My photographic journey started with Kolkata and will probably end there. During the last 12 years I have been lucky enough to travel and photograph quite a few photographers delight such as London, Paris and Berlin. Kolkata however, holds a unique place in my heart. It is a time capsule with a unique cultural richness which translates into a vibrant tapestry of grandeur, heritage, decay, colours, festivals, chaos, and human stories, all in a single vivid dream like sequence.
This series a just a mere reflection of the diverse scapes and human stories that I experienced on a single day.
The fisherman prepare for their long day ahead
As the sun rises over a smog filled megapolis, we are greeted with a haunted glimpse of what we have done to our planet !
I make my way to the jetty, waiting to cross the river that takes me to the other side.
The morning rush starts
Leaving the river side and the smog-filled haunted sunrise, I make my way to the so called “lungs” of the city..
A slightly hazy nostalgia overlooking Tata Centre and Chatterjee International building..
And as the morning haze starts to lift, I am greeted with the usual scenes of morning cricket practice.
Time to bat..
The haze clears and a beautiful cloud formation greets me at the gate..
Stephen Court fire : The famous building which fell victim to age, over usage and neglect..Hopefully we can take care of our heritage a little better.
…. Time for some food …..
Speaking of heritage.. Sir Stuart Hogg Market. Opening date: 01/01/1874
As the day comes to a close, I went back to the river front, just in time to witness this beautiful sunset…
As the day ends, the motion and the chaos draws to a close, the river greets me back and the calmness makes me reflect on the experiences I had throughout the day. The only thing that came to my mind was the word “Dark Chocolate”.. Slightly bittersweet…
And finally, it may not be the “city of blinding lights” to the rest of the world, but to me it always is and will always be….
On March 7th, 2024, what began as a quest to capture the delicate allure of cherry blossoms transformed into a profound exploration of our relationship with nature. As I embarked on this journey, a realization dawned upon me. Before the advent of spring, the absence of leaves echoed the centuries-long narrative of human encroachment upon the natural world. Yet, in this moment of recognition, a new narrative emerged—one of reverence, of reconciliation.
As I framed my photographs amidst the budding beauty, it compelled me to pause and ponder our place within the intricate tapestry of life. Each click of the shutter became a testament to nature's enduring grace, an invitation to reconnect with the very essence from which we've strayed.
However, at the culmination of this introspective journey and a monochromatic narrative, I was greeted by a symphony of colors—the Cherry Blossoms serving as a beacon of hope. They symbolise nature's capacity for forgiveness and our potential to coexist in harmony. Like Van Gogh's Almond Blossoms, they stand as timeless symbols of resilience and promise, reminding us that amidst the shadows, hope blooms eternal.
This series transcends mere photographs; it's a poignant call to embrace the beauty that surrounds us, to nurture our bond with nature, and to tread lightly upon the earth with reverence and gratitude.
Bachalpsee, a stunning alpine lake nestled at an altitude of approximately 2,265 meters (7,431 feet), is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic mountain reflections. Located near the village of Grindelwald in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region, it’s one of the most picturesque destination showcasing the raw beauty of the Alps.
My journey to Bachalpsee began at Interlaken Ost, with the scenery already hinting at the spectacular treasures to be unravelled as the train wound its way towards Grindelwald. As I transferred to the cable car (gondola) in Grindelwald, the landscape transformed into an even more exotic backdrop of towering peaks, deep gorges and lush valleys. The gondola ride to First was mesmerizing to say the least as the vistas became more expansive with each passing moment.
Upon reaching First, the mountains seemed to welcome me with open arms, inviting me to embark on the moderate trek to Bachalpsee. The trail unfolded like a scene from paradise, with panoramic views of the Bernese Alps—including the iconic peaks of Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn. Every step brought wow moments, and the tranquil beauty of the lake itself was the perfect reward for the journey making this one of the most unforgettable journeys to date.
