Photography is more than just a visual medium, it is a form of storytelling that captures fleeting moments and eternalises emotions, landscapes and lives. This curated compliation features the powerful perspectives of some of India’s most evocative photographers, each telling a unique tale through their lens. From the golden silence of dawn in the hills to the vibrant chaos of city streets, these pictures are not just visually stunning but deeply immersive. Each frame invites us into a world of awe, intimacy, culture and quiet reflection.

Piya Deora- @pixel_wali

This serene view has balanced the marvellous fort and the electric blue streets, making a blend of history and modernity. The stunning photograph captures the essence of the beautiful landscape of Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Fort, bathed in warm, amber light, standing majestically atop the rugged terrain, excluding the timeless grandeur. In contrast the city glows deep in blue, with its narrow streets and compact houses, resembling a colour of mosaic and life. The exuberant sky, tied up the city’s beauty in its transition from deep indigo to a soft, rose-tinted gradient, adding a surreal backdrop to this architectural marvel. The photograph shows the contrasts of serenity and vibrancy, making it a breathtaking visual symphony.

Sanket Khuntale- @sanketkhuntale

This heartwarming capture by @sanketkhuntale ignites the feeling of companionship and love. Not just between the viewer and the lady in the photo, but between the lady and the animals as well. This photograph captures the essence of rural life with intimate grace and vibrant authenticity. The woman wearing a richly patterned red and green sari is glowing with warmth and pride as she cradles two young goats. The golden blur of the dry forest in the background frames her figure softly, letting her colourful attire and joyful energy shine. The story of the connection between tradition and livelihood is captured. Sanket’s lens doesn’t just capture a moment, it immortalises the soulful simplicity of a life well lived.

Madhur Nangia- @madhurnangia_photography

This serene image captured by @madhurnangia_photography at the Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, is a poetic ode to nature’s drama. Against the background of the peachy-orange hues of sky, are three flamingoes, standing elegantly in shallow waters— two of them seemingly entwined in a tender display of affection, while the third lingers nearby, aptly evoking the caption by Madhur, “Third Wheeling Hard!!!”. The soft gradient sky mirrored in the water below, adds a dreamlike quality to the scene. With impeccable timing and composition, Madhur transforms a fleeting wildlife moment into a visual narrative full of warmth, humour and grace of the wild.

Bean- @iambeansingh

This breathtaking aerial shot showcases the divine curves of the Ganga River weaving through the spiritual heart of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. As the golden sunlight shines over the horizon, it bathes the town in its gentle, golden hues, casting long shadows over the lush hills. The turquoise robes gleam with clarity, creating a striking contrast against the slopes and clusters of buildings. This composition gracefully balances the blend between nature and civilisation, forming a panoramic perspective that’s both peaceful and awing. This image provides a soulful invitation to pause and marvel at sacred serenity. 

Priyanka Nahada- @priyanka_nahada

In this majestic capture of the Amer Fort, its grandiosity and elegance sprawling over the rugged hills of Rajasthan, is exuded. The warm sandstone structure glows under the crisp blue sky, its intricate architecture and layered ramparts unfolding like chapters of royal history. Every angle of the fort is highlighted with precision— curved pathways, ornate gates and fortified walls that echo the tales of Rajput valor. The contrasting dry terrain and the reflective water below create a visual dialogue between nature and heritage. Priyanka’s lens doesn’t just document, it elevates the timeless elegance of India’s architectural legacy.

Abbas Baig- @abybaig

In this hauntingly beautiful frame by @abybaig, the Taj Mahal emerges from a veil of dark mist like a dream in marble. A lone figure sits in quiet reflection on a bench, anchoring the viewer’s gaze and adding depth to the composition. The sky transitions from deep twilight blues to soft golden hues, painting the perfect form of light for India’s monument of love. The fog cloaks the foreground in mystery, blurring the line between reality and reverie. Abbas captures through his photography the emotion of solitude, wonder and a timeless pull of beauty seen through the eyes of reverence.

