This post won The first runner-up Prize - HP Laserjet Printer worth 15000/- INR in the HP contest
Miranda House, Delhi University; Picture Clicked by: Anukriti Sharma
On a sunny day when the blistering summer heat diffuses into the air and torments the soul, a breath of cool air, sprinkle of fresh dew drops, and the first showers purge the heart with joy. I wish those raindrops were infused with multi-hued pigments... so that each coloured drop had a special meaning. I wish it had the power to paint our souls with happiness...Had life been more colourful, wouldn't our perspective about it change?
The world is like a naked canvas wherein each individual paints his/her inner vivacity. The chromatic confluence represents not only the choices we make but also the kind of life we want to lead.
Malabar Hills, Mumbai; Picture Clicked by:Anukriti Sharma
Memories embellish and enamel our essence and everyone has his/her own special meaning attached to it. Every passing second, every moment gone by, stacks itself on the shelf of past and builds up a library of memories. Whatever exists today is a reflection of that which once existed in an era gone-by. Like a mirror it reflects life... Old photographs, musty books, dilapidated monuments, ancient civilizations...each one of these remind us of the bygone days. Human beings have always been allured by memories...
Faculty of Arts, Delhi University; Picture Clicked by: Anukriti Sharma
Memories of what once existed as reality form motley of images in the mind. But when we take a sojourn down memory lane, why is it that our mind is filled with monochromatic images? The present surely does build itself upon the relics of the past... But why must past always be an amalgam of black and white images juxtaposed against the polychromatic present?
Lucknow, 1863; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
When photography was introduced in India in 1840s, it wasn't that life was bland and colourless. Life was as picturesque as it is now but since technological development was less advanced, images were usually 'black and white'. With the advent of cinematics, an era of looking at reality in motion came into prominence. But, sadly that too remained monochromatic.When we look at old relics of India's beautiful culture and tradition: A woman dressed up in a gorgeous red sari appears clothed in dull grey; a lush green field in Kolkata in the 1870s appears to be dabbed in a morose background. Life then may seem insipid to us though it was as lively as it is now.
Bombay - The gateway to India - Source: Youtube
If I had an opportunity to see anything in colour, it would definitely be India of the past painted in the colours of present.
1920s-Indian Upper Class Couple; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
Darjeeling Hill Train 1930s; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
Imagine ancient Maharajas and Rajahs clad in jewels and finery; Rabindranath Tagore reclining on his Diwan; Indian revolutionaries and leaders like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, B.R.Ambedkar, Subhash Chandra Bose, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru; the old newspapers, magazines and novels; men and women in traditional attires in 1900s; means of transport used during 1800s; people celebrating various festivals; monumnets and cities basking in the glory of past; or a rare video taken during India's Independence. Now imagine these images in colour. Doesn't it produce a spectacular effect in your mind?
India is a country which exhibits a distinctive past. As Mark Twain described, “This is indeed India; the land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty--the country of a thousand nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birthplace of human speech, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of tradition, whose yesterdays bear date with the mouldering antiquities of the rest of the nations—the one sole country under the sun that is endowed with an imperishable interest for alien prince and alien peasant, for lettered and ignorant, wise and fool, rich and poor, bond and free, the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.”— Following the Equator, 1897
Mark Twain's words are forever etched on the minds and hearts of people throughout the world. It is indeed 'The one land that all men desire to see'. It would indeed be unfortunate if we Indians remain paralyzed and cannot imagine our history flourish into colours...
Portrait of Dancing Girl; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
Truly, the memories of past bring us closer to the realities of present. If I would like to see anything in colour it would definitely be India's past blossoming into multifarious colours. Black and white has its own appeal but colours bring us one step closer to the reality.
Mughals of Delhi ; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
When I imagine India, the birthplace of different religions and cultures, the motherland of many different tribes and traditions, all I wish is to see it in colour. From the past to present I wish to see my country in its true essence. I know past cannot be recreated nor can it be felt or experienced. But it can surely be rejuvenated... rejuvenated through pictures, through videos and paintings.
Indian Independence - Rare Video; Source - Youtube
Woh kaale-safed rangon mein chipe chehre...
Maano koi daastaan sunaate hain.
Beete lamhon ki sej se utar kar humein,
Apni yaadein yaad dilaate hain...
India - Durga Puja celebrations in 1900s; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
Rang-heen chehron mein qaid,
Kayi puraane khwaab chupe hain...
Inhe Zindagi ke rangon se bhar kar,
Aao chand lamhe aaj phir se jee lete hain...
