The Past of the Present is in the Future of the Now

          Moments with Vidhan and Inaira As I sit here, with the gentle hum of laughter filling the air, I can't help but reflect on the sheer joy my grandkids bring into my life. Vidhan, my spirited 4-year-old grandson, and Inaira, my precious 2-month-old granddaughter, have transformed our home into a haven of giggles and coos.  Ashita, their loving mother, has brought them all the way from Dubai, and every day since their arrival has been a gift. The house is alive with the pitter-patter of tiny feet and the melodious sound of children's laughter, reminding me of the beauty in simplicity. Time seems to melt away when I hold Vidhan and Inaira in my arms. Their innocent smiles and curious eyes are a reminder of the wonder and magic in the world. It's during these moments that I find myself transported back to my own childhood, reliving carefree days of pillow fights and imaginary adventures. ...

The origin of the Jagannath idol is steeped in myth and legend. One of the most captivating accounts comes from Sarala Dasa, a 15th-century Odia poet who penned his own version of the Mahabharata. In his tale, Krishna's demise is reimagined with a twist. A hunter named Jara mistakenly shoots Krishna, thinking his foot is a deer's ear. Arjuna, overcome with grief, attempts to cremate his friend, but Krishna's heart refuses to burn. A divine voice commands Arjuna to cast the heart into the ocean, tied to a log. Centuries pass, and the log drifts from the west coast of Dwarka to the east coast, where Puri is located. Jara, the hunter, is reborn as Biswa Basu, a Shabara tribal man, who discovers the congealed blue stone - Krishna's heart - in the Puri forests and worships it as Nila Madhava. King Indradyumna, eager to possess this miraculous idol, sends a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati, to find it. Vidyapati uses his wits and cunning to locate the idol, w...

As an architectural photographer, I'm constantly on the lookout for beauty in the built environment. My lens captures the essence of cityscapes, from the intricate details of modern skyscrapers to the majestic grandeur of urban landscapes. While natural landscapes and portraits have their own charm, city architecture is my true passion. I rise early, armed with my equipment, to chase the golden hour and blue hour, when the soft light dancing across the city's facades creates an ethereal glow. Even in the harsh North Indian sun, I find beauty in the shadows and textures of the urban jungle. My camera is my trusted companion, urging me to "have patience, son" as I wait for the perfect shot. In the city's steel and concrete, I see the elegance of Cleopatra, the glamour of Marilyn Monroe, and the grace of Madhubala. Each building, each angle, each play of light and shadow tells a story of human ingenuity and creativity. And I'm humbled to be the one to capture it ...