couldn’t help but marvel at the mysteries of time and space. They are elusive concepts, forever shifting and evolving, yet bound by the threads of human experience. As I bid farewell to Sohrabh Bhaiya and his family, I carried with me not just cherished memories but a newfound appreciation for the ever-changing landscape of life.
The concept of time and space is fundamental to human existence, shaping our experiences, memories, and understanding of the world around us. However, the perception of time and space undergoes an evolution from childhood to adulthood, influenced by cognitive development, social interactions, and personal experiences.
In childhood, the world appears vast and boundless, filled with wonder and exploration. Spaces that adults perceive as mundane and ordinary become enchanted realms for children, ripe with adventure and discovery. A backyard transforms into a sprawling wilderness, a bedroom becomes a fortress, and a walk to the park becomes an epic journey. The perception of space is expansive, limited only by the imagination of the child. Time, too, is fluid and elastic, with days stretching endlessly into the horizon, each moment brimming with possibility and excitement. As children grow older, socialisation and formal education begin to shape their perception of time and space. Through interactions with peers, family, and educators, children learn to navigate the social and cultural constructs that govern their world. They acquire a sense of time through routines, schedules, and milestones, gradually understanding the concept of past, present, and future. Similarly, their understanding of space becomes more nuanced, as they learn to interpret maps, navigate unfamiliar environments, and comprehend spatial relationships.
During adulthood, the perception of time and space undergoes a significant shift. The once expansive world of childhood begins to contract, as the demands of academics, extracurricular activities, and social obligations consume more time and attention. Spaces that were once vast and limitless now feel confined and restrictive, as adolescents navigate the complexities of school, peer relationships, and emerging identity. Time, too, accelerates, as the pressure to succeed and the anticipation of adulthood imbue each moment with a sense of urgency and significance. As individuals transition into adulthood, their perception of time and space continues to evolve, shaped by life experiences, responsibilities, and priorities. The once-magical childhood becomes a distant memory, replaced by the practical realities of work, relationships, and personal goals. Spaces that were once filled with awe and wonder now serve practical purposes, as adults establish homes, careers, and communities. Time, too, becomes a precious commodity, as the awareness of mortality and the pursuit of fulfilment lend new weight to each passing moment.
Feature Image: Only for representation purpose| Courtesy: AchDaily
Iftikar Ahmed is a New Delhi-based art writer, researcher and curator.
