- Great Masters - A Photographer with Distinct Vision: Normante Ribokaite

- Great Masters -
A Photographer with Distinct Vision
Normante Ribokaite

Normante Ribokaite was born in Dusetos (Lithuania) in 1968.  Photography is her passion. Her favorite photography subjects are nature, man and his environment, horses, photomontage-creation, and in general she photographs everything that interests her. After looking at her works, her inclination appears to be more towards black and white medium, and she seems to do full justice to this medium. Her pictures are unique in regard of strong presentation of subjects and this quality gives her a special identity different from others. Her photography philosophy is to live in harmony with the environment. She has deep respect for each of her photographed objects.

Normante has been awarded in the International Photography contests (FIAP, PSA, MoL, IAAP, GPU, UPI approved) at Serbia, Makedonia,  Bosnia and Herzegovina,  Montenegro, Moldova, Croatia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, New Zealand, China, USA, Switzerland, Cuba, Cyprus, Ecuador, Ukraine, Russia,  Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia,  Egypt,  Georgia,  Finland, Turkey, Hungary, Russia, Poland,  Estonia, Lithuania etc.

She has to her credit below mentioned achievemets:

• The gold medal   of   San Francisco International   Exhibition  GALLERY   PHOTOGRAPHICA -   2013  (USA).
• Awarded  of  the 1st Edition of the Romantic Landscape  FIER Institute Initiatives 2013 (Australia).
• EX ARTE EQUINUS  - 2013  Director's Award (USA).
• Gold  medal at the 71st, 74 st, 76 st  80 st  Japanese International Photography salon  Competition (2011, 2014, 2016, 2020 ).
• The winner of Lithuania wildlife competition "Amber serpent"  (2011, 2012, 2013).
• Awarded at  the exhibition-competition „Earth Day“ (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 ) – Utena, Lithuania.
• Granted a diploma established by the Union of Lithuanian Art Photographers for her works displayed at the exhibition, Horse in Photography (2008, 2010 ) - Dusetos Gallery of Art, Lithuania.
• Granted the Honorary Diploma established by the National Photography Art Foundation for personal shows of artistic photography displayed successfully in Lithuania, in 2000-2006.
• AFIAP (Artiste FIAP)
• BRONZE EXHIBITOR (BEPSS)  THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE (2016-2019).
• GENIUS (G.APS) AGILE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, BANGLADESH.
• CAMPINA PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIONS SOCIETY (ES.CPE) ROMANIA.
• A-PHOTOART (CREATIVE UNION PHOTOART, RUSSIA).
• Culture and Art award for professional activities 2019 (Zarasai region, Lithuania).
  
  
  
  

Normante has organised nineteen personal photography exhibitions till date and has participated in many group shows held both in Lithuania and abroad. Since 2009 she has been a member of the club of photographers of nature Green Umbrella (Lithuania) and AMoL (A member of Photographic Association Master of Light). She is one of the photographers of the Dusetos Art Gallery group (Zarasai Region, Lithuania).

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

 

 

-Great Masters- "Conveying Emotions through Photographs" : George Digalakis

 -Great Masters-
Conveying Emotions through Photographs
George Digalakis

 

George Digalakis is an accomplished photographer, specializing in Fine Art, minimal photography, through which he tries to convey the beauty of nature, with his own distinctive, black and white language. His passion for photography is harmoniously combined with his love for travel and the exploration of new landscapes and places, stimuli for the creation of his unique minimalist world.  

 

He was born and raised in Athens, Greece. A medical doctor by profession, he still lives and works in Athens. Although he has been involved in many hobbies, such as chess and diving, it took him forty years to discover his true passion for the art of photography.

 

His first contact with photography was back in 1974, when he received a “Nettar” as a gift from his father. Since then, the camera became an integral part of his daily life. But it was only in 2009 that he found the necessary free time to study photography seriously, under the supervision of Tasos Schizas. He became acquainted with classic and contemporary photographers and realized this medium would offer him a getaway from reality and enable him to express his inner world. Photography proved to be a permanent source of inspiration and life-changing experience.

