The chief guest for the opening of the exhibition was Ram Jethmalani (pictured here in the center). He is a well-known and controversial figure in India. He is an attorney (or advocate in India legal parlance); he is infamous for defending high profile, publicly despised--and often publicly convicted before trial--clients. He has also been a member of Parliament for forty years (now 87 years old he just stepped down a few months ago). He is known as a man who doesn't mince words. An outspoken advocate for democracy, freedom, and justice, especially for the poor and otherwise disenfranchised, he has made many inflammatory accusations and disquieting characterizations. He's the kind of person from whom the press relish getting quotes. In other words, he's the kind of person I very much looked forward to meeting. Getting to spend some time with him has been the highlight of my trip.
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