Profile : A Visionary in Art and Photography: Manish Khattry

-Profile- 
A Visionary in Art and Photography:
Manish Khattry

On the 8th of February 1973, an artist’s soul graced this world—one destined to leave an indelible mark in the realms of art, literature, music, and culture. From a tender age of 16, Manish Khattry’s creative brilliance found its way into the pages of a leading daily newspaper through his cartoons. What began as a youthful passion soon transformed into a lifelong devotion to the artistic world.

In 1994, he pioneered a revolution in Indian art by introducing the computer as a recognized medium of artistic expression. Training over 3,000 students, he guided them to showcase their digital artworks in prestigious galleries, including the esteemed Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi.

Among all artistic pursuits, photography became his true calling—a medium through which he could immortalize the timeless essence of Banaras. With a keen eye for antiquity and an unwavering passion for storytelling, he has spent over a decade capturing the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. His collection, now exceeding a million images, intricately portrays the city's diverse facets—its architecture, daily life, fairs, festivals, food, and crafts. This labour of love is not merely a photographic endeavour but an earnest mission to preserve the real, ever-evolving Banaras for generations to come.

His work has earned him the prestigious title of the top-ranked street photographer in the world. With a deep commitment to sharing his vision, he has compiled and published numerous books, each an artistic masterpiece and a visual narrative of Banaras.

Some of his notable publications include Varanasi –

‘Varanasi - The Luminous City’ (2007)

‘My World Through My Lens’ (2014)

‘The Book of Banaras’ (2015 & 2017) got unveiled by honorable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, India Shri Ram Naik

‘The Life of Banaras’ :: Volume 1 - Black and White (2017)

‘Bhaj Vishwanatham’ - The first coffee-table book of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Hindi - 2017)

‘The Life of Banaras’ :: Volume 2 - Color (2018)

‘Sanskrit Bhagirathi’ (2018)

‘Mysterious Banaras’ (2019)

‘Kashi - Older than History’ by Times Group & Ministry of Tourism for the Pravasi Bhartiya (2019)

‘Magh Mela Prayagraj’ (2019)

‘Bhaj Vishwanatham’ - Pictorial story of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (English - 2019)

‘Banaras - Sacred Thread of Eternal Peace’ (2019)

‘Banaras ke Thath - 84 Ghat’ by Jagran Group (2020)

‘Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Footsteps in Banaras & Beyond’ (2020)

‘Banaras - City Eternal’ (2020)

‘Kashi - Fairs and Festivals / Lakkha Mela’ (2020)

‘Sublime Banaras by IndiaOil’ (2022)

‘Kashi Rahasya 1 - Shiva Khand’ (2022)

‘Kashi - Ek Nagar Ka Mahakavya’ (2023)

‘Baba and Me - Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan’ (2023)

‘Modi ka Banaras’ (2024)

‘Yug Pravartak’ - Portraits of Shri Narendra Modi by Maniah Khattry (2024)

‘Meri Kashi - Older than History’ (2024) by Ministry of Tourism for the G20 summit published by Times Group, released by the Prime Minister

‘Refractions - Seven Perspective - One Spectrum’ (2024)

‘Timeless Kashi’ (2025)

‘Shivoham - a pictorial story of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham’ (2025)

‘Unscripted’ (2025)

and 20+ upcoming publications and many more, with over 20 upcoming publications. 

Taking Banaras to the world, he showcased his black-and-white photographic exhibition, Life of Banaras, at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Mauritius, organized by the High Commission of India. With invitations to exhibit in several other countries, his vision continues to transcend boundaries.

His artistic excellence has been honoured with multiple awards, including three Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze in the Kashi Sansad Photography Pratiyogita 2024.

A gold medallist in Master of Fine Arts from Banaras Hindu University, he also contributed to academia as a visiting faculty at the Department of Applied Arts, BHU. His photographic contribution to the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

As he continues his journey, compiling and publishing timeless visual stories, his unwavering passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to artists and storytellers worldwide.

(The pictures shared in this article are from the series of Manish on the theme “Kashi ~ Colors of the Life in Monochrome”)

Photographs and text courtesy: Manish Khattry.
Manish Khattry's profile photo courtesy: Manoj Kar

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma 

-Profile- Clicking Pictures That Tell Stories : Arun Saha

-Profile-

Clicking Pictures That Tell Stories

Arun Saha

Arun Saha is a veteran Pune-based photographer who had been associated with Indian Air Force for 16 years as a technical photographer. Apart from being featured in many national and international magazines for his photography and articles, he also has penned down his best seller photo book “Varanasi- A passage to Immortality” with his 30+ years' experience in the field. 

