Monumental catch of keys
Nipuni Wimalapala
A beautiful sight of the rare collection |
A part of the key rings collection hanging in the wooden
cupboard |
Mohamed Razeek |
As I walk into his house, I am simply taken aback by the sight: a
huge wooden cupboard full of key rings of various styles. It is one rare
sight I could ever witness. My memory goes back to my schooldays when we
had been fond of hanging a key tag in our pencil cases and bags.
Developing such a hobby - collecting exceptional key rings - is
really interesting. Mohamed Razeek has been collecting key rings for 20
years. His collection has 1400 items, most of which are from foreign
lands. In a period when Internet, Facebook, Twitter, Skype and video
games have pervaded our leisure Razeek's hobby offers a classic example
of deviation from the norm.
“I started collecting key rings in 1980. Then I was a customer care
executive and got to know a lot of people. My clients gifted many things
such as bags, key rings and umbrellas. My clients were mainly Japanese
who always gifted me something.
Razeek showing his favourite key rings |
Gradually my staff colleagues, family members and relations started
giving me stuff like key rings.” Razeek has never bought key rings. “I
am very customer-oriented. Most of my customers maintain a longstanding
relationship with me. Some of them have even become close friends.
Some of the remarkable key rings of Razeek |
Surprising enough whenever they go abroad, they will not forget to
bring me a key ring. Now they bring those things to my son too. Some key
rings bear some significance. Some are miniature Holy Kaba, some
miniature Taj Mahal.”
Pictures by Roshan Pitipana
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