In the company of vintage British cars parked against Dalhousie’s old-world architecture, British Deputy High Commissioner for East and Northeast India Dr Andrew Fleming was in his element. But perhaps the most telling moment of our festive shoot came when he spotted familiar faces across the road, crossed over to greet them and stopped for a chat. It was an instinctive, unhurried gesture that made him seem less like a diplomat on an assignment and more like a Kolkata boy out on a familiar street. As he celebrates his third year in the city, Fleming has found plenty to love here, from the infectious energy of Durga Puja to the people who give Kolkata its unmistakable character. He speaks to Calcutta Times about the city he has grown fond of, the festive season that reminds him of Christmas back home, his childhood fascination with vintage cars and more. Excerpts:
Dr Andrew Fleming, who recently completed 40 years as a civil servant for the UK government, said it was wonderful to meet members of the Classic Drivers Club in Kolkata that provided the vintage cars used in the shoot ‘As a child, I was crazy about cars’ You are approaching your third anniversary in Kolkata. Dr Andrew Fleming who recently completed 40 years as a civil servant for the UK government, said it was wonderful to meet members of the Classic Drivers Club in Kolkata that provided the vintage cars used in the shoot You use AI every day. Because kolkata is perhaps one of the most diverse cities in India, i’ve met such a diverse range of people here. Because of work, last year, I managed 58, although I’m not sure I’ll meet that target this time. Because of its diversity and the stories people bring with them, kolkata is particularly fascinating.
The vintage car connection Speaking about the exclusive shoot, Fleming said, “Over the past two years, Calcutta Times has come up with some beautiful concepts for our collaborations — one in Kumartuli and another in a shopping mall, where I played the dhaak. This year, the vintage-car idea was brilliant. I was very clear that if we were going to do a shoot with vintage cars, they had to be British. We had two wonderful cars: an MG and a Triumph. The MG was made in Abingdon, not far from Oxford, while the Triumph was manufactured in Coventry. Both represent an era when British engineering was associated with making things that were built to last. He added, “We had a lot of fun during the shoot. It also brought back memories of my childhood, when I was crazy about cars. I could tell you every detail about the different models. I used to read about them all the time and dream of sitting in the driver’s seat. These days, I don’t even drive, but there’s something about vintage vehicles that still excites me. How has the city grown on you, and what makes Durga Puja special? I love Kolkata (smiles). Over the past two years, I’ve tried to visit as many pandals as possible. But it’s not really about the number of pandals you visit. It’s more about observing the people. You see them smiling, slowing down from their busy schedules and taking time off to be with their families. You have often spoken about enjoying the experience of simply watching people and observing everyday life. How does Kolkata lend itself to that? I’ve always enjoyed watching people, wherever I have lived or travelled. If I have some free time, I love sitting in a café and watching the world go by. You are in your 10th year of service in India. How has your experience shaped your work here? I believe this is one of the most exciting periods in the UK-India relationship. There is considerable potential for collaboration across different sectors, and my role is to help make those connections and turn shared ambitions into tangible outcomes. What opportunities do you see for West Bengal and eastern India? I think we’re at a particularly exciting point, as the UK-India Free Trade Agreement came into force in July, and a number of companies in West Bengal and neighbouring states have begun exporting goods under its terms. We’re also seeing growing interest among British companies in exploring opportunities in Kolkata and the wider region. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.