He was also conferred with the Best Photographer of the Year Award in the 8th National Photography Award (2019-20).

Presently he is associated with India Today Group for their Corporate Story Coverage as well as running his own photography tour and workshop venture as “Arun Saha Photography” (ASP) where he is the chief photographic mentor and workshop leader for innumerable Indian and foreign aspiring photographers.

-Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Profile- A Multi-Faceted Artist by Passion & An IT Expert by Profession: Saleel Tambe

-Profile- 
A Multi-Faceted Artist by Passion
& An IT Expert by Profession:
Saleel Tambe

A resident of UK, Saleel Tambe is a popular & experienced Tabla Player, who regularly accompanies to all the eminent artists. He is an Internationally acclaimed Wildlife & Nature Photographer & a passionate naturalist as well.

 A Renowned Tabla Player:

Born in a musician family, Saleel is fortunate since his childhood to be associated with musical stalwarts like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, Pt C.R Vyas, Pandita Rohini Bhate-just to name a few. He continues to receive advanced Tabla training from Pt. Ramdas Palsule, a disciple of Taalyogi Padmashree Pt. Suresh Talwalkar.

Saleel is equally adept in Tabla solos and accompaniment to Vocal, Instrumental & Kathak dance as well as fusion with western musicians. Residing in the UK, he regularly accompanies the local as well as top Indian artists visiting UK, Europe & USA. Over the last decade, he is fortunate to have performed with many renowned musicians in concerts across the globe. He is regularly participating in events at most of the prestigious venues like House of Commons, Indian High commission, Southbank Centre, Sage Gateshead, The Lowry, Waterman's Arts Centre, Fairfield Halls, Victoria & Albert Museum, Nehru Centre, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Brathwaite Hall, Gunnersbury festival, India-now festival and many more. He has been associated with numerous music projects, radio, television shows and festivals. Saleel was a key performer in a collaboration with London Mozart Players for "Oratorio of Hope" show which was nominated for Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.

Being closely associated with various music organisations, he has contributed for several studio recordings & releases including tracks for a BBC film.

 An Avid Nature & Wildlife Photographer:

 Saleel is also an accomplished wildlife photographer and a naturalist. His solo photography exhibitions have been organised in some of the major art galleries across the globe. He has authored four prestigious books (two published by Oxford University & BNHS) and has many solo exhibitions, publications, weekly columns, slideshows & awards to his credit. His images are often featured in top publications. "Wilderness vista" is one of his multimedia releases.

A special exhibit of Saleel's images has been organised at Nehru Centre London for the commemoration of 60 years of Indian Republic. Saleel is often invited for international conferences on Nature & wildlife photography. He is frequently invited by schools and universities for talks & seminars on the subject. He is a wildlife & ecological advisor and a key member of a few conservation projects. Saleel has also been into documentary filmmaking & video productions.

He has been Honoured with prestigious title ARPS (Associate of Royal Photographic Society), UK. He is frequently invited for conducting Workshops, lec-demos, presentations, seminars and studio recordings.

Saleel's Video and Audio clips, Concert images can be seen on YouTube and other on-line resources and at www.saleeltambe.com. His works can also be seen on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saleel-Tambes Creativity Corner

 Saleel is an Engineer & Management post-graduation and is working as an IT professional.

He balances his passions successfully with his profession.

 (Text and pictures Courtesy: Saleel Tambe.)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

 

-Youth Gallery- Willing to Portray the Diversity of World : Nikita Gupta

-Youth Gallery-

Willing to Portray the Diversity of World

Nikita Gupta

Nikita Gupta is an amateur photographer by hobby and a teacher by profession. She has been doing photography for about 6 years. Initially she clicked beautiful pictures with her mobile phone camera.  Later she acquired a professional digital camera and this added wings to her passion. Being born and brought up in Rishikesh is one of the reasons she is associated more with nature and landscape photography.

 

According to her the nature/landscape photography typically captures the beauty all around us. She loves to include the human made features also in her pictures. She personally wants to showcase the diversity of nature from majestic landscape to tiny insects and wants people to see nature in a new light. Every picture of her depicts the beauty of Uttarakhand truly. 

She has taken part in many photography competitions and has won various prestigious awards. Her works have been displayed in the exhibitions held in different cities of Uttarakhand. She wishes to see the diversity of world through her lens in future.