Mahatma Gandhi and his followers; Source- www.oldindianphotos.in
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अपने अतीत को उन रंगों में देखना सचमुच हम सभी के लिए एक अद्भुत अनुभव रहेगा। थोड़ा अलग हटके ये भी कहना चाहूँगा कि कुछ छवियों को श्वेत श्याम में देखना और भी प्यारा लगता है। अगर चेहरों की बात करें तो वहीदा जी जितनी क़ागज़ के फूल व तीसरी कसम जैसी स्वेत श्याम फिल्मों में सुंदर लगी थीं वैसी रंगीन फिल्मों में नहीं लगीं।
you worked it out wonderfully, I must say taking interest in our diverse history is something we ought to accomplish in our lifetime, you are certainly doing great in that department.
Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice. (Ayn Rand). You, My dear, got both synergy of words, beauty of sight and thoughts, and your choice has made a better world. Thank you for wonderful post. God bless you.
would not like the historical monuments to be painted. They are excellent in the original form Lolz jokes apart we do enjoy them in colour photos good post on heritage of country
Hey..Thats a very good post..and the clicks too.. You have really gone deep into the concept of colours!! Good work Anukriti and all the best for the contest!
Indian history needs no coloring, the grey scale of a picture, the monochrome of a video, may not exude color. But it does exude richness. A rich history, is what we have. A colorful one isn't nearly as beautiful.
Hi Anukriti! Captivating post. Loved the way you infused colour into black and white photographs. Btw, the snaps clicked by you are awesome. Following your blog. :)
Definitely I would love to see my country's rich heritage in all the myriad colours...lovely collection of snaps...if only they been in colour, rite? Excellent post, dear:-)))
Monochromatic faded text On yellowed time worn pages; And pictures of women In black and white - Enchantresses, mysterious; A white fire and a black dawn With dabbles of gray as hue; The age of romance long gone Replaced by garish truths.
@Rukhsana Thank you for your encouraging comment :) good to see u here :)
@Sambuddha We have been friends for quite sometime now and it is the first time that you have commented on my blog... must say it is a beautiful compliment... aap aaye blog mein bahar aayi :)... hehe thnks :)
@Indiana Amrita... Your name is an inspiration! thank you for ur constant support and love :)
Brilliant post. Have often felt this too...the need to see that gorgeous, mysterious past in full color! If only time travel was a reality. Congrats on the win!
Anukriti Sharma is a Delhi based writer working with Random House India. Founder and Owner of Ekphrasis India, she completed her post-graduation in English Literature from Miranda House, Delhi University. A completely visual person who loves to dream; her passions include blogging, reading, music, social service and painting. Lover of 'Chai' and 'Cheesecake', a fusion of east and west... Admires smiles as well as tears... At times too talkative,at times too quiet...
Her pockets jingle with little blessings... Among innumerable faces her's is just another one trying to find a place in this world.
Her blogs have won many accolades including recognition and prizes from Yahoo! India, Dove, HP, Surf Excel, HUL, Indiblogger, BlogAdda, BlogJunta and Blogger's Symposium. Eminent personalities like Javed Akhtar, Ayaz Memon and Ashok Chakradhar have acknowledged her with the best blog award for her poem on Mumbai Terror Attack. Her work has also been published in various college journals and online magazines like The NRI, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Impulse.
http://www.indiblogger.in/indipost.php?post=64104
50 comments/suggestions:
Hmmm.. nice refresh of history.
neat.
http://achu89.blogspot.com/
Indian history is enriched with various interesting anecdotes but the problem is people, they find it useless.
What a beautiful, colourful way to bring history to life !
Good luck for the contest :-)
@Achuthan Raman Chari
Thank you for your beautiful comment... your blog too is beautiful!:)
@Prateek
I agree Prateek... but still there are some people who find beauty in history...
@Sudha
What a wonderful and encouraging compliment. Thank you for your wishes :)
अपने अतीत को उन रंगों में देखना सचमुच हम सभी के लिए एक अद्भुत अनुभव रहेगा। थोड़ा अलग हटके ये भी कहना चाहूँगा कि कुछ छवियों को श्वेत श्याम में देखना और भी प्यारा लगता है। अगर चेहरों की बात करें तो वहीदा जी जितनी क़ागज़ के फूल व तीसरी कसम जैसी स्वेत श्याम फिल्मों में सुंदर लगी थीं वैसी रंगीन फिल्मों में नहीं लगीं।
you worked it out wonderfully, I must say taking interest in our diverse history is something we ought to accomplish in our lifetime, you are certainly doing great in that department.
Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice. (Ayn Rand). You, My dear, got both synergy of words, beauty of sight and thoughts, and your choice has made a better world. Thank you for wonderful post. God bless you.
would not like the historical monuments to be painted. They are excellent in the original form Lolz jokes apart we do enjoy them in colour photos good post on heritage of country
Hi Anukriti, just wonderful and splendid. The best way one can actually present the purpose of colors.
