ZEN THROUGH THE LENS
For Aditya Agarwal, Managing Director, Morningstar India, wildlife photography is how he disconnects himself from the daily humdrum of his profession and devotes himself to mother nature. He ensures that he goes on at least three-four trips a year to capture all that nature has to offer. “I have been going to jungles for ten years or so. I have been to Ranthambhore National Park, Jim Corbett, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Sunderbans, among many others. Ranthambhore is my favourite. Being in the jungle in scorching heat or chilling winter with basic accommodation, away from the internet, is a challenging but a rejuvenating experience.”
Agarwal, a self-taught photographer, says that more than smart techniques, patience and focus are what makes you excel in photography. You need it in financial markets too, he says. Just as your investments demand patience and discipline to stick to the asset allocation, in wildlife photography, you need to focus on what you want to capture. For example, says Agarwal, clicking a tiger demands patience as you may have to wait for long hours for the perfect shot. “During that time, you may feel you are missing out on opportunities to click other animals, but you have to stay focussed. Similarly, in markets, you need to fight the lure of making money in the short term. Focus on your goals and stay patient. You’ll be safe,” he says. Wildlife photography is more than a hobby for Agarwal. "It is an investment (of time and energy) that returns peace and zen."
An avid photographer for years, Manish Sharma, President and CEO, Panasonic India and South Asia, recently started sharing his travel experiences through # ShotStories – a compilation of photos and videos that portray his perspective on cultures, histories and heritages. Working for the Japanese conglomerate, Sharma often travels to the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan tops Sharma’s list when it comes to capturing natural beauty and enjoying hospitality. “Places such as Hakone, Matsuyama and Mount Fuji are surreal. They share uncommon natural beauty such as hot springs and fantastic views combined with Japanese architectural marvels – a picturesque delight for photographers. I am drawn to pictures that tell stories, that portray not just the beauty of the moment but also the magnitude of the past,” he explains.
Within India, Sharma finds a spiritual connection with popular pilgrimage sites of Vaishno- Devi, Shirdi and Tirupati, which he tries to revisit. But his favourite travel destination is London – a place he loves to go back to. He believes that London offers a beautiful combination of new world innovation, history and oldworld architecture.
Sharma's interest in history is not limited to photography and travel; he also enjoys collecting antiques. “Antiques never fail to get my attention. They are a reflection of heritage and values passed through generations, building priceless memories.”
Being the head honcho of a loyalty programme company that essentially deals with travel, it’s not surprising that Manish Dureja, MD and CEO of InterMiles (erstwhile JetPrivilege), says his greatest passion is to travel far and wide. However, he makes sure he stays away from the usual destinations. From the overwhelming Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska to experiencing the world’s biggest Christmas market in Austria and enjoying a high- speed drive on the famed Autobahn in Germany,
Dureja keeps his holidays offbeat. “Last December, we drove almost 1,500 Km within Europe. I spent hours at the Christmas market in Salzburg, understanding how they make the popular mulled wine, which is consumed hot.” Dureja looks forward to his vacations not just to unwind but also to learn about new cultures and traditions. “I want to go back to the Mendenhall Glacier once more to understand about the local people and culture. I landed on that glacier in a helicopter and spent about an hour over there and what struck me most is how the locals care about nature and preserve it.”
Back home, Dureja makes it a point to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. He says the pull is not so much religious; he finds it to be the biggest equaliser. “You sit in the langar hall and however big you may be professionally, it makes you realise that you are just like everybody else, a commoner. That’s a powerful feeling and it keeps you grounded.”