 --Dr. Pankaj Sharma 

-Profile- Weaving Stories through Photographs: Chandra Shekhar Chauhan

-Profile-

Weaving Stories through Photographs

Chandra Shekhar Chauhan

 Chandra Shekhar Chauhan, a seasoned photographer rooted in the captivating landscapes of Uttarakhand, has a dynamic three-decade journey behind the lens. With each click, he weaves stories that celebrate the raw beauty of nature and wildlife, reflecting his unwavering passion for the craft.

His expertise has found expression through collaborations with various government and private entities, where his images have served as poignant narratives in documentaries capturing the essence of his homeland. Chandra Shekhar’s extensive experience allows him to effortlessly navigate the intricate dance of light and shadow, crafting compositions that speak volumes about Uttarakhand’s vibrant ecosystem. He has captured most of the flora of Valley of flowers. He has published two books on Valley of Flowers.

But Chandra Shekhar’s artistry extends beyond the confines of the camera. As a writer, he pens tales that mirror the soul of Uttarakhand, drawing readers into a world where culture, tradition, and biodiversity converge.

Through his lens and pen alike, Chandrashekhar Chauhan emerges not just as a photographer, but as a storyteller whose narratives transcend time, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Uttarakhand’s natural splendor and cultural heritage. 

Chandrashekhar resides in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He Works as managing director in DHAROHAR FILMS, a company established for making short films, advertisement films, documentary films, music video albums and freelance photography. He has worked with Forest department in an expedition to Nanda Devi base camp, inner sanctuary in 2015 as documentary film maker and photographer, and also made some documentary films on National Park Valley of Flowers. Some of his documentary films are associated with Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Central Garhwal University, Srinagar. These are based on Journey of Swami Vivekanand in Uttarakhand. 

(Text and Images courtesy: Chandra Shekhar Chauhan)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Profile- Capturing the Wild : The Inspiring Journey of Ashish Dwivedi

 -Above Ordinary-
Capturing the Wild
The Inspiring Journey of Ashish Dwivedi

In the realm of wildlife photography, few names evoke as much admiration and respect as that of Ashish Dwivedi. Born on September 29, 1969, in the quaint town of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, Ashish's journey from being a dedicated teacher to a celebrated wildlife photographer is nothing short of extraordinary. His indomitable spirit, coupled with an unyielding passion for nature, has not only led him to capture breathtaking images of wildlife but has also seen him bravely combat a formidable adversary – blood cancer.

Ashish's fascination with wildlife burgeoned at a young age, fuelled by his exploration of the verdant landscapes surrounding his hometown. Despite pursuing a career in teaching, his heart remained steadfastly tethered to the untamed beauty of the natural world. In his spare time, Ashish would embark on expeditions, armed with nothing but his camera and an insatiable thirst for adventure. These journeys laid the foundation for his remarkable foray into wildlife photography.

His lens became a conduit through which he communicated the mesmerizing stories of the animal kingdom. Whether it was the piercing gaze of a majestic tiger or the graceful flight of an eagle, Ashish possessed an uncanny ability to encapsulate the essence of each moment. His photographs were not merely images but windows into the soul of the wilderness, invoking a profound sense of awe and reverence in all who beheld them.

Ashish's dedication to his craft soon garnered widespread acclaim, earning him accolades and recognition from the photography community. His work graced the pages of prestigious publications and adorned the walls of galleries around the world. Yet, amidst the adulation and acclaim, Ashish remained grounded, ever cognizant of the fragile harmony between man and nature that he sought to preserve through his art.

However, fate had another challenge in store for Ashish – a battle that would test his resolve like never before. In the prime of his career, Ashish was diagnosed with blood cancer, a diagnosis that threatened to derail his dreams and extinguish the flame of his passion. Yet, true to his resilient spirit, Ashish confronted this formidable adversary with unwavering courage and determination.

His journey through cancer treatment was arduous, marked by moments of despair and uncertainty. Yet, throughout the ordeal, Ashish found solace in his photography, using it as a beacon of hope to navigate the darkest corridors of his illness. Even in the confines of a hospital room, he continued to find beauty in the world around him, capturing images of the fleeting moments of joy and respite that punctuated his battle with cancer.

As Ashish emerged victorious from his struggle with cancer, he did so with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for life's precious moments. His photographs, imbued with a newfound depth and poignancy, served as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of nature to heal and inspire.

Today, Ashish Dwivedi stands as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring photographers and cancer survivors alike. His journey from the dusty classrooms of a small town to the vast expanses of the wilderness serves as a reminder that passion knows no bounds and that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph against all odds. As he continues to roam the untamed corners of the earth, camera in hand, he remains a testament to the transformative power of following one's dreams and the enduring beauty of the natural world that surrounds us all.

(Text and Photographs Courtesy: Ashish Dwivedi)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma