Tranquil Reverie

Peaceful Palakkad

2010-03-18T19:16:00.009+05:30

Amidst stately hills and endless stretches of velvety paddy fields is the quaint town of Palakkad. Although Palakkad does not scream its presence in promotions of Kerala tourism, it has a steady inflow of patrons who enjoy coming to this unassuming town and its welcoming people. I was in Palakkad to unwind in the peaceful environs of Kairali, an Ayurvedic Health Resort.

Kairali was ranked amongst the top 50 wellness Meccas in the world by National Geographic Traveller in 2008.

For more info log on to www.kairali.com

One of the thirty cottages at the resort.

A mechanized threshing machine in the paddy fields.

A pineapple in Kairali's organic garden. It also had gourd, chilli, tomato, banana, greens, brinjal and ladies finger plants.

On our way uphill to Neliampathy.

At the Malampuzha Dam, the largest reservior in Kerala.

A rainbow in a fountain!

This is a rivulet that runs by most of the cottages at Kairali Ayurvedic Resort, Palakkad.

The poolside.

Chasing Butterflies...

2010-03-09T16:33:00.012+05:30

If you have ever tried chasing butterflies and tried capturing these beauties on camera, you might understand why I am so elated to share these pictures... Butterflies have always been so near, yet so far. As I got close and made an attempt to click they would flutter their wings vigorously and take off, leaving me waiting and wanting time and again. I have patiently trailed them with optimism. I got lucky this time around. Here are some winged wonders that posed for my camera.

SHOT AT KAIRALI RESORT IN PALAKKAD, MARCH 2010

This is a Monarch Butterfly

SHOT AT LAL BAGH IN BANGALORE, JANUARY 2006

This is another Monarch

On An Indian Beach

2009-07-20T10:24:00.015+05:30

You can feel the pulse of a coastal city or town on its beaches. Like stars that pepper the sky on a clear night, clusters of people swarm the beach on a clear day. Its a riot of colours, of people, of contrasts. Its amazing how each one seems to find their own space amidst the chaotic crowd. The peddlers on the beach tempt the crowd to buy the mouth-watering savoury snacks that tickle the taste buds. As the heat dies down the beach turns into a special economic zone. It is a unique experience to wade through the multitude on a beach in India.

Here are some snapshots from the Besant Nagar Beach in Chennai.

Fresh corn being roasted. The corn is dabbed with a mix of salt, chilli powder and lime.

Sad but true. A little girl made to perform stunts on a thin rope.

A bundle of joy. This is a pretty little girl who obliged to pose for my camera.

Chilli bhajjis. Its hard to go past this stall without grabbing a few steaming hot bhajjis.

The best seat. Not quite sure who was drawn towards the ice-cream stall...

Waiting for customers... Flutes on sale.

Hand in hand... A family enjoying the waves caressing their feet.

Can't beat this! Raw mangoes with a spicy masala.

Electric. A game of beach volley ball.

Take your pick. Masks for sale on the beach.

This is called "Kili Josiyam" in Tamil. The parrot will pick a card that predicts your future.

From Vine to Wine

2009-07-13T08:57:00.008+05:30

Karnataka, follows Maharashtra and ranks second in the highest wine producing states in India.

The 2009 Wine Mela in Bangalore was an initiative by the Karnataka Wine Board. The pleasant weather and the lush greenery made the botanical garden of Lal Bagh a great location for the inaugural wine festival. Grover Vineyards, Nandi Valley Vineyards and Naka Vineyards had stalls which were doing brisk business. Sizable crowds piled up at the wine tasting outlets too. The festival was given a thumbs up by wine enthusiasts and was decried by environmentalists.

The Spirit of Bangalore

2009-05-31T16:53:00.025+05:30

The colours of Bangalore and the spirit of its enthusiastic citizens brightened a gloomy Sunday morning. Scores of people turned out to support various causes. Here are some snapshots from the 5.7Km Majja Run of the Sunfeast World 10K event held on May 31st 2009.

From the Noah's Arc by Cupa...

The jubilant boys of BOSCO who won the Bombat Brigade Contest

Running for the beauty of Bangalore and achievements of Bangaloreans.

An eye-catcher... One of the finalists of the Sakhat Bangalorean Contest

A Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dancer

A winner! This is Shujath who had 500 articles about recession pinned on his back!

The great Indian Wedding... Couples dressed in wedding attire

Beyond all odds...Enthusiastic and inspiring.

A clown from the NGO Doctor Clown

Having a blast... Participants from an NGO called Freedom Foundation.

Bangaloreans really had their creative hats on!

On A Jumbo Trail

2009-05-19T18:08:00.007+05:30

Colours, Contours and Contrasts

2009-04-27T16:00:00.011+05:30

The tranquil beaches along the Konkan Coast are great holiday destinations. The temple town of Gokarna in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka is an important pilgrim center and the beaches to its south are popular among tourists from India and abroad. The famed Om Beach, the less known Kudle Beach, the placid Half Moon and the pristine Paradise beaches are four scenic strips of sand sandwiched between the hills.

With simple accommodation and tasty food, it is a pleasure to stay on the crescent shaped Kudle Beach, which is quite clean. Kudle is a good choice for those who are looking to get away from the crowd.

The aerial views of the diverse landscape from the vista points in the hills are spectacular. The shimmering water, the lanky trees and the rocky cliffs seem to be in perfect harmony. This is Kudle Beach as seen from the top.

The Half Moon and Paradise beaches are remote beaches which are not accessible by road. Apart from an occasional group of tourists, these picturesque beaches are pretty much deserted. For the adventurous, these clean beaches are good camping sites.

On a clear day the Kudle Beach looks spectacular during sunset. As the sun ebbs into oblivion, its golden hues cast a spell over the shoreline.

Om Beach gets its name because of its shape which resembles the Hindu symbol. It is the largest of the four beaches and is the tourist hub. Shacks and cafes line the fringe of the beach. Colours, contours and contrasts are sure to strike the visitor to Om.

Down the '08 Memory Lane

2008-12-31T11:09:00.014+05:30

Life in a city is monotonous. It is a never ending race when each day seems to pile on stress and tension. Travel is my stress buster and here are the memories that will stay on in my mind for a long time to come...

At the Gaganachukki falls in Shivanasamudra. This is one place which I always want to come back to after every visit.

Malpe, a port near Udupi is a major hub for fishing. Thousands of boats set out into the sea from Malpe which also has a fish processing plant. I visited the Malpe harbour during my trip to Barkur.

Shot at Cochin Harbour at twilight hour. It was a spectacle and the image that will stand out from my visit to Birnanghanam, Cochin and Calicut.

The Merlion Park in Singapore. The Merlion is an imaginary creature which has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It is a popular icon of Singapore.

The Alcatraz Island is San Francisco. On a chilly evening a golden haze engulfed the island. I was lucky to have been ashore at twilight hour to catch this on my camera.

The towering statue of Gommateshwara at Shravanabelagola. Shravanabelagola is an important pilgrimage centre for Jains and a popular tourist destination. It was rated at as Number 1 wonder of Karnataka by NDTV.

Aleppey is a popular tourist destination in Kerala. Its narrow channels of water are dotted with house boats. One can drift along the vast Vembanad Lake in the house boat feasting on a fresh catch of fish.

Scenic, serene and spectacular. A view of Lake Tahoe from the hills... Tahoe offers many thrills and frills for tourists all year through.