Bobby Joshi- @bobbyjoshii

This serene landscape photography captured by @bobbyjoshii is a poetic celebration of light and nature. Sunday’s cascade through the lush and dense forest and the mist-covered hills. The golden hues of morning light are seen dancing over the undulated terrain, creating a rhythmic play of shadow and shine. The photograph exudes peace and harmony, inviting the viewer to experience the quietness of stillness. ‘Dawn’ is personified and beautifully tells the story of hope, harmony and the sacred simplicity of a new day. 

Through their lenses, these photographers have given us more than just their beautiful photography; they’ve shared pieces of their soul, the essence of a place and the poetry of the ordinary. Whether it’s the grandeur of historical forts, the serenity of nature or the quiet grace of everyday life, this compilation is a reminder that photography can move us, ground us and open our eyes to stories waiting to be seen. In these frozen moments, we find timelessness, truth and the quiet magic of the world around us.

Today, on May 1st, anticipating the expansion and growth of India’s entertainment and media platform, the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) was launched. The event is held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from May 1-4.

On the first day of WAVES, many tracks were released that sent a message of regard, respect and patriotism across borders to the Global world. It aims to make a positive change and do something incredible by bringing countries together in an interwoven fabric of different cultures, unity in diversity and a goal of progress.

Of the various music tracks released, the “Shubhaarambh” song brings peace in our culture. It sends a message of us as one big family in this world, whilst the “Symphony of India” captures India’s rich heritage and comprises various beautiful notes that come together to create music to which people worldwide can relate. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches down south, India is attractive in many different colours, textures, sights and flavours.

The song “Ooncha Asmaan,” by the well-known singer Shankar Mahadevan and the well-known poet Prasoon Joshi, expresses a desire for wings, so that, with determination, we can rise higher in our progress toward fullness. It represents that, with determination, we will achieve our dreams together. “Ooncha Asmaan” suggests redefining the connectivity of technology and the innovations that India has been contributing to the world; when we reach for the sky, the messages are expanding and further *asman* of progress.

India is experiencing distinct and conspicuous progress and establishing its footprint in all dimensions, like science, arts, media, comedy, and all aspects of technology.

This historical anthem and many others tell a powerful account of India’s cultural” canon” and celebrate the country’s journey of success and joy.

As we transition through the rapidly shifting world of technological advances, we may lose sight of the fact that actual progress lies in our preference for peace, love, and connections. As changes are felt like waves taking us in new directions, to new heights, and into new horizons, we should hold our identity and not part with the treasure that it takes collective effort to own. Treasure the unity that binds us, the truth that can lead us, and the love that holds us all.

 The precious treasure of our shared humanity can help point us down the road to a future prosperous with peace and prosperity, where our cultural differences are seen as a source of strength.

In the excellent orchestra of life, let us all play as an orchestra, full of compassion, empathy, and kindness. Let us always turn to the same ocean waves that have shaped our shores. The waves  remind us how to move forward while teaching us the critical value of adaptability, resilience, and harmony.

The event features many popular and renowned actors, singers, and filmmakers, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Ektaa R. Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Diljit Dosanjh, Anil Kapoor, Hema Malini, Sanjay Dutt, and A.R. Rahman.

The goal for WAVES (2025) is to bring people from different sectors and disciplines together and connect their knowledge and experiences to support the development of India’s creativity. The event’s sole purpose is to foster collaborations, from industry to movement, and work towards bringing recognition and attention to the talent and artistry of India while establishing our identity as a global centre for content and media publishing.

The event consists of a roundtable of the Prime Minster which involved a high-level discussion with global industry leaders and media CEOs on ways to help grow India’s media and entertainment industry, alongside the WAVES exhibition which was a showcase of the media industry’s achievements and accomplishments, advancements in technology, and new storytelling methods which focused on the latest trends and developments. The WAVES bazaar also gave content creators and companies an opportunity to meet and interact with buyers and sellers globally. Another event, the WAVEX Accelerator, included mentorship and funding opportunities for startups and used these elements to promote growth.