 

Born in a country with more than 1000 islands, he developed a close relationship with the sea, and he feels that this connection is the driving force behind his love for seascapes. George rarely tries to capture the moment and finds that by ignoring reality he can best convey his inner vision and underlying emotions. Subjects that convey feelings of loneliness, isolation, and melancholy are his preferred themes, with bare trees in the water, old piers, and interesting rocks being recurring themes. Purity of space and thought, vast waterscapes, sense of echoing space, and the removal of the distracting elements, characterize his work.

He does not try to tell stories, but to convey emotions. For him the point of art has never been to make a truthful copy of reality, but to create art that could help the viewer to escape the surface of reality we everyday live in and discover emotions and feelings. He sees the use of black and white as a step away from reality, and with the use of the long exposure technique, introduces the sense of passing time, eliminating the details from the background, thus highlighting his subjects.

 Minimalism, both as an art movement and a philosophy of life, has influenced his work. The influence from minimalist photographers, such as Michael Kenna can be clearly seen in his seascapes. On the other hand, the street photography of Harry Callahan and Giacomo Bruneli, with the extensive use of dark tones, highlighting the melancholic mood of their work, has clearly left an imprint on his urban imagery.

 Currently, he has been involved as an educator, teaching the techniques of long exposure, landscape photography to photographers from all over the world. He is organizing workshops in some of the most interesting locations around Greece and has published the tutorial “The Essential Guide to Fine Art Photography”. Educational articles have been published on LEMAG Magazine, Dejavu Magazine, Minimalism Magazine, etc.

George has won many awards, but the most important moment in his career was his distinction in the Px3 Paris competition, back in 2014. This award helped him realize that his work has the quality and uniqueness to stand in the international photography scene.

 

He had five solo exhibitions in Ioannina 2015, Athens 2018, Thessaloniki 2018, Athens 2022, and Sofia (Bulgaria) 2022, and has participated in more than fifty group exhibitions around the world. His work has been recognized in Greece, winning the prestigious "Hermes" Award of the Hellenic Photographic Society and in many international competitions, such as Px3, Sony World Photography Award, Siena Awards, TIFA Foto Awards, APOY, Minimalist Photography Awards, FAPA, SITTP, ND Awards, BnW Photo Awards. He has been published in various magazines and sites, including LensWork magazine, Zoom Magazine, LEMAG magazine, FEM, 1x.com, Digital Camera, Shot Magazine, Blur Magazine, Dodho Magazine, Yatzer, My Modern Met, B&W Minimalism Magazine, Schwarzweiss Magazine. His site has been Listed on the "Top 25 Black and White Photography Blogs & Websites for Black & White Lovers" by Feedspot.

In 2020 George was one of the 6 photographers included in the documentary series “Hunters of Eternity” for the Greek television, while in 2021 he has been awarded the title “Photographer of the Year” at Visions International Photo Awards, Toulouse, France.

 

www.digalakisphotography.com

(Text and photographs courtesy: George Digalakis)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

 

 

-Great Masters- In Pursuit of Excellence: H. Satish

 -Great Masters-
In Pursuit of Excellence
H. Satish. D.cine

(MFIAP, MICS, ARPS, PPSA, cMoL, GPA.PESGSPC,
Hon.FICS, Hon.CPE, Hon. PESGSPC, Hon.YPS, Hon. ECPA, Hon.FLAS, Hon.FWPAI, 
Hon.FSAP, Hon.PSP, Patron LMG. Hon.GMTPAS, Hon.ADCC , Hon.EUSPA, Hon.FTPAS)

The art of playing with light and presenting things ordinary in extraordinary perspective, the portrayal of nature in its finest detail, and to capture the various human emotions in all its glory is what distinguishes Satish, the urge to play is but natural to any child, but to play with light and bring forth beautiful images at the age of 12 is sheer prodigy. It is this gift of nature that made Satish, to take up cinematography in his academic stint. It was during his graduation that he started to capture nature in all its Glory and with time he was appreciated for his photo works with awards in both nature and pictorial genre of photography contests the world over. Satish has been honored with International Photography Distinctions, from America, Luxembourg, London, etc.