Getting ready to go rafting in the Kaveri. This was at the Galibore Fishing Camp. Just 100Kms from Bangalore, but is a world apart. My first rafting experience.

Jingle All The Way...

2008-12-26T11:07:00.057+05:30

Come December and celebration is in the air. Streets, homes, malls, offices and schools sport a new festive look. While most of us share the joy of the festive season with our family and friends, do we even spare a moment to think of those little children who don't have a family? What does a festival mean to them?

Below are some snapshots from the Christmas celebrations at the Don Bosco home for street children.

Manjunath, better known as Manja is a star at Bosco. From acting in Kannada movies to being an all-rounder on the cricket field, Manja excels in many extra-curricular activities. He was chosen to be the Santa Claus.

Great food is an essential part of any celebration. At Bosco, children are treated with a good meal, a fruit and a piece of cake on Christmas day. This is an aerial view of the children lined up at lunch time.

The kids at Bosco are given several oppurtunities to exhibit their talents. Music and dance are an integral part of most celebrations. The children in this picture performed a skit on the story of the birth of Christ.

The highlight of the Christmas celebrations. Santa cutting the Christmas cake which was later distributed to all the guests and children.

Improvisation! As there weren't sufficient glasses to distribute water to all the kids, a new innovative method was used to serve water!

Bidding good-bye to the 'Christmas Thatha' (Santa Claus). There was amazing excitement among the kids as they scrambled to shake hands with Santa.

Not related to this post, but this is something which caught my eye... A nice play of lights in front of Garuda Mall. Peace is indeed the need of the hour in India and across the world.

Ageless Antiquity

2008-10-19T13:01:00.059+05:30

A two hour drive which spans 90Km on the Bangalore-Mysore highway and 35Km on well maintained country roads takes you to Melukote or Thirunarayanapura. Melukote (Melu means high or superior and kote means fort) is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka, on the hills of Yadavagiri, midst the lush green paddy fields fed by the benevolent river Kaveri. Sri Ramanujachari, an acharya (saint) of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins is said to have made Melukote his abode for 14 years during the 12th century. Patronised by the kings of Mysore, Melukote is a seat of Vaishnavism, a centre for spiritual learning and a town frozen in time.

The following are some of the prominient places in Melukote.
Cheluva Narayana Temple : The Cheluva Narayana or Thiru Narayana temple is one of the two prominent temples at Melukote. The garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) is laid between a pillared corridor. Cheluva Narayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the main deity in the temple. The intricate carvings on the stone pillars of the temple, which according to the priests is over a thousand years old are impressive!
Yoga Narasimha Temple: While the Cheluva Narayana temple is in the foothills, the Yoga Narasimha temple is on the top of a rocky hill. The canopy of the trees, the coolness of the breeze and the refreshing butter milk are few things which makes the arduous climb up the hill seem efforless. One can get a nice panoramic view of the town from the hill top.
Raya Gopura : The Raya Gopura or the Gopuralayas entrance is an incomplete structure leading to a hill. Built during 16th century by the Vijayanagara kings, the Raya Gopura consists of four majestic pillars and many smaller pillars with no roof. This impressive monument has been featured in many movies including the Mani Ratnam flicks Dalapathi and Guru.
The Kalyani : The kalyani or the pushkarani is a stepped water tank in the vicinity of the temple. The devotees take a holy dip in the kalyani before entering the temple. Several pillars and other interesting structures surround the periphery of the kalyani at Melukote.

The Yoga Narasimha temple on the hill top.

The Raya Gopuras.

The decorative exterior of the Cheluva Narayana Temple.

An arrangement of fresh lotus buds.

A carving on a pillar of the Raya Gopura.

Lotus flowers, incense sticks, cocunuts and bananas are offered to the Lord.

Many South Indian movies have been shot at this Kalyani.

A beautiful structure beside the Kalyani.

The pillared corridor in the Cheluva Narayana temple.

Food Glorious Food

2008-09-25T15:23:00.051+05:30

The Jurong Bird Park in Singapore is a popular tourist destination and is home to several species of rare birds. The park simulates the natural environment of birds from different habitats. While we can walk through alleys and get in close proximity to some birds, the others have to be seen from a distance.
The sequences of photographs displayed below captures the actions of birds in persuit of food. The term "Survival Of The Fittest" was reverberating in my mind when I clicked these pictures. Charles Darwin, used the term "Natural Selection" in his theories of evolution. Herbert Spencer, drew parallels between the theories of economics and Darwin's ideas on evolution. He saw the phrase "Survival Of The Fittest" in a new light as he related it to "Natural Selection". While all living things are constantly in a race to meet their needs, humans are in a race to meet their greed!

Lories are colourful birds found in in Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Visitors can feed the lories and their brightly coloured plumage is an added attraction for a nice posey snap. Here are a few pictures of the vibrant lories shot at the "Lory Loft".

From a lake for the swans to snow for the penguins the bird park has it all. While I stood watching the landscape I managed to capture a few shots of this bird looking out and finally managing to grab a fish in "The Wetlands Waterfalls" of Jurong.

The Cartoon Kingdom

2008-09-20T20:43:00.056+05:30

Spare a minute to name five Indian cartoonists.... Any luck? Now try naming five cartoonists. Indian or not. This must have been an easier exercise. Well, it's not that there is a dearth of toon creators in India. It's just that this talented lot may have not been provided the right platform to reach out to the masses. For these people, who had the will to take the road less travelled, the climb has been steep.
The British brought the art of cartooning to India. While R K Laxman is one of the few who has become a household name, most of the others are still fighting hard to stay afloat despite being powerhouses of talent. The Indian Institute Of Catoonists has set out with an ambitious plan to promote and popularise this art in India. These patrons of the arts are enduring a noble effort to recognize and reward the cartoonists.
Prakash Shetty is a famed cartoonist who hails from Mangalore. In an illustrious career which has spanned over decades he has created cartoons in English and Kannada. Specialising in 2-minute spot caricatures, he holds a record of creating 150 caricatures in ten hours! Some of his latest caricatures and paintoons (cartoons painted on canvas using acrylic colours) are on display at the Indian Cartoon Gallery. Current affairs, eminent sportspersons and politicians are common subjects in the caricature exhibition called "Prakash Shetty Hanged".

N R NARAYANA MURTHY. An exception who proved the rule with the success of his company Infosys...

Dr. J JAYALALITHA.Known as Amma or Puratchi Talaivi (revolutionary leader) in Tamil Nadu.

GEORGE W BUSH. The good, the BAD and the ugly were on display at the exhibition.

A typical tea shop in South India. This is a paintoon of "Meter Chai" on canvas.

P CHIDAMBARAM. He's got money in his hands! Ruling the roost as the Finance Minister of India.

SHANE WARNE. The legendary Australian spinner has trapped many batsmen in his web...

L K ADVANI. Making a cocktail of religion and politics!

Forces Of Nature

2008-09-12T18:07:00.069+05:30

In the poem Ulysses, Alfred Lord Tennyson says,
I cannot rest from travel... I will drink life to the lees
I too cannot rest from travel and definitely want to slurp life to the lees! This post is the byproduct of an awesome day trip to two small towns which have etched thier name in history.
Talakadu - A temple town located at the confluence of the Kapila and Kaveri rivers in the Mysore district of Karnataka. Made famous by the curse of Alamelamma, Talakadu has given archeologists and geologists plenty to ponder about...
Shivanasamudra - An island town positioned on the banks of the river Kaveri in the Mandya district of Karnataka. As the river splits and dives into the deep gorge, the spectacular waterfalls Gaganachukki and Bharachukki are conceived.

