India, Nov. 4 -- A longtime staffer at Ghalib Academy, a literary institution in Central Delhi, Aslam is a very quiet man. Yet his presence is strongly felt, perhaps because of the calm he exudes even while standing still. See photo. This evening, he graciously agrees to take part in our Proust Questionnaire series, in which citizens are nudged to make "Parisian parlour confessions", all to explore our distinct experiences.

Your favourite occupation.

I work in this building devoted to shayari (poetry). I make chai for visitors. I serve them biskut and water. I do all kinds of other work, when needed. I arrange things in the auditorium each time it hosts meetings and conferences. I'm an all-rounder. I can do two people's work alone. Work...