It must be noted that he is the first Indian to be honored with EFIAP and MFIAP (Master of Photography) in Nature color prints. And Youngest Indian to get MFIAP.

He is the first Indian to get Two Masters from world bodies of photography in Nature photography. He has been invited as a judge in many a National and International photography salon. He was one of the Jury Members in national level photography competition organized by Photo Division I & B ministry, New Delhi.  

Many of his pictures have been published in international magazines, catalogs, newspapers, brochures, and books. His pictures have graced all the guidebooks brought out by “Outlook traveler” and “Today- Travel Plus “Magazine.  WWF, BEML, BHEL, MICO, MCF, Canara Bank and many more Calendar spreads.

Satish conducts Nature and Wildlife Photography Workshops for the enthusiasts. He has so far organized 14 workshops in wildlife in the jungles of Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Sattal, Munsiary, Bandipur, Kaziranga and Ranathambore National parks.

Andhra Pradesh Photography Academy has published a book on The Wildlife Photographic journey of Satish. He had lot of interest in Photography since his young age, and this made him to take up Cinematography, and he passed out with a distinction of 3^rd Rank.

He is a prolific exhibitor in many National and International Salons, thereby, winning many Top awards, and thus became India’s most famous ‘Wildlife Photographer’. Till date, he has won 978 National and International awards.

During the last Pandemic,2020-2021, in one year, he delivered 23 talks across India, on various topics, and showed his award-winning images, which has become a rage now. He guides Youngsters and share his knowledge on Photography, without any secrecy, is what people like most about Satish.

Currently he is the President of Youth Photographic society of Bangalore. The Karnataka Lalith kala academy has awarded him the title - “state artist” award also. 

 (Text and Photographs Courtesy: H. Satish)

 --Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Great Masters- In Love with Mountains : Ashok Dilwali, FRPS

 -Great Masters-

In Love with Mountains
Ashok Dilwali, FRPS

Ashok Dilwali, aged 78 years is a Professional Photographer since 1971. He has been immersed in photography since his childhood, since his father late Mr. B K Dilwali owned two premier photographic studios in New Delhi i.e., Kinsey Bros., (established in 1905) and Shimla Studio (estab1ished 1931). After schooling from Modern School, he graduated in Commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce and then went to join A F Ferguson & Co to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. 

He entered the profession in 1971 and modernized his studio specializing in Studio Portraiture, Outdoor Assignments, Color Laboratory and allied fields of photography like printing and processing. He then developed his hobby of trekking in the Himalayas which has made him a household name for his expertise on landscapes of the Himalayas. 

He has produced thirty-eight books so far and work is in progress on two new publications. In all these years he has contributed to several newspapers, magazines and journals, both articles as well as photographs. His forte remains landscapes. He is a member of India International Centre, India Habitat Centre, Indian Mountaineering Foundation. He is a member of Royal Photographic Society of UK, and is a Fellow of this Society as well. 

He has also been exhibiting his work at various avenues and has guided many young aspirants and initiated them in this field of landscape work. National Book Trust requested him to write a book for school and college students to acquaint them with basics of photography. The book has met with much acclaim and is titled "All About Photography". He owns a large variety of camera equipment and is now using digital cameras of both Nikon and Canon brands. Today he is very active and is a guide to many who wish to learn the craft and art of his field and shoots for the pure pleasure of photography. His crowning glory was receipt of “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Govt. of India in 2019. In 2022, he received the Life Award from IIID (Institute of Indian Interior Designers)

(Photographs and Text Courtesy: Mr. Ashok Dilwali)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Great Masters- In Love with all Genres of Photography : SUDHIR SAXENA, ARPS, EFIAP/s, EFIP, Hon. FICS

-Great Masters-

In Love with all Genres of Photography

SUDHIR SAXENA

ARPS, EFIAP/s, EFIP, Hon. FICS

A resident of Indore (India),  Mr. Sudhir Saxena is professionally a Civil Engineer. He has worked as Engineer in Chief, Govt. of M.P., P. H .E. Deptt and as Sr. Consultant in the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Govt. of India, New Delhi. He Started Photography in 1972 with a Russian make camera. Later he used Yashica 120 camera somewhere from 1975-76 and a Pentax camera for some years. Finally he shifted to Nikon which continues till date.

