Located on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka, I visited 'Gokarna' which means 'Cows ear'. It has the most untouched expanses of beaches and pink skies that one could ever see. What makes it interesting is the cultural mix of the Kannadiga population with Maharashtrian surnames. The architecture has a distinct style that is visible in the small town and its temples. The photos document hand painted signs, patterns, elements and moments that we experienced in the sleepy town of Gokarna with its scenic beaches.
FORT KOCHI - PICTURES FROM THE PERENNIAL PORT TOWN
This was my first visit to see the biennale. Firstly, I was impressed with the new solar-powered International Airport at Kochi, it was an engineering and architectural achievement. The next thing you see it that outside the airport all the men who were waiting were mostly drivers in crisp white shirts and 'mundus'. They spoke impeccable english in a South-Indian accent, while taking us to our homestay in Fort Kochi - the heritage part of town and the heart of the biennale.
Once we were on the road, you can't help but notice an almost wild, rustic greenery that descends onto every part of Kochi. While getting into Fort Kochi, we went through small lanes, the by-lanes are even narrower preventing too many vehicles from getting in. The warehouses are close to each other and are all wooden, with rickety stairs, large windows and overwhelming doors - that lead to more doors. Every venue of the biennale that had art, had old rusty hinges, peeling paint, moss covered tiles and musty walls; they owe this grunge look to the humid, salty sea breeze blowing on Kochi's backwaters.
LADAKH - LIFE, LEARNINGS AND MORE
This trip is what changed my outlook towards life. It was my sister's idea to travel as voluntary teachers in Ladakh. We had the opportunity to visit a number of different schools and regions where we worked with children, conversed with monks and also painted a few walls. Because I am a children's book illustrator with numerous books published - The Avalokitesvara Trust invited both of us to work there. My sister works in the field of education and ecology at grass root level, so we decided to turn this into a longer voluntary trip which would really allow us to understand the region, its people and their day-to-day struggles. There is something about the atmosphere and locals that makes you connect to them at once. There pervades a type of slowness in their day to day life, which disperses a feeling of calm and peace. The locals radiate happy vibes and their constant dealings with the forces of nature, both beautiful and brutal has resulted in them in being united and trusting of each other. We saw some breath taking views, snow covered mountains, calm and clear lakes. This journey was about giving and consequently about getting some of the best things that life could bring my way.