It was a refreshing sight to see lush green paddy fields and lanky stems of cane that flanked the road to Talakadu. Karnataka definitely lives upto its tourism slogan "One state many worlds". Just wish the government did a little more than putting up those boards all along the way!

Antiquity midst the sand and the sky... Talakadu boasts of rarities like dense vegetation in the sand and a plethora of temples tucked deep below the ground. This is one of the temples that was recovered from the sand dunes and is currently undergoing restoration.

While geologists attribute the sand to the gusty winds which transport it from the dry river bed, the locals believe that it is the result of the curse of Alamelamma which translates to,
"Let Malangi become a whirlpool, Talakadu become sand and let the Mysore Maharajas fail to beget heirs".

The waterfalls at Shivanasamudra. This is our grand lady Kaveri as she plunges into the ravine. The melody of a meandering river and the soothing sight of the green vegetation create the perfect ambience to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature.

A well fed river lashing her fury agianst the rocks. A gentle spray of water carressing my face. The company of some good old friends. Lovely hues in the sky. A sweet little rainbow too! A magical evening indeed.

The fury of the river is channelised into hydro-electricity. The first hydro-electric power station in Asia was set up in Shivanasamudra and the Kolar Gold Fields was the first consumer of the power generated at Shivanasamudra.

As a disclaimer I would like to add a quote by Fitzhugh Mullan,
Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.
Bringing your car home unscathed after driving on the roads which lead to Talakadu and Shivanasamudra is going to be quite a challenge. Embark on the journey if you are upto it!

Create Your Masterpiece

2008-09-05T12:41:00.033+05:30

It's that time of the year when the popular Lord Ganesha comes to our homes. Ganesh Chaturti was a family affair until it was popularised as a community festival in the late 1800s. Lokamanya Tilak pioneered the idea of having public celebrations aimed at bridging the gap between various factions of society. For over a century now we have been practising the idea promoted by Tilak. Across the country, huge pandals with mammoth idols are erected. Ganesh Chaturti is celebrated in a big way. This is also the time of the year when we hear the environmentalists talking about the hazards of immersing the chemically painted Ganesha idols in water bodies like lakes and rivers.
Shanti, a friend of mine, decided to do her bit for the people around her and the environment on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturti. She organised a Ganesha making workshop in which people across various age groups could participate and learn the art of idol making. Natural clay was used to make the idols which were decorated with rice and grains. While it was exciting for the tiny tots to get down and dirty and make their own little Ganeshas, it was a learning experience for their parents. The workshop was free but donations were welcome. The funds raised were donated to charity.
After all, celebrating a festival is not just about adorning oneself in fancy jewellery and brand new clothes. Each one of us can make a difference if we try.

Be the change you want to see in the world!
-- Mahatma Gandhi

The only material that is required for making a Ganesha in house. Natural clay!

Learning quickly from here mom. This is Pranathi, engrossed in making her Ganesha.

The kids were quick to latch onto the idea made creative improvisations to fabricate their unique masterpiece!

No gains without pains! Everyone, both young and old thoroughly enjoyed the workshop!

All work and no play makes Arki a dull boy!

Good things come in small packages! This bundle of joy is Riti...

Songs Of The Sea

2008-08-24T16:42:00.044+05:30

The power of technology placed in the cradle of creativity, midst the elements of nature produces a memorable visual spectacle christened as "Songs Of The Sea". A sparkling gem in the crown of the flourishing tourism of Singapore, this is the world's first permanent show set located in the sea. This center piece which resembles a kelong (traditional Malay fishing village) has withstood the fury of the storms and the lashing of the waves. Water jets in poignant colours, brilliant lasers, vibrant lighting, creative graphics and classy fireworks woven together beneath the star-lit sky creates a magical evening at the Sentosa islands.

Sentosa is a popular island resort and a major tourist attraction in Singapore. In 2007, the musical fountain at Sentosa gave way to this unique show created by the renowned artist Yves Pepin, who was also the artistic adviser of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The tranquil sea comes alive with the dancing fountains in dazzling colours at Sentosa. This new nightly extravaganza at the Siloso Beach is yet another step towards promoting tourism in Singapore. Hats off to the creator of this innovative and captivating show.

An aesthetic setting, a live band in performance, spectacular pyrotechnics, an unique concept... These are just a few of the many ingredients which blend together to perfection to depict the tale of a young man Li, and his encounter with a beautiful princess who is under a spell.

It's no surprise that this immensely popular show is the recipient of several awards including the ASEANTA award for the being the "Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction" in 2008. In my opinion, Songs Of The Sea tops the list of attractions on offer for a first time visitor to Singapore.

In conclusion, I would say that these pictures do not do justice to the magnificence of the show. Although a picture is worth a thousand words I believe that even a thousand pictures will not be able to re-create the enigma of a show that left me bedazzled!

Colours Of Freedom

2008-08-19T16:18:00.046+05:30

On 14th of August 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said,
At the stroke of midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.....
August 15, 1947. It was the day India steered away from the clutches of the British. It was the day India marched into the alley of freedom. It was the day that the struggle of a nation ended. Today, sixty one years later, India is fighting for freedom from the clutches of fear. Freedom from the grip of terror. Freedom to choose between life and death. The strikes at Bangalore, Ahemdabad, Jaipur and Hyderabad are still fresh in our memory. The battle ground is vast, the enemy is unknown, the aftermath is devastating, panic is striking. The future looks ominous...
This Independence Day the fear of terror seemed to have dampened the spirits of enthusiastic Bangaloreans. The usually crowded MG Road was almost deserted. The tricolour was minimal. Celebrations were tepid. The mood at Cubbon Park was a stark contrast though. It was bustling with people. Flags were plenty. There were several activities including a painting competition, lunch for less fortunate children, cultural events, screening of the Kannada movie "Footpath" and interaction with its nine year old director Kishan.
A mix of children from diverse backgrounds,from different schools and varied age groups participated at the painting competition organized by Colorama. As I walked around, I noticed a popular theme portrayed in several paintings.
Peace was the message. Peace is the need of the hour.

Below are shots of some of the interesting paintings and excerpts from the famous speech by Jawarlal Nehru on the eve of the Indian Independence.

We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell.

To the nations and people of the world we send greetings and pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in furthering peace, freedom and democracy.

We shall never allow that torch of freedom to be blown out, however high the wind or stormy the tempest.

We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.

We have to labour and work, and work hard, to give reality to our dreams.

A Mobile Monument

2008-07-24T15:26:00.055+05:30

She has the unique recognition of being one of the two mobile National Historic Landmarks in the United States. She has won many hard fought battles and has been a survivor of the test of time. She continues to charm the huge crowds that are constantly drawn towards her. Wondering who 'she' is? Scroll down to see how she looks...
Conceived by Andrew Smith Hallidie, the cable car that uses grips (a clamping device) was patented in January of 1871. San Francisco was the first city to roll out the cable car in 1873. A century later, this age old beauty still maneuvers her way through the sharp acclivity of the hilly terrain of a unique city. Manually operated by experienced grip men, the cable car has become an icon of San Francisco. Today, it is the only city in the world which continues to operate the cable car in the traditional manner!
In my opinion, a ride on the cable car tops the list of things to do in San Francisco. It's definitely not a tourist trap. It's a ride like no other in a city like none other!

