Irma Gogichaishvili grew up marching alongside bands in Indian parades in the quaint town of Poti, Georgia. As a child, she’d come home to the most vibrant colours on television, and, in time, her love for the culturally prosperous South Asian country increased endlessly.
Being habitually surrounded by Indian music, dances, telly shows and movies, it is unsurprising to learn of her deeply embedded affection for the myriad of students she meets daily, whilst working tirelessly in the aptly situated Musakai’s Deli.
“My mum bought me the prettiest pair of shoes I have ever seen. They were magnificent, with intricate detailing all over and glitter covering most of it. They seemed joyfully colourful to my young self and were easily one of the most eye-catching things I owned. From the moment I laid eyes on them, the feeling of admiration and high regard for its origin never left my heart. Ever since, I am overcome with warm emotions when I think of India, and it will forever hold an irreplaceable place in my heart.”
Having worked in hostel management and as a head cook for the best part of her adult life, (10 years and counting) and with a daughter now following her footsteps, Irma is one of many individuals who receive minimal recognition of the efforts that go into that plate of food served to us on a silver platter. Regardless, she is quick to recognise the boundless joys the occupation brings with it.
Through all this, one character trait of Irma’s shines brighter than the rest – her self-imposed obligation to be a mother-figure to students who’ve come here in pursuit of studies, away from their families and the comforts of life they’ve known.
“If there are any kind of problems they (students) are facing, or if they are ill, they should not hesitate to contact me because I will instantly be by their side. I obligate myself to always help these students, take good care of them, and create for them an environment they feel good in.”
She speaks fondly and with great regard of the unconditional love and support that radiates off of students looking for homely meals in a country so removed from home. Even after talking to countless individuals from all walks of life, Irma still manages to find wonder in the stories and experiences they share. However, what truly captivates her is the cultural background of each person, and how it shapes their unique perspective on the world.
She remembers being thoroughly captivated by the celebrations of Diwali in the picturesque Mtatsminda Park; and the numerous little ones that followed at TSMU – from Eid Milan and Holi celebrations, to Colour Fest and Winter wonderland.
As with any woman who has laboured faithfully for years on end, Irma dreams of a time when she will relax in blissful ignorance away from the constant pandemonium perpetually surrounding a teeming kitchen. She hopes to one day travel far and wide, away from the restrictive sceneries of Eastern Europe into the uncaged wildness of Indian displays.
Of her infinite desires, the sandy, tropical beaches of Goa and the pristine Taj Mahal top her list with the sacred temples and the state of Gujarat coming in at a close second. She reveals rather animatedly and with unchecked enthusiasm her love for the diversity the country and its people bring with it.
“There is unamiable love I have for that country (India) and the people there. I completely respect their diversity and lifestyle. I cannot think of anything bad to associate with them. Their respect for woman – mothers, sisters, and females in general and the attentiveness and thoughtfulness for their safety and well-being is admirable. I have seen many young Indian boys helping women on the streets, be it their own or Georgians.”
Irma confides that regardless of the circumstances life places her in, she will have probably find a way to work with people from the Indian subcontinent because she believes it is what she's destined to do.
Currently, Irma works as a manager, opening hostels for international students and helping wherever need be. She boasts (rightfully so) of her daughter who directs a hostel in Batumi and reveals she may very well be the only person she can fully entrust her work with.
Irma is always there to help students and takes great satisfaction in her role. She believes that if we truly love the work we do, we will reap countless benefits from it!
Perhaps we may not deem it possible for a cook from the small town of Poti to hold such bright aspirations, and perhaps we may forego awkward conversations for fear of being culturally inappropriate, but Irma’s story is written proof that a mere smile and a delicate greeting go a long way in revealing one’s true self!
With love, From People of Tbilisi Team, at The Exclusive.
Sarah Fathima, Nino Khelidze, Karthik Kumar, and Arun Venkiteswaran.
So lovely! Super excited for future posts 😍