In late December 2023, a chance encounter in Panjim set into motion a journey that would forever change my life. I had known of Sudhir in passing—his work had always resonated deeply with me, and our paths had crossed a few times over theyears. But it wasn’t until I visited him and Katha at their home in Benaulim, Goa, that I truly began to understand the depth of the man behind the intellect. Sudhir, though frail from illness, still carried a sharpness in his eyes that revealed a mind that never rested. What began as a simple social visit soon transformed into something much more profound when I asked him, almost on a whim, if he would be willing to do an interview. To my surprise, he agreed without hesitation. In that moment, a pact was formed—one that would lead me to create a film documenting the final months of Sudhir’s life and legacy. As we captured Sudhir’s life, we saw not just an intellectual giant, but a man of immense grace, humor, and humanity. Through conversations, enactments, and everyday moments, Sudhir imparted invaluable lessons on empathy, dignity, and the simplicity of life. The footage we collected became more than just a documentary—it became a reflection of the man who lived with incredible dignity until his final days. In my role as a trustee at the Kakar Centre for Psychoanalysis & Culture (KCPC), I also have access to a wealth of archival materials related to Sudhir’s work. This allows me to incorporate these resources into the film, bringing even more depth to the narrative and offering a richer context for Sudhir's intellectual contributions. I can apply for licenses for the use of this archival content, further enriching the story I am telling. Now, with more than 40 hours of footage, I find myself tasked with distilling these memories into a film that does justice to Sudhir’s extraordinary life. "The Stem Between Lotus And Mud" is not just a documentary—it’s a meditation on memory,time, and the quiet power of human creativity. It’s a journey of discovery, not only of a remarkable man, but also of what it means to live with integrity, compassion, and calmness in a world that often demands otherwise. In Sudhir’s honor, I’ve become deeply involved in preserving his intellectual legacy, and this film is my way of contributing to that. It’s a tribute to his life and the profound impact he had on me and on so many others. Through this film, I hope to offer a glimpse into his world and, in doing so, explore the powerful ways one individual can change the course of another’s life.