Sudhir Saxena got to know about the specifics of photography with his friend, Late Mr. Gopal Gupta, the owner of the oldest Studio (Gopal Studio) in Indore. He used to sit at his studio for hours to understand what photography and printing are all about.

Later he came in contact with Padmshri Waman Thakre, FRPS, FPSA, Hon. EFIAP. Mr. Thakre was also in Govt. service in Bhopal, M.P., Being in Govt. service Sudhir Saxena had to go to Bhopal quite frequently. He used to take some new prints to show to the legendary artist. Mr. Thakre would briefly comment on those and would give some of his prints (B/W only) to him to see and study. Thakre Sahab was an encyclopedia so far as B/W photography was concerned. His prints, mostly portraits and pictorial prints of rural areas were books in themselves and Sudhir Saxena was always very nervous to see them. After some meetings, Thakre Sahab became friendly with him and explained in detail the finer points of printing and pictorialism. Sudhir Saxena started doing B/W printing at his home and used to show the results to Thakre Sahab. He gradually learnt what pictorialism is all about and how B/W printing is done. Sudhir Saxena gives the credit of his knowledge of photography to Thakre Sahab to a big extent. In consequent years he started doing photography in colour medium as well.  

Very soon he started participating in National and later International Photo Exhibitions, which were very few during that time, unlike present day scenario. His pictures started getting recognition all around the world. He never limited himself to any one branch of Photography. He loves Pictorial Photography, Nature & Wild life Photography, Travel Photography, Portraits, Street Photography, Creative and Photo Journalism equally.  Being in Govt. service and working as field engineer he always had ample opportunities to travel and click pictures. He did not miss to click while his holiday trips as well.

The pictures of Sudhir Saxena are the fine examples of creativity and have earned big name and fame for him.

Achievements/Contribution of Sudhir Saxena in Photography-Field

1. Awarded Associateship (ARPS ) of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, in the year 1984. Awarded Artiste ship (AFIAP) of the Federation International de la Art Photographic  in 1985. Awarded next higher honour of Excellence, EFIAP in 2009 by the FIAP. 

2. Awarded next higher level of Excellence - EFIAP/Bronze in 2017 and next level of that - EFIAP/Silver by the FIAP in 2019.

3. Awarded Excellence, FIP, EFIP distinction in 2019 by the Federation of Indian Photography.

4. Conferred with Hon. Fellow ICS by the Image Colleauge Society International, USA in 2017.

5. Conferred with the “Grand Progress Award”, GPA.PESGSPC, USA in 2017.

6. Awarded as The Photographer of the Year, 2002, by the famous Media House, Naidunia group of publications.

7. Photographs on theme “Sadhu” exhibited by Photo Club “Espoir Pessacals”, France as guest of Honour Photographer.

8. Founder of Photolovers Photographic Society. Have organized 16 International Photography Circuits so far, including 4 Grand Circuits.

9. Photolovers Circuits have a rare honour of having received 5 Star rating which is awarded by FIAP to world exhibitions, for 6 of Photolovers Circuit Catalogues, which NO other Exhibition could achieve in India so far. These were published as Coffee Table Books by Photolovers and are rated as best in the country. Now, since last few years, for cost and postage considerations, only PDF/CD catalogues are being prepared.

10. Have organized One man Photography Exhibition named ‘SADHU’ in which 100 excellent photographs on the theme ‘Sadhu’ were displayed, the exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of M.P. at Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal. One more, one man exhibition on Tigers has been organized.  

11. Helping young and aspiring photographers to achieve National and International Photography honors by guiding them to prepare their images and portfolios for these honors.