The cable cars of San Francisco would have suffered a sad demise, like their siblings in other prominent cities but for the valiant effort of a band of like minded individuals who called themselves "The Citizens Committee To Save The Cable Car". Led by Friedel Klussmann, they waged a fiery battle against the government to restore this pride of San Francisco.

On an unusually bright and sunny day in San Francisco, I was queuing up at Market street to get aboard a cable car. Standing by a pole, hanging on the edge, I tried to imbibe the breathtaking vistas of this aesthetic city. At the end of the journey, that I will cherish for a long time to come, I concluded that there is probably no better way to explore San Francisco and experience her charm!

The Cable Car Museum is located on Nob Hill at the intersection of Washington and Mason streets. Established in 1974, with the intention of preserving the history of the cable cars, the museum takes you through a journey back in time. Visitors can see the actual cables which propel the cable cars and get a lesson or two about the lineage of this unique masterpiece.

Presently the Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde and California Street are the three operational cable car routes. Although the cable cars are a part of the city transport network, the Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde cable cars are mainly used by tourists as they offer a ride through some of the most picturesque locales of San Francisco.

On reaching each end point, the single ended cable car is driven onto a turn table where it is manually rotated before heading off on yet another trip along the hilly slopes of a city bustling with activity. In the age of automated systems, and more so in the United States of America, the cable car is an aberration.

Run For Fun

2008-05-19T13:18:00.047+05:30

The 18th of May, 2008 was not going to be a dull and sleepy Sunday morning for the enthusiastic Bangaloreans who turned up in large numbers to be a part of the Sunfeast World 10k. The country's first and the world's richest 10k run was graced by the presence of Bollywood biggies likes Rahul Bose and Dino Morea, sports veterans like Vijay Amritraj and Dhanraj Pillai and the much sought after Bengalooru boy, Ganesh. While some folks ran for a cause, the others ran for fun. A riot of colours, innovative costumes, loud sloganeering, passionate cheering and oodles of energy marked the event which was a run away success.
The 10k Run For Elite Men, 10k Run For Elite Women, the 4k Run For Senior Citizens, the 4k event for the differently abled and the Majaa Run, were the various events that the participants could choose from. Here are some snapshots from the grand 5.7Km Majaa Run....

Looks That Win... One of the wonners of the 'Kingfisher Sakkat Bangalorean' contest.br />

Never Say Die... The differently abled in high spirits during the run.

Life Is Colourful... The theme used by Bosco to spread the word.

Some Star Power... Mr Iyer (Rahul Bose) cheering the participants.

An Eye Catcher.... The Ravana of the 21st century running hard!

Look Who's Watching... A little boy watching the proceedings keenly.

Well Said Indeed... A message for the assasins of our 'Garden City'!

Age Of Innocence

2008-05-07T21:22:00.080+05:30

Limitless Joy

These boys took a camel ride on the street. Their joy seemed to be boundless.

Paint My Love

I wondered what angels look like, until I saw Ella at the Christmas Bazaar!

Pretty Woman

A charismatic little one, Rhea whose work of art was on sale at Chitra Santhe.

Catch Me If You Can!

This is Nitesh, my official guide to a tour around his home and garden at Barkur.

Smile And The World Smiles With You!

I did not believe that a stranger's smile could brighten my day until this picture was framed!

Stealing Glances

A coy girl from a hamlet on the fringes of the Vembanad Lake in Kerala looks on inquisitively.....

In Profound Thought

Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. Its hardest when life mandates growing up!

A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words!

At the Independence Day celebrations at Bosco. This young boy was not fortunate enough to be blessed with a home and parents.

A Temple Town

2008-05-05T18:36:00.034+05:30

On the banks of the river Sita is a quaint village called Barkur. The Alupas who reigned in provinces of coastal Karnataka established Barkur as the capital and a hub for trade and commerce. Art and culture flourished under the patronage of the kings of the Alupa, Hoysala and Vijayanagar dynasties. It is said that there were 365 temples in Barkur and that the king visited one temple each day of the year. Temples and keris or large tanks beside the temple are a common sight at Barkur. Most of what remains to this day are the structures constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Here are a few pictures from my visit to a village which has etched it's name in history.

The aesthetic interiors of the famous Chowlikeri Temple which is entirely hewn out of stone.

During the Ranga Puja at the Anjaneya Temple at Saligrama, I looked on as devotees emptied tins of oil into the diyas.

The architecture of the newly constructed temples at the Anegudda Temple Complex at Kumbhasi is stylish and innovative.

Eloquently carved bells of various shapes and sizes can be spotted in almost all the temples in and around Barkur.

This Basava(or holy bull) is made of a special stone. It is believed that anyone who tries to wash this basava will hurt their fingers.

This was shot at the site of the Kathale Basadi. Kathale means darkness and basadi denotes a Jain shrine.

Fostering Flora

2008-04-22T14:56:00.053+05:30

Gundur is a small village on the fringes of Bangalore City. This hamlet and several others in the vicinity are blessed with fertile soil and favourable climatic conditions in which a plethora of fruits and flowers flourish. It was hard to believe that this place was barely a half hour drive from home. Numerous rose garders with flowers of striking hues flanked the road leading up to Gundur. I left the place feeling that pictures could not really do justice to the spectacular sight of the abundance and freshness of the crops.
Here are select pictures from that visit.

Viticulture, the science of cultivation of grapevines is a highly specialized discipline. This involves crop management, harvesting and processing and has been an ancient horticultural enterprise in many countries, including India.

The sapodilla plum or sapota as is better known is believed to have originated in Mexico. At present, India is considered to be the largest producer of the sapodilla.

India is the second largest producer of fruits. China being the first. Guava is the fourth most widely cultivated fruit in India and its cultivation extends to several states. Bihar is the leading producer of guavas.

The tropical states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu contribute to more than 90 percent of the total production of grapes in India. Karnataka is the only state where both green and blue grapes are cultivated.

India is the largest producer of bananas. While Tamil Nadu is the leader in banana cultivation, Maharashtra has the highest productivity. In India, mangoes are most widely cultivated, followed closely by bananas.

**To avoid flooding this post with too many pictures I have not displayed pictures of the mangoes, ridge gourds, double beans and roses that were captured during the visit.

A Special Something for that special someone

2008-04-09T09:18:00.064+05:30

There was a time, not long ago, when accounts were captured in passbooks and memories in diaries.... The word was carried far and wide by inland letters and post cards... Every single day, the postman's arrival was anxiously waited for....
The times have changed and so have we. ATMs dispense money and pens lie in the shadow of keystrokes. Hand written letters have become a rarity. Emails are here to stay.
It's an era where the electronic marvels have become indispensable. The internet is booming and connecting with people has been made ever so easy. Most information is just a click away! Kudos to these advancements in technology.
There is, however, a flip side to this metamorphosis in lifestyle. The personal touch in invites, wishes and even gifts has reduced drastically.
Cards have always been my way of expressing affection to people near and dear. In these changing times, it's an attempt to continue an age old tradition.
Below are pictures of a few cards that I have hand crafted. The driving force behind each of these exclusive cards, is the smile that I see on the face of that special someone.

All the flowers of all the tomorrows are the seeds of today...