Hey..Thats a very good post..and the clicks too..
You have really gone deep into the concept of colours!! Good work Anukriti and all the best for the contest!
simply loved reading
Indian history needs no coloring, the grey scale of a picture, the monochrome of a video, may not exude color. But it does exude richness. A rich history, is what we have. A colorful one isn't nearly as beautiful.
excellent write up... appreciate the hardwork in finding all these rare pics and videos...
That's another beautiful post Anukriti... I loved the concept. The pictures are stunning too!
All the best for the contest. :)
Nice pictures!
Hi Anukriti! Captivating post. Loved the way you infused colour into black and white photographs. Btw, the snaps clicked by you are awesome. Following your blog. :)
Anukriti,
Very thoughtful post. The idea is brilliant. Painting the past into vivacious colors is a nostalgic portrayal.
truely awesome...
an art to express the colors of history,... gr8 job done
very nice...
ecstatic post! I like the poem the most!
Wonderful photos of India. I think the black and white ones are the best.
You have coloured a lot here.. a colourful way to remind Indian History.. All the best, and will my life be colourful
Someone is Special
A wonderful thought-provoking post. Best of luck for the contest.
Brilliant!! I loved the way you have brought history together.Amazng use of colours.Kp it up U ra real Genius:)
Lovely thought Anukriti! Quite thought provoking and outlandish! :)
I seem to be attracted to your blog ever since the real beauty contest! :P
Definitely I would love to see my country's rich heritage in all the myriad colours...lovely collection of snaps...if only they been in colour, rite?
Excellent post, dear:-)))
@Manish Kumar ji
Aapne jo kaha usse main bhi sehmat hun... shukriya :)
@Alivealways
Thank you for such a beautiful compliment... Indeed encouraging :)
@Jai
May God Bless you too for being so generous and kind and to comment so beautifully! you made my day! thank you :)
@Deguide
Yes i agree... thank you for your compliment:)
@Kalyan
Thank you for your amazing comments, today and always :)
@Cindrella
Thank you dear for liking it! You are really encouraging! All the best to you too :)
You have created a winning post out of a vague topic. Congrats.
Monochromatic faded text
On yellowed time worn pages;
And pictures of women
In black and white -
Enchantresses, mysterious;
A white fire and a black dawn
With dabbles of gray as hue;
The age of romance long gone
Replaced by garish truths.
Hi blogger? :) I found u on indiblogger :)
@Beyond
Thank you :)
@keineannung
Yes we all have different points of view... I appreciate yours :)
@Jitaditya
thank you for your appreciation... it was indeed a pleasure finding those pictures :)
@Deboshree...
It is a pleasure to hear from you... your compliments are inspiring! thanks dear :)
@Nona...
Thanks :)
@Sudeshna
Thanks for liking and appreciating... Glad to see you on my blog... hope to keep in touch :)
@Barkha Dhar
It is always a pleasure to hear from you... thank you for your love and support! :)
@Bhargav
Thank u for your encouragement... :) Loved your comment!
@Prasan
Thanks :)
@Sandeep Math
Thank u :) chalo its good to know ki kisi ko mera poem accha laga :)
@Cooperjal
Indeed the photographs of India's past are beautiful! :)
@Someone is Special
Thanks for liking :).. your post is quite interesting too :)
@Rukhsana
Thank you for your encouraging comment :) good to see u here :)
@Sambuddha
We have been friends for quite sometime now and it is the first time that you have commented on my blog... must say it is a beautiful compliment... aap aaye blog mein bahar aayi :)... hehe thnks :)
@Indiana Amrita...
Your name is an inspiration! thank you for ur constant support and love :)
@Deepazartz
Thank you sooooo much... ur comment made my day! :)
@V.M.S
That is a huge compliment! thanks :)
@Pratyush
Wow! lovely poetry!
@Tech Blogger...
hi! good to see u! :)
yeh.........
A nice way of refreshing the past..
:)
Congatulations, Anukriti :-)
awesme wrk.....
congraj anukriti
Congratulations, Anukriti.
Every one should read the history~!
Anukriti Thanks for sharing :)
Every one should read the history~!
Anukriti Thanks for sharing :)
Hey u write too good girl...I loved ur style and it ws indeed a joyful read..Keep thm cumin' :)
Lovely write up.
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This my blog using latest technology.
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Nice post
Brilliant post. Have often felt this too...the need to see that gorgeous, mysterious past in full color! If only time travel was a reality.
Congrats on the win!
Very nice post and congratulations...
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