12. Was Working Committee member of the Federation of Indian Photography during 1997-99 period.

13. Few thousand photographs on wide variety of subjects have been accepted and exhibited in many Salons across the world. Listing them properly has been in my ‘wish list’ for few decades now, hope to do it someday, same with list of Awards!

14. Have won many awards including Gold Medals of FIAP, PSA and Gold Trophy, Silver Medals, Bronze Medals and many other medals and trophies and many Honourable Mentions, Certificates of Merit etc.

15. Photographs have been published in many news papers and magazines including “Dharmyug”, “Saptik Hindustan”, “Illustrated Weekly of India”, “Dinmaan”, “keynote”, “Swagat” etc etc., in addition to publications in many Photography Salon Catalogues.

16. Working as member of Jury in many International Salons since 1984, can’t tell the number now but they are many.

17. Have published limited edition Photo Books on Ghats of Varanasi and Kumbh. 

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Great Masters- A Milestone in Photography : S. Paul

-Great Masters-

A Milestone in Photography

S. Paul

Born on the 19^th of August 1930 in Jhang (Now in Pakistan), S. Paul was an internationally acclaimed photographer of India.  He is known as one of the pioneers of photo journalism in country. After the partition his family moved to India. Having completed his education he started doing a job in Shimla as an Engineering Draftsman. While doing his stay in Shimla he purchased a Camera and started clicking the subjects of his choice. He used to take help of photography books and the owner of a photo studio to polish his skills. As he was a hard-working man, he gradually trained himself as a good photographer.

Later in 1962 Mr. Paul joined the reputed news paper of country, The Indian Express at Delhi. Very soon his pictures started getting popularity and subsequently he became CHIEF OF THE PHOTO DEPARTMENT in this publication. The key characteristic of his photographs was the story telling value which set him apart from others. His works were narratives in themselves. The reason behind this was that he used to put his heart and soul in his images. While doing work with The Indian Express he established himself as a photographer par excellence. He remained with this publication till 1988.

Mr. Paul always thought himself a learner. He firmly believed in regular practice. He used to say, “A little gap in practice can take us far away from our path.” He always kept his camera with him. Whenever he found an object worth clicking, he never missed the opportunity. He was very much quick in clicking. As soon as he saw the subject, he clicked immediately. This quality is seen in very few people. His deep patience and attachment with his work made him a legend. He is a role model for photography lovers. He left for his heavenly abode in 2017. He is not among us today, but his life history has set an example for all photography enthusiasts. His masterpieces will always be a source of inspiration for all those who love photography. 

 The ace photographer Padmashree Raghu Rai is his younger brother. Mr. Rai had started learning photography in 1962 under the guidance of S. Paul Ji.

A number of reputed awards and recognitions go to his credit. This is worth mentioning that his name is among the most awarded photographers of India at International level. Many of his photographs have been the part of esteemed publications.

 Few Achievements of S. Paul

1. First Indian to have been profiled with a portfolio of four pictures by the World’s oldest and most prestigious THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY ANNUAL 1967 followed by another portfolio with article in such short space of time in the 1969 edition (U.K)

2. First Indian to win NIKON INTERNATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST in 1971. 7 more awards in different years (JAPAN).

3. A record 7 pictures published in PHOTOGRAPHY YEARBOOK 1990 U.K. (A collection of years best pictures from the world over) since its inception in 1935.

4. FIRST PRIZE in the BALLANTINE’S FINEST INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWRDS (U.K) on the theme “THE INSPIRATIONAL IMAGE”.

5. FIRST PRIZE in the POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY MILLENIUM PHOTO CONTEST (60,000 pictures submitted from the world over) U.S.A

6. FIRST & SECOND PRIZE in the 7^th SARC countries Photo Contest by UNICEF on the theme “GIRL CHILD”

7. 14 DAYS visit to BULGARIA, TOP AWARD in 1979 in the world’s biggest Photo Contest on “HUMOUR” pictures (BULGARIA).