Variety is the spice of life!

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting with the gift of speech.

Be the change that you want to see in the world!

Kites fly higher against the wind... Not with it!

A Walk In The Clouds

2008-03-24T15:30:00.078+05:30

My plans to travel to Munnar seemed to be jinxed. After several vain attempts, I finally set foot in the place that has always been on my wish list. This Easter, a visit to this elusive destination, became a reality.
A sojourn through the backwaters of Allepey and the hills of Munnar left me spellbound. It was a magical experience midst the misty hill tops, pitter patter of the rain, melody of trickling streams, varied hues of the spring time blossoms and the limitless stretches of striking green vales. It was another dream come true...

Here are a few pictures from this e(xc)lusive hill station.

I got my first glimpse of Munnar in the wee hours of a foggy morning. Awe struck I trudged down the hill with only my camera for company....

The ranges of hills towering over the lush tea slopes were often masked by a blanket of white. As the passing clouds moved on, the mystical beauty was unravelled....

The heavy downpour in recent times conceived cascades on the spur. The streams trickling down the hills lent variety to the velvety green landscape.

I owe this picture to the serendipitous timing of our visit to the Anayirankal Reservior. The elements of nature amalgamated to perfection to create this immaculate vista.

Neither is this a black and white picture nor the output of a photo editing software. It is a capture of the ambience at the Mattupetty Dam at midday!

The beautifully manicured fingers of the tea plantations stretching into the hill ranges of Western Ghats makes Munnar one of the most exotic hills stations of South India.

A blocked road meant that we had to walk up a small stretch to reach Top Station. Unperturbed by the rain and gusty winds, mindless of the freezing cold, these locals were engaged in a long drawn conversation.

The Mesmerizing Malabar

2008-01-21T09:25:00.002+05:30

The placid backwaters leading into the vast Arabian Sea. Mangrove forests on one side, a hamlet on the other. Birds of a feather flocking together on small islands of sand. The ripples reflecting the golden hue of the dipping sun. The silence unsettled by the rambling of a train or two. Fisher folk getting set to venture into the sea. A perfect orchestration of the elements of nature to create a spectacle.
Aboard a small country boat steered effortlessly by one of the locals, I caught a glimpse of the unspoilt grandeur of Kerala, at its very best. The land of coconut trees is "God's Own Country" indeed! The beauty and ambience left me bedazzled and now bereft of words as I try to recount that unforgettable experience. I left that place with a feeling that any number of photographs will not do justice to the aura of that evening.
Here are a few pictures from my trip to Calicut, Cochin and Bharananghanam, a small village tucked in the hills.

Rhythm Divine

Shades of crimson, amidst tranquil waters, the receding sun, riding on a country boat, a dream come true... The backwaters of Kadallundi.

Over The Hills

A sunny day, clear blue skies, stunning vistas, a refreshing change... The hills of Vagamon.

The Great Lake

One of the houses nestled along the periphery of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest in Kerala and the longest in the country.

Nature's work of art....

A host of colours filled the sky and cast a spell over the Cochin Port. It was such a spectacular scene that I just couldn't stop clicking pictures.

Road to nowhere ...

A picture worth a thousand words....The walkway leading up to the hill top Kurussimala Ashram.

Deft Strokes...

A symphony of varied expressions, splendid enactment, lively dance, thumping percussion and coulourful face painting... A Kathakali performance.

Country roads take me home...

A line from one of my favourite songs as well as the caption for this picture. Could not get this song out of my head then and cannot think of a better caption for this picture now!

Postcard From Kochi

The Chinese Fishing nets at Fort Kochi. A unique fishing technique using a large net propelled by mechanical force for trapping the fish.

Down the '07 Memory Lane...

2008-01-11T09:10:00.011+05:30

All experience is an arch where through gleams that untraveled world, whose margin fades for ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use!
As tho' to breathe were life!

-- Ulysses (Lord Alfred Tennyson)

Chowki Dhani at the 'Pink City' is the place to get a peek into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Rajasthan. A toast to the good times we* had during our visit to Jaipur in the peak of summer!

* Priyank, Sharath, Diya, Raegan, Yatesh n me

The Indian Railways has among its ranks an unique type of locomotive which is a hybrid between a train and a bus! Christened as 'Rail Bus', these can be found at Bangarpet, Shimoga, Shimla, Gwalior, Naupada, Mathura and Ahmadpur.

** Fr Cyriac n me

We* were quick to get on our feet during the transit at Hong Kong. An exciting ride aboard the 'Peak Tram' took us atop a hill called 'The Peak' which offers several beautiful vistas of the city.

* Hari, Ajay, Sanjeev n me

Trains have always fascinated me. That is the reason why this picture scored over the rest in an absolutely fun filled trip to Hyderabad. While on the train, we* spent most of our waking hours at the door.

* Bhanu, Hari, Nagesh, Krupa n me

It was a day's stop over at Bangkok en route to Bangalore from San Fransisco. Cruising along the one of the numerous waterways in the city, we* alighted at a traditional Thai house while on our way to the 'Great Palace'.

* Hari, Ajay, Sanjeev, Pavan n me

A beautiful Saturday afternoon, the chilly ocean breeze, in the company of new friends and good old, a touch nostalgic, reliving times bygone, a day etched in memory.... The Pebble Beach, California.

** Rupak, Hari, Antony, SOAPY n me

Sivanasamudra which has the majestic Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls is a popular haunt for those Bangaloreans who yearn for a respite from the ever growing din and pollution of the city.

** Jaishri, Ashish, Shammi, Param n me

Campus Cool

2007-12-22T14:05:00.002+05:30

Jeremy Bentham said ,
"Stretching his hand up to reach the stars, too often man forgets the flowers at his feet"
Once we begin to take notice and admire the nice little things around us, the world will appear a lot more beautiful.

Every morning, I wait with fingers crossed, to get to my workplace without being held up due to traffic snarls. Once the turmoil of the treacherous bus ride is done with, the place that I enter seems like a paradise. The vast open spaces, trees and the lush green lawns rekindle my spirit after the stressful commute along Bangalore's pot hole (or should I say crater) studded roads! The sound of the blaring horns are erased from memory, the dust and pollution are not a concern anymore. The tranquility and the freshness of the air peps up my spirits to face the challenges of a brand new day!
Here is an attempt to capture different shades of the International Tech Park, Bangalore(ITPB).

The park consists of six buildings namely Discoverer, Creator, Innovator, Explorer, Inventor and the most recent Navigator.

The fountain at ITPB allures the visitors and parkites alike. The space around this picturesque fountain is where exhibitions and celebrations are conducted.

This is the majestic 'Discoverer' building which stands out because of its unique shape. This building has literally become a symbol of ITPB.

The well equipped Tech Park Mall provides wide range of services and amenities for the thousands of people working in the ITPB campus.

The flower laden trees which are bereft of leaves makes you believe that it indeed is a 'World in a Park'!

As the sun ebbs into oblivion, the twilight glow of the sky almost creates a magical atmosphere.

A birds eye view of the landscape of the park which has managed to retain its charm, owing to the impeccable maintenance of the premises.