Landscape photography is not out of the ordinary, yet it still manages to calm or unrest a soul. The elements in landscape photography are the same that we see around us, yet somehow, certain shots manage to bring us to a standstill. Let’s explore a few such landscape photographers who are bound to bring your world to a standstill with their awe-inspiring works.

Nitin Rai (@nitinraiphotography) 

The perfect balance of haunting and beautiful, this particular shot by the photographer is bound to stay in your vivid dreams. The subtle play of textures brought out by the fog and the overall black-and-white filter adds an extra layer of depth that makes this landscape photo all the more impressionable. The witty play of focus that the plants play in the foreground tends to distract the viewer from focusing on the middle part of the picture where very discreetly a tiny cosy house is nestled in the landscape adding to the rustic feel.

Jidhun MG (@jidhumg) 

The simplicity and tranquillity oozing from this landscape snapshot are bound to put any restless soul at ease. At first glance, this simplicity will remind one of the Windows wallpaper, which, though very ordinary, carries with it the rustic charm of eras gone by. The colour palette captured by the photographer creates a visual harmony that will put any restless soul at peace.

Sukoon (@uv_bisht)

The beauty of this picture lies in the contrast. Taking the art of landscape photography to another level, the photographer tries to bring out the vibrant contrast of nature with an icy mountain range as the background and a pop of red flowers in the foreground. The way the end and beginning of life along with the beauty of nature is captured in this one snapshot is truly magnificent.

Subhash Chandra (@subhash_chandra)

Remember the top of the mountain final scene in the film Brother Bear? This snapshot screams that. The way the photographer has captured the sun’s warm glow breathing life into an otherwise icy landscape foreground makes the entire shot look like it’s been taken straight from a Disney movie.  

Siddhartha Joshi (@siddharthajoshi)

Capturing childhood wonder and joy in one shot, the photographer managed to keep the serene beauty of nature alive while also mixing in the sweet wonder of childhood joys. The yellow raincoat beautifully compliments the towering green trees. The jump could also signify the wish to break free and go beyond the towering trees to become one with nature. 

Gopi Jolly (@gopijolly_photography)

Beautifully capturing the co-existence of nature with technology, this landscape snapshot aptly captures our past and present. The photographer has managed to do justice to the beauty of nature while also ensuring that the swiftness of modernity is not lost in the green haze. The high-angle shot gives the photographer an advantage in capturing this rare shot that mixes the beauty of nature with the sharpness of technology that stands out like a streak of red in a field of green.

Keep an eye out for these budding photographers!

Poetry is worth it if it amuses the reader, ignites a fire within them and makes them feel and relate to the subject. A poetry can take the reader to a wonderland wherein he jumps onto the train of thoughts of the poet and feels immersed in a perfectly enchanting combination of joy, love, pain, excitement and all the rest feelings.

Writing a poem is like discovering oneself, the end is not pre-decided, the words flow from within the writer and an elegant piece is created with an end which was never meant but still is the best it could ever have. Here are some young yet mature poets to let you experience a different world through this creations.

Srijani Rupsha Mitra 

A prolific writer and poet Srijani Rupsha Mitra hails from the Indian City of Joy – Kolkata, West Bengal. Writing her first poem at the budding age of fifteen. Rupsha has always been fascinated by Indian literature. She remembers being inspired and supported by her grandmother who herself is a poet and writer. Ruspha wrote her first poem in class 9 and it depicted ‘women’. Initially she wrote poems in her mother tongue Bengali and gradually ventured into writing in English. Love, nature, womanhood and politics are her favourite themes to write about. Her love for nature is evident in one of her most loved poems – ‘At the Haridwar Ghat’. Spirituality and transcendence are the realms she loves to explore. Working as a columnist with the magazine called Houghton and Mackay, Rupsha has several literary accolades credited to her name. She is the winner of the BLACC Poetry Contest. Many of her works have been featured in renowned magazines and online platforms like London Reader, Mermaids Monthly, Birmingham Arts Journal, Muse India, North Dakota Quarterly and the like.  

