My pictures with their little stories

Painting class at National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Painting as we saw at National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Thimphu was mostly Buddhist painting or religion centric. This is what Bhutanese art is all about.

Weaving at National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Visit to  National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Institute of thirteen arts and crafts) at Thimphu was quite an experience. Bhutan is clearly proud of its culture and heritage and makes sure that it is not only protected but there is honour and dignity associated with it. 

Windows from Spiti Spiti is majestic and it is stark. The windows in the entire region were similar, must be Buddhist architectural influence. Very basic and simple yet beautiful. The region is hardly prosperous so the houses are basic. The windows follow a similar pattern in the entire region.

Fathoming the Sky and beyond Many years ago, I went to Delhi from Mumbai on the 6 am flight of East West Airlines. There were only 12 passengers in that Boeing 737 I suppose. That day I realised what an experience it is to see the rising sun through the clouds. The colours start changing gradually and each moment is lived differently. The best part is that none of the colours are loud. They are all subtle, deep and meaningful. Beckon you to explore. In perfect solitude.

Folk musicians at Jodhpur Heard this folk musician couple performing at Mandore near Jodhpur .  The lady was singing and the fellow was playing a traditional folk string instrument . They were presenting their art with utmost sincerity. When we met them, their son was recovering from a monkey bite in the gardens at Mandore. 

Ready to kiss the Earth The monsoon clouds have descended and are getting ready to kiss the earth.  They have come from far away. Their moment has arrived. Will they pour ? The hot dry earth will absorb everything they shower. Erupt in joy and fragrance. Wait each year for this moment.

Fortune Resort Bay Island, Port Blair I pulled out this picture after much searching as soon as I read the news that eminent architect Charles Correa is no more. While we have all seen some of his great creations such as the Gandhi Memorial at Sabarmati Ashram , Ahmedabad; we happened to stay at Fortune Resort Bay Island at Port Blair when we visited Andaman Islands . This hotel has been designed by Ar. Charles Correa.  There is a fond memory associated with this visit which is connected with Ar. Charles Correa which I must narrate. Our son Aalok who was 9 years then learn to swim in the little pool of this hotel. We kind of liked the place but Aalok had some suggestions to make. I told him that if he would write down his suggestions on a piece of paper, I would arrange to send them over to the architect who designed the hotel. Aalok did write down his suggestions with a pencil on a piece of paper he could lay his hands on. Thanks to Ar. Arun Ogale, I could get the