Morning Matinee

2007-12-19T10:42:00.000+05:30

On some days, photographs just fall into place - in ways that one could not plan for. There is a sense of ebullience as the concept seems novel.
This post is about my rendezvous with a spirited bunch of kids engaged in a game of football in the sprawling lawns of Cubbon Park. What started out as an attempt to capture them kicking the ball around, ended up being an elaborate odyssey unraveling many facets of their creativity. I almost had no part to play in determining the outcome of each picture. It was a display of perfect execution of the thoughts that struck their mind.
All credit to this awesome five some who are the mind and body behind this post. My camera was just a means to capture their imaginative ideas.

Meet Piyush, Akshay, Naresh, Chetan and Nitin

I believe I can fly.....

We will... We will... Rock you!

Birds of a feather flock together!

Ideas won't work unless you do...

Hand in hand we stand....

Mark The Park

2007-12-16T15:52:00.000+05:30

Let me introduce you to an ever green (quite literally) beauty. This seasoned marvel of yesteryear continues to enchant the masses across a wide cross section of age, social standing and interest. Urban development has victimized many of her siblings. But she stands tall, unruffled by the drastic metamorphosis gripping the city in recent years. Her tranquility and dewiness amidst the pollution and din is her forte. Her lungs breathe freshness and romance into the air. She is the undisputed 'Queen' of all parks in the 'Garden City'. She is none other than our very own 'Cubbon Park'....

Come December and the exotic Tabebuia Rosea tree which has several epithets like New World Trumpet tree, Pink Poui, Pink Tecoma and Rosy Trumpet can be seen in all its glory.

A group of hockey players, warming up at the park during the wee hours of a pleasant Saturday morning were quite amazed when I popped up to capture them in my camera!

The tingling morning breeze, the background scores of the chirping birds and the soothing shades of green provide the perfect ambiance for mediation and yoga.

It was heartening to see the mynas and squirrels aplenty in the park. Sighting these commoners has become a rarity these days owing to the destruction of their natural habitat.

One of the old timers who looked quite unperturbed by the activity around him while being seated on a park bench, catching up with the day's stories...

This is Akshay, who along with his friends decided to stop over at the park en route to school. A group of elderly gentlemen joined these little boys for a game of football.

The plethora of striking green flora at the park is a treat for any nature lover. Several photographers were at the park to capture her scintillating beauty.

Christmas Bazaar

2007-12-03T17:07:00.000+05:30

The usually serene St Marks's Cathedral was buzzing with activity on a bright Saturday afternoon. A bullock cart adorned with colourful decorations was ferrying little children around for a joy ride. The spirit of Christmas, vibrant colours, joy, fun and frolic filled the air. A wide assortment of people had gathered for the annual 'Christmas Bazaar' organized by the Overseas Women's Association or OWC as is better known. The ever increasing populace of Bangalore is diversifying with each passing day. People of varied nationalities are embracing the city as their new home.
OWC is a social and charitable organization for the women from different countries and cultures. The platform provided by OWC helps the women and their families to transition into the new social setting with relative ease. OWC organizes several events and activities from Coffee Mornings and Wine Tasting to fund raisers for charities. At the Christmas Bazaar, a variety of hand crafted and home baked goodies from various vendors were on sale. Exquisite Christmas decorations, colourful home decor, elegant paper craft and fashionable accessories were a few items which caught my attention.
Below are a few snapshots from this unique sale....

As always, the face painter was a huge crowd puller and kids who were queuing up waiting eagerly for their turn. This is Ella, who was all smiles after the make over she got!

Cute little puppets waiting in line to be taken.

One of the volunteers of a French non-profit organization called Docteur Clown. The volunteers are trained to use humor as a medium to help ailing children recover.

This young boy who was reluctant to pose for the photograph giving me a cold stare as he looks through the wreath.

Could not miss the vibrant hues of these beautifully designed terracotta masks on display.

Artist John Devaraj and a bunch of kids from the Born Free Art School lightened the air with some jingles.Some tiny tots present in the arena joined him in singing the Banana Song.

Children Of A Lesser God

2007-11-12T13:01:00.000+05:30

Scores of children are taking to the streets everyday either after being orphaned or having abandoned their homes in pursuit of something elusive. Once these young ones are thrown into the big bad world they realize that staying afloat in this ocean called life is quite a Herculean task. While kids of their age indulge in activities like studying and playing these less fortunate children are engaged in servile jobs like rag picking and working in small hotels and bars where they are often subjected to very harsh treatment. For some, it is a job which earns them two meals a day and for the others it is a means to procure cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. Even as we celebrate another Children's Day this is the stark reality to which we often turn a blind eye.
Bosco is one of the NGOs in Bangalore which is working towards giving these children a better life by providing a shelter,education and vocational training. Bosco has several shelters spread across Bangalore through which they provide a haven for these children to reconstruct their shattered lives.
Below are a few of the pictures which were taken at the Diwali celebrations at Don Bosco, Summanahalli.

Bosco is lighting up many lives through this noble endeavour.

One of the amazing performances by the boys.

A boy playing with a sparkler on Diwali.

The boys, volunteers and the staff of Bosco decorated the building with diyas.

This is a drawing done by one of the boys.

Spreading miles of smiles...

Playing with colours...

2007-11-02T18:11:00.000+05:30

During the last week I was forced to stay indoors as I happened to contract the conjunctivitis virus which was making its rounds in the city. My daily routine was suddenly thrown out of gear. A severe infection meant that I had to stay home for a couple of days or more and refrain from activities like reading and watching television, which would strain my eyes. I was left with no option but to choose daunting tasks like cleaning my wardrobes to keep myself occupied! Considering that Diwali was round the corner I decided to paint diyas to give as gifts for a few of my special friends. The vibrant hues of the painted diyas prompted me to capture them on my camera. Here are a few random acts that were a result of boredom and solitude!

Before and after...

This picture is for a friend who gave me this sari as a Diwali gift.

I loved the colour contrasts...

Red is a festive colour. So the cushion found a place in this picture.

An attempt to capture a different perspective...

Two's company....

Ecstasy

2007-09-25T15:26:00.000+05:30

In a country where cricket is a religion which binds the diverse factions from far and wide... where cricketers are demigods... where life comes to standstill when there is a crucial cricket match being played... the victory in the finals of the Twenty20 World Cup gave the people a reason for much cheer. Within minutes of India's victory over Pakistan, frenzied fans were out on the streets to celebrate the much awaited and cherished victory. Fireworks lighted up the sky, people were dancing on the streets, fans were shouting slogans and waving flags,the more the merrier seemed to be the mantra on the occasion of this rare feat.
M G Road and its vicinity were the epicenter of the celebrations. Brigade Road which is usually chocker blocked with traffic sported a different look for a change. There were no vehicles. Just scores of people and numerous tri colours amidst the din. The cops were on their toes to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. At the signal on M G Road, the ecstatic fans were walking out of their cars to dance and join in the celebrations. Tri colours were plenty.The World Cup fever seemed to be striking everybody. Cricket is definitely not just another sport in India!

Below are a few pictures that I managed to capture...

Young revelers in a jubilant mood on the streets of Bangalore

You don't have to be Indian to join the party!

A guy who walked out of his car in order to join the celebrations.

Another guy who got on top of his car to celebrate!

These strangers were united by a religion called "Cricket"

Everyone wanted a flag to wave... It did not matter what flag it was!