Her journey of being a notable poet began from winning the Lockdown Poetry Contest conducted by eShe magazine. From that time, there has been no looking back. She published her debut poetry collection ‘Smoked Frames’ at the age of seventeen and has published one more anthology called ‘Dandelion Skin’ since then. Her works delve deep into human relations, feelings, emotional aspects, nature’s bounties and spirituality. They put forth the perfect mixture of beauty, rhythm and the choicest of words. Her works paint a vivid and breathtaking picture of the subject in the reader’s mind. 

Currently an undergraduate English Literature student in Kolkata, she considers herself to be a page poet more than a stage poet. With  Kaviguru Shri Rabindranath Tagore being her idol, she flawlessly blends spirituality into her poems and brings out the best from the sea of words. 

Sahil Gera

A 20 year old from Jaipur – the Pink City of India, Sahil Gera is a poet with two poem anthologies credited to his name. He generally writes in Hindustani (in Farsi and Devanagari scripts) and English. Writing his first poem in class tenth, he has found his home in the impermanence of life; that is what inspires him to write. An individual with a passion for creative arts, Sahil is also actively involved in collegiate theatre. He adores the works of many great writers like Amrita Pritam, Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Javed Akhtar, gulzar Sahib, William Shakespeare. Oscar Wilde, T.S. Eliot and the like. But he finds his sukoon in Sahir Ludhiani’s ‘Chakle’ and Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ‘Lagta nahi hai dil mera ujade dayar mein’.

Sahil has been a guest speaker at the Jaipur Children’s Festival and one of his anthologies has been exhibited at the Jaipur Literary Festival. He believes that expressing and creating bold pieces of art that reflect the true voices of the oppressed and the innate emotion of our generation is the only thing that can make our lives worthwhile. 

Rajeev

A student of technology, Rajeev is a literature enthusiast at heart. He wrote his first poem – a rhyming verse on the theme of separation, in the year 2021. He generally writes in Hindi, English and Urdu. Rajeev derives his inspiration from his surroundings. His inner turmoil and ecstasy are something that drive him towards penning down masterpieces. Currently reading ‘Nadi ke Deep’ by Sachchidanand Heeranand Vatsyayan and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, he urges budding writers to read voraciously. He is an individual in search of himself, the meaning of life and solace. His pen name ‘in_search_of_astitva’ is a true reflection of his ideas and ideals.

He believes that reading broadens horizons and develops creativity in a way no other thing can. Rajeev loves the works of Paulo Coelho, Vinod Kumar Shukl and Dharamveer Bharati. Elif Shafak’s ‘Forty Rules of Love’ and Mana Kaul’s ‘Antima’ are some of his favourite works. On a note to his fellow and budding writers, he says that one should not compare oneself to others. One must derive inspiration but never compare.

Hairat 

In love with her pen name, Hairat is an engineering graduate who began her writing journey in class twelfth. Her first poem was a heartwarming piece about the efforts of a mother and her child’s failed acknowledgement of the same. Hairat generally writes in Hindi and English but has a nook of her heart reserved for Hindi poetry. She believes that she has always possessed an urge to let unsaid emotions be penned down. Hairat is currently invested in reading Dr. Brian Weiss’ ‘Many Lives, Many Masters’. 

She feels that writing stirs something deep inside her and her pen bleeds spontaneously and effortlessly. With ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini being one of her favourite reads, she derives her inspiration from legendary writers like Rahat Indori, Dagh Dehlavi, Jaun Elia, Manav Kaul, Amish Tripathi, Elif Shafak and Khaled Hosseini. Hairat encourages young minds to read as much as they can to shape their thoughts. She urges the upcoming writers to explore and explore and carve their own niche. She says, “Let your creativity know no bounds. Don’t be discouraged by comparing yourself with other artists because everyone has their own charisma, so do you!”

