India in 52 frames - 18

A secret the world knows - 

Years ago, a small time government employee began to clear a little patch of jungle to make himself a small garden with sculpted  figures built material recycled from whatever he happened to come across. This man worked in secret at night after a full day's work at office. Gradually his creation grew and grew to cover several acres, comprising hundreds of sculptures set in a series of interlinking courtyards.

One day his secret discovered by the authorities. The creation was completely illegal - a development in a forbidden area which by law have been demolished. But the rule book was thrown out of window for once, and he was given a salary and fifty men so that he could concentrate full-time on this work.

This man was Nek Chand and his creation is the now world famous, Rock Garden of Chandigarh.

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Image Details

Camera : Canon Powershot S2 IS
Aperture : f/4
Shutter Speed : 1/500 sec
Focal Length : 264mm (35mm equivalent)
ISO Speed : 80

India in 52 frames - 17

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A little bit of vanity in an otherwise hard life. 

He is a coal miner, returning home after a hard days work underneath the bowels of the earth. He was aboard the evening commuter train from Bhojudih, a sleepy mining town in Jharkhand.

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Image Details:
Camera : Canon EOS 350D Digital
Aperture : f/5.0
Shutter Speed : 1/1600 sec
Focal Length : 200mm
ISO Speed : 400

India in 52 frames - 16

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Monsoon On The Ruins

Hampi and its ruins are long steeped in history. Some say it is the legendary Kishkindha, the capital of the monkey kings Bali & Sugriva. It is also revered as the birth place of Hanuman. Centuries afterward, Harihara and Bukka founded their capital at the same site which was brought to its zenith by Krishna Deva Raya.

Today it's ruins are visited by thousands of gawking tourists and pilgrims all through the year. However, when the monsoons break above the skies - the ruins acquire another, magical aspect altogether.

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Image Details : Composite HDR Panorama comprising 6 frames, over 3 exposure settings.

Camera : Canon EOS 350D Digital
Focal Length : 18mm

India in 52 frames - 15

 
The Pilgrim


A pilgrim is a wanderer with purpose
~ Anonymous

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Image Details

Camera : Canon Powershot S2 IS
Aperture : f/5.6
Shutter Speed : 1/1000
Focal Length : 72mm (35mm equivalent)
ISO Speed : 80

It's been a year

.... since I wrote this post.

A lot of water has flown under the bridge, a lot of things have changed in my life.

I have travelled more than the earth's circumference. I have met countless new people. I have slept in more beds than I can remember. I have woken up on countless mornings trying to remember which city I was in today. I have seen the worst mankind can ever be, I have seen the best mankind can ever hope to be.

I have been stripped of all my dignity. I have lost a lot of things I used to hold dear. I now know who really cares for me or not. I now know the real meaning of love, relationships and sacrifice. I have cried on many nights, hurt on a lot many more. Happy days are hard to come by. I don't even know what a gentle touch, a warm embrace feels like any more.

But If someone asked me if I would want to go back to the life I once had - the desk and the job. I wouldn't think twice.....






.... before saying No.