8. GRAND PRIZE in the UNESCO’S ASIA & PACIFIC Countries Contest on theme “PEOPLE AT WORK” (JAPAN).

9. 1^ST PRIZE SANCTUARY ASIA MLLENIUM Contest on “WILD-LIFE”.

10. 1^ST PRIZE MEN AT WORK in the AGFANET INTERNATIONAL Photo Contest (GERMANY).

11. GOLD MEDAL in 48^th & 49^th International Photo Exhibitions of JAPAN.

12. FIRST COVER STORY on an Indian Photographer in the FOTOGRAFIE magazine of GERMANY.

13. WORLD PRESS PHOTO, NETHERLAND BROUGHT OUT A COLLECTION OF 40 YEARS BEST PHOTOGRAPHS: “THIS CRITICAL MIRROR” IN 1995. IT HAD ONLY 2 INDIAN PICTURES, of which one of them is mine.

14. EPSON INTERNATIONAL AWARD (JAPAN) SECOND PRIZE, an invitation to Japan, DECEMBER 2004.

15. THE FIRST INDIAN TO BE PROFILED WITH 5 PICTURES IN THE B & W MAGAZINE U.S.A, DECEMBER, 2004,(For collectors)

16. WORLD”S MOST PRESTIGIOUS B & W SPIDER AWARDS 2006, ON THE CATEGORY “FINE-ART” & “SILLHOUTTE”.

17. BIRD WATCHER MAGAZINE (U.K.) WILD BIRDS PHOTO CONTEST NOVEMBER 2004 – TOP PRIZE IN BIRD BEHAVIOUR CATEGORY

18. WORLD”S MOST PRESTIGIOUS B & W SPIDER AWARDS 2007, SECOND PRIZE IN FASHION PLUS SIX MORE PICTURES ON OTHER THEMES.

19. FIRST PRIZE ON THEME ‘COMMUNITY’ IN THE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR CONTEST 2005 BY THE WHAT DIGITAL CAMERA MAGAZINE (U.K.).

20. The B&W magazine USA, supposedly the most prestigious photography magazine (whose each issue is a collector’s item) has labeled him Henry Cartier Bresson of India in their magazine and the website December 2004.

 21. B&W ANNUAL SINGLE – IMAGE CONTEST INTERNATIONAL 2007- THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD TO HAVE WON FOUR AWARDS.

 22. THE WORLD’S GREATEST BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK (2007) HAS PUBLISHED HIS FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS (TOTAL 7 FROM INDIA), JUDGED BY 47 MOST RESPECTED NAMES FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD.

 23. S.PAUL, has been conferred the newly constituted National Award viz :-LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY by the MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING, GOVT. of INDIA, which the VICE PRESIDENT of India, Dr. Ansari gave to him on the 19th August 2010 (which incidentally is his birthday) and is celebrated internationally as THE WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY.

24. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Jury, to nominate awardees for the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY by the MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING, GOVT. of INDIA in 2012.

25. HELD TWO ONE MAN SHOWS AT NEW DELHI ON THE MAX MULLAR BHAVAN’S INVITATION, and one each AT STUTTGART, BONN & BERLIN, by invitation, GERMANY, one at Chandigarh.

 26. A massive book called ‘MADE IN INDIA’ about the ART and CULTURE of India, published in France in 2008, carried 2 of his award winning photographs.

27. Pictures published in the COLOR MAGAZINE PORTFOLIO AWARDS SPECIAL ISSUE 2009 U.S.A, portfolio consisting of three color picture.

28. Pictures published in the TIME U.S.A, NEWSWEEK USA, STERN Germany, THE TIMES London.

29. Pictures published in several editions of the following “ANNAULS”, which carries World’s Best Photographs yearly like, PHOTOGRAPHY YEAR BOOK U.K, THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY U.K, 35MM PHOTOGRAPHY USA, WOMEN ANNAUL USA, FOTOJAHRBUCH GERMANY, FOTO ALMANACH INTERNATIOAL GERMANY, PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD JAPAN, U.S CAMERA ANNAUL etc.

 (Information and Pictures Courtesy: Mr. Dheeraj Paul)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma