Healing Verso - Mentor Series 1

I climbed the stairs as usual after opening the black gate which said Homai Vyaravala, the flowers were fresh in the pots the smiling at me, as she was at the door.

We exchanged pleasantries and then she realized I have come in afternoon, in peak summers of Baroda. Meenal wait , first let me make Limbu Juice for you, then she went to her kitchen, took water from earthen pot, then added Glucon-D which was sitting on the window sill and a pinch of Eno - Lemon flavour .She had her own recipes, her own rules , her way of life. She lived well. 

Oh , it was Tasty as usual. She knew I liked it. I knew she liked making it for me. I took it as a Guru-Prasad.

Then , I requested , can I take a photograph of yours. It was pre- Selfie era. She paused. All our meetings we discussed, photography, life, Gandhi, Nehru, Nano, Tatas, Her upcoming book and everything in between and sometimes just silences.

She reluctantly agreed, she freshened up, comb her hair, sat in the chair next to Nehru’s image with Board saying, ‘yahan photo kheechna mana hai’ (Photography is not permitted here) 

I looked at her, she was grace personified, little uncomfortable being on the other side of the lens. Like we all photographers are. The passion with which we love capturing, its not the same degree in front of the lens.

Then, I took few images, I was not happy with, changed the setting, she realized the window light was too harsh, got up and half closed it . sat back relaxed, a bit happy due to her contribution to this image. I was nervous and happy about the results. Would I be able to capture her essence. 

Then, amidst some conversation, I took that image. She became mine, my creation. I carried her home . Shall cherish it forever. 

This is first article in the series of story about people whom I was fortunate to meet and learn from, who have change the demography of photography , by their efforts and creativity.

Happy World Photography Day!

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