Play Back Theatre

2007-08-29T17:07:00.001+05:30

A play without a script? A cast without a role? Its improvisation on the whole! Does this sound interesting? Well, you should definitely watch an interactive play to get a feel of what I am talking about. A show staged by a group called 'Yours Truly Theatre', introduced me to the concept of 'Playback Theatre'. This is an original form of improvisational theatre in which the members of the audience tell stories from their lives, and watch them being enacted on the spot. 'India's Freedom Struggle' was an apt theme considering that Independence Day was just round the corner.
To begin with the audience and the artists were brought on the same platform, quite literally, where they introduced themselves and interacted with each other. The next part of the show was more like a warm up exercise where the audience could express views on what freedom meant to them. The artists who were listening with keen interest quickly strung an act together based on the narration. The creativity and impromptu nature of the performance was quite stunning.Freedom fighters, Mr Satyavrata and Mrs Lakshmi were invited to the show to share a story or two from their experiences in India's struggle for freedom. It was a chance for them to re-live moments from the past and watch their stories being enacted by the younger generation. Mr Rashid, a famed caricaturist sketched his illustration of the stories narrated by the freedom fighters in no time. The show concluded with a patriotic song by one of the members of the group. Good background music blended well with the above components to produce a captivating show which lasted for two and half hours!
Below are a few photographs from the show which was held at the Nayana auditorium at Ravindra Kalakshetra on August 11th. The pictures are dark as they were shot without using the flash to avoid any disturbance to the performance.

The colours of the curtains setting the tone for the show.

A creative backdrop symbolizing the spirit of freedom.

A conflict expressed by a member of the audience being enacted...

A curtain raiser...

The co-ordination was quite amazing considering there was nothing being discussed before each act.

Mr Rashid's creation depicting the story narrated by Mrs Lakshmi was presented to her as a memento.

A sense of solemn pride filled the air as each of us held the tri coloured candles while the patriotic song 'Yeh Mere Wathan Ke Logon' was being sung.

Freedom fighters Mr Sathyavratha and Mrs Lakshmi interacting with the audience after the show.

Rangoli

2007-08-22T11:08:00.000+05:30

As I went past Vidhana Soudha on Independence Day, I noticed that the place was buzzing with activity. This tempted me to stop by to get a glimpse of the proceedings. In a desperate attempt to find a parking slot for my bike I went near the High Court, but in vain! The cops would just not let me park anywhere in the vicinity. While looking around, I was pleasantly surprised to see a Rangoli competition being held at Cubbon Park. I strolled over to get a peek into the event that was being held.
The term 'Rangoli' is derived from the words 'Rang' which means colour and 'aavalli' which means a row of colours. If there is one Rangoli it might be a row of colours but when it stretches for 5.5 KM, it is a riot of colours! The participants who spanned across various age groups exuded a tremendous amount of energy and brought their creativity and talent to the fore.
While some people stuck to traditional rangoli patterns the others got creative and came up with new and improvised designs and used items such as marble dust, shells, flowers, grated vegetables and mirrors to create their master piece.Although they could pick a theme of their choice, there are no prizes for guessing what the favourite theme for the day was!
Here are a few rangolis that caught my attention.

United Colours of India

2007-08-20T14:17:00.000+05:30

As India celebrated its sixtieth year of freedom and liberation from the clutches of the British there was a lot to cheer about. It was really heartening to see a large number of people in Bangalore celebrating the occasion in their own little way.From cycles to buses, auto rickshaws to lorries,push carts to motorbikes, one could find the Indian flag just about everywhere.Little kids were seen with painted faces, waving around flags and sporting tri coloured wrist bands and badges.All the main traffic junctions in the city had a handful of vendors selling flags and other Independence Day merchandise. There were no prizes for guessing which were the colours of the day!
The flower show held every year at the Glass House in Lal Bagh is a big crowd puller on Independence Day. This time around the crowd was the highest ever with attractions like the Taj Mahal made of roses. The mood on MG Road and around Vidhana Soudha was amazing. There was jubilation in the air. The photographers outside Vidhana Soudha were having a field day as they were in much demand. People of all ages gathered there waving flags and shouting slogans in praise of India. There was a Rangoli competition as well which was held at Cubbon Park. Colours of joy and pride filled the air and adorned the road. It was just an unbelievable atmosphere out there.

This boy was at the Independence Day celebrations conducted by Bosco, an NGO which provides a haven for street children.

There was a Rangoli competition held at Cubbon Park. This was a mega event which had about 3500 participants of various ages. The Rangolis which stretched for 5.5 KM were a treat to watch!

A unique combination - Lord Ganesha with the Indian flag! I stopped by Dispensary Road , where members of a youth club were celebrating Independence Day in a big way.

Sixty years of freedom...

This little boy was walking with his sister. The intense look on his face and of course the flag on his forehead caught my attention.

Malls,coffee shops and buildings were decked up with colourful balloons. This picture was taken at ITPL.

Kids from Samarthanam performing at ITPL. Samarthanam,which was started by three blind people is an NGO for the disabled.

A shot outside the Vidhana Soudha.There was a sense of pride and jubilation in the air.

My colleague Shanti who was wearing a tri colour dress on the eve of the Independence Day.

A flower arrangement dipicting the tri colour at the flower show in Lal Bagh

These boys were selling flags at a traffic signal.

Close Encounters

2007-03-21T12:54:00.000+05:30

Colourful wooden toys are a speciality of the small town of Channapatana, en route from Bangalore to Mysore. The Government has established the Lacquer Ware Craft complex at Channapatana which encompasses workshops where the toys are hand crafted by highly skilled artisans. This complex also houses the Government Urdu Primary school. Oblivious to this fact, I stepped into a room, and was surprised to see several little children squatting on the floor with a writing pad and a pencil each. This school comprised of two rooms. At one corner of the larger of the two rooms was the teacher's desk and at the other was a small kitchen where the mid-day meals were being prepared for the kids most of whom were from very humble backgrounds. Students of classes one, two and three occupied different parts of the same hall with one teacher monitoring all of them. For the teacher, the daily commute is over 150km. She endures the marathon ride in a crowded city bus for this valued 'government job' is a lifeline for her. The faces of these children portrayed a multitude of emotions which were eye-catching. Here is my attempt to capture a few.

Market Place

2007-03-05T11:56:00.000+05:30

The Russell Market was set up by the British in 1927. To this day it continues to be the hub for the purchase of vegetables,fruits,flowers,fish and meat in the Cantonment area of Bangalore. It was not a lazy,laid back Sunday morning for the folks at Russell Market which was buzzing with life and energy.Below are a few snapshots from this market.

This is Satish, a rather shy lad who obliged to strike a pose or two.

Roses are red ....

From kiwis to plums, melons to mangoes every possible fruit was avaiable at this store.

The florists were busy setting up the shop in the wee hours of the morning.

Wonder what is running through his mind....

Could not miss the stark colour contrast of the bell peppers!

Busy.Please do not disturb!

Folk-lore

2007-02-13T10:32:00.000+05:30

'Janapada Jathre' which literally translates to 'Folk Fair' is a fortnightly cultural extravaganza sponsored by the Government of Karnataka. This initiative is a part of the year long 'Survarna Karnataka' celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the unification of the state in 1956. Folk artists from various districts of the state put up a spectacular show and enthralled the huge audience gathered at Lal Bagh.Events like this go a long way in preserving these age old forms of art which are probably suffering a slow death specially in the urban areas where pubs, malls and multiplexes are the crowd pullers.
Several folk dances were on display by the artists who were resplendent in colourful clothes. Jodi Kamsale, Somana Kunita,Dollu Kunita,Jogathi Nrithya and Jade Kolata were just a few of them. What made this particular Janapada Jathre very special was that all the performances were by women.

Veeragase Nritya, a popular folk dance of Karnataka was performed with great fervour. This is a picture of one of the artists who was a part of the Veeragase which is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of Lord Veerabahadhra.

Young women draped in bright red and saffron saris performed the 'Somana Kunita' which is a popular dance in Dakshina Kannada districts like Hassan and Chikmagalur.

This young girl dressed in the traditional Kodava attire was part of the troupe which performed the Kodava dance 'Ummattata'

The jogathis who are from North Karnataka are a devotees of the Goddess Yellamma. The Jogathi women performed a dance the 'Jogathi Nrithya' in which they balance a pot filled with water on their head.Below is a picture of two jogathi women.

The people of the Lambani tribe are found in North Karnataka. The Lambani women , who were dressed in richly embroidered clothes and heavy jewellery danced to the tune of a traditional Lambani song.

The dances were performed to the tune of an array of musical instruments being played by members of the various troupes. Below are a few of the instuments which caught my attention.

Flowers , Up Close....

2006-08-17T15:18:00.000+05:30

Along The Rail Road..

2006-07-05T17:17:00.002+05:30

Serene, spectacular and one with nature. This could be a vague and condensed description of a trek along an abandoned narrow gauge railway track connecting two less known stations - Donigal and Yedakumeri.
If the pollution in Bangalore is choking, if you are longing for a break from the hustle-bustle of a busy life, if adventure peps up your spirits, if you are a nature lover or if you are just looking for a respite from the monotony of worklife, hop onto a bus to Sakleshpur right away for an unforgettable and unique adventure!
Gazing at the starlit sky, witnessing the beauty of the dawn of a brand new day, walking across many bridges and through several dark tunnels, listening to the birds chirping happily and the melody of a gushing river in the backdrop are all of part of this amazing trek. The breath taking views of the hills and vales, the suspense of the immense unspoilt grandeur of mother nature as it unfolds as you walk briskly along the railway track, not to mention the river that gently kisses your aching feet every now and then... These are just some of the vital ingredients that blend to perfection to make this a one of its kind and rare experience. This trek along these hills in the western Ghats would definitely rejuvenate your mind and body. The tale of this exciting sojourn is probably better told than heard!

Navadarshanam

2006-07-03T08:55:00.004+05:30

As the car veered right from the Silk Board Junction onto Hosur Road a familiar sight greeted us. Bumper to bumper traffic moving at a very slow pace! The car then inched its way through until we reached Electronic City. From there on it was a nice one-hour drive, through roads flanked by fertile landscapes before we reached our destination.
A farmhouse, called 'Navadarshanam'.

Navadarshanam is a self-sustaining charitable trust on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. We entered the farm which was bounded by an electric fence, and were greeted to a warm welcome by Mr. Ananthu. Mr. Ananthu, a Stanford University Graduate and his wife Jyothi who has a PhD in Sociology are trustees and permanent residents of the farm.

We headed straight to the kitchen where our growling tummies were pacified by some delicious healthy vegetarian food. The residents of the farm, who are people from nearby hamlets do the cooking and farm maintenance. Below is a picture of the kitchen at Navadarshanam.

Fruite and vegetables required for consumption are grown in the farm. Apart from catering to food requirements of the residents and guests of the farm , several food items are prepared such that it is healthy and tasty and is sold at Navadarshanam and in a few outlets in Bangalore. The income generated from this goes into the maintenance of the farm.

Navadarshanam has several aesthetically designed cottages, which provide basic amenities to the visitors and are designed in such a way as to minimize the usage of cement and steel in their construction. The bricks used to build the walls are also made at the farm. As the cottages are extremely well ventilated it would require the usage of lights only at night. Below is the picture of one such cottage.

The picture below shows a windmill, just one of the several alternate sources of energy used at Navadarshanam. Solar energy and wind energy is harnessed and is used to charge batteries during the day, which in turn meets the power requirements of the farm. The gobar gas produced in the farm is used for cooking and slurry that is a by-product is used as manure for the crops.

Our visit to Navadarshanam coincided with the mango season. It indeed was an awesome sight to see large bunches of mangoes hanging from the branches of several small sized trees. The mango pickle that was being prepared filled the air with an tempting aroma.

In the evening after having a hot cup of indigenous lemon grass tea and biscuits we decided to go for a stroll and explore the farm. As there were dark clouds hovering over us, threatening to burst anytime we gathered as many umbrellas as we could and proceeded.Watching the pea-hens reared on the farm was a pleasant surprise.

Everyone at Navadarshanam (including the dogs of the farm) abide by the rules. The residents of the farm follow a strict schedule in which there is a stipulated time to eat,work and relax. Below is a picture of the dogs waiting outside the dining room for their quota of food.

God's Own Country

2006-07-03T08:37:00.007+05:30

It's Springtime....

2006-07-01T19:32:00.000+05:30

The Cubbon Park is one of the very famous parks of Bangalore.This vast lush green expanse of land is an ideal place for a refreshing early morning walk.This picture shot in the wee hours of the morning portrays the sun's rays trickling through the dense canopy.

This is a shot of a tree in one of the lawns in ITPB, the International Tech Park Bangalore. This very well maintained software park houses several software companies. There are many lawns and tree lined pathways, which are a wonderful and soothing sight for the usually over-worked techies.

This is a picture of the Vidhana Soudha which houses the Legislative Chambers of Karnataka.This magnificent stone structure constructed in the Neo-Dravidian Style is flanked by beautiful gardens and sprawling lawns and is a spectacular sight when illuminated.

The Kasturba Road which supports one of the main channels of traffic flow in Bangalore looks anything but calm.This picture portrays a very unlikely peaceful look to this otherwise very busy road.

The Ulsoor Lake is the most popular lake in Bangalore. This lake dotted with many small islands has regained some of its lost glory in the recent times after it has been de-silted.It is a treat to the eye to see the turquoise coloured yachts sailing in the misty lake.

This is a picture of the High Court of Karnataka. The contrasting colours of the red building and the lush green gardens catches the eye.One can see numerous pigeons being feed by the people who visit the place in the early hours of the morning.

The Mahatma Gandhi Road or more commonly known as MG Road is the best-known road in Bangalore. The commercial hub on one side of the road and an elevated pathway on the other side make it a very unique sight. The bougainvillea shrubs flanking the road just add to its beauty.

Blossoms

2006-07-01T17:30:00.000+05:30

Bangalore the 'Garden City Of India' was known for its beautiful parks,numerous lakes and tree lined streets.But sadly it is these parks and lakes that have fallen prey to the Concrete Revolution that is currently engulfing the entire city. Lal Bagh often known as the pendant in the necklace of Bangalore's parks showcases a rich and vibrant display of flora that the city is home to.The Department of Horticulture organises the famous 'Flower Show' at the Glass House which is modelled on London's Crystal Palace. This event is held twice a year as a part of the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations.On display are a wide range of flowers of different hues,ikebana,vegetable carvings and a lot more.The flowers and the various floral arrangements are a real treat to the nature lover's eye. During this time people throng the park in large numbers to have a glimpse of the flower show.The flower show is probably one of the few things about Bangalore which has not had a drastic change in the recent times. Here are some of the pictures that were taken in the Flower Show held in January 2006.