Purva Dagade

A postgraduate student of Chemistry from Nagpur, Maharashtra and a poet at heart, Purva often goes by her pen name ‘The Frozen Heart. She believes that this is what inspired her to write in the first place. Her first poem written in free verse form back in class tenth narrated the story of betrayal and hope. Purva generally prefers to write in English and feels that writing is her form of salvation. Quotes from her favourite authors and poems by her favourite writers often inspire her to write extraordinary pieces. But mostly, her inner self – joy and grief profoundly bring out the best in her. 

Harry Potter by JK Rowling and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho are some of her favourite books. A fan girl of textbook poems, Purva loves to read the works of William Shakespeare, Rabindranath Tagore, Alfred Tennyson and the like. She also follows Korean/Chinese dramas and finds her muse in the wonderful dialogues from them. To name a few, Doctor Slump and When I Fly Towards you have been some of her all time favourites. Purva strives to ensure that her creative pieces resonate with the reader’s mind. They should build a connection beyond the ordinary and let readers find their solace in them. She advises the younger generation of writers to express themselves as freely as they wish to. She says, “Be an artist for your passion first, and do not let the opinions of others intimidate you. Believe in yourself and your art.”

Bidya 

Coming from a small town of Odisha, India, Bidya is a poet who writes in her mother tongue Odia and English. She initially started her journey by writing short stories in Odia but she could never finish them. Then she tried to portray her feelings in the form of poetry, but could not do it well either. This led Bidya to quit writing for almost 5-6 years. But better late than never, she bounced back with fervour and restarted her journey by posting her thoughts on an app custom made for the same purpose. Bidya then started receiving immense love and support from her readers and fellow writers on the platform. And till date, she finds her serenity there and considers it to be a memorable experience for herself. Writing her first poem about rain, she believes that nothing can inspire a writer more than their solitude. 

Bidya is currently reading a poetry collection called ‘Love is a Dog from Hell’ by Charles Bukowski. Khaled Hosseini and Franz Kafka are her all time favourites. Her love for them knows no bounds as she loses herself in their works leading her to complete reading them in just two – three days. Bidya has always derived her inspiration from the phenomenal works of Sylvia Plath. Emily Dickinson and John Milton also inspire her to write stunning poems. She feels that the upcoming generation of writers is indeed great, but most of them are chasing likes and comments on social media. She urges them to be original and read well. She believes that continuity is the key and expressing oneself and eventually building vocabulary will let them bloom into beautiful metaphors. 

Art is personal to everyone and everyone chooses to express themselves through various unique forms of art. Painting transformed itself into photography with the advent of modernization and the rejection of traditionalism and realism. Painting evolved in various forms. And, photography, and cameras have evolved over the years. From 1816 to 2024, photography has diversified into multiple formats. We bring you some photographers of the contemporary who we enjoy and hope you do too.

Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar projects his photographic lens on portrait frames majorly. His photography is vintage-inspired and engages with the neon hues that remind you of vintage pubs. His photos seem to express human emotions and speech with the various expressions and angles of the portraits.

Credits: vink.photography

Tejz Photography

Tejz Photography is a newly started venture of a photography enthusiast who embraces nature. The photography captures the delicate aspects of nature, immortalizing it in beautiful and encapsulating frames. The photographer brings nature to the table with their personal lens. 

Credits: tejz_photography

Sitanshu Gupta

Sitanshu Gupta is a traveller-photographer and a travel influencer. He is capturing the world through his exquisite photographic lens. His captures present the sublime with the vast landscapes and huge water bodies filling the majority of his work. Upon looking closely one can also find a hint of mundane moments that make up for the sublimeness of life he presents. These frames are little moments shared between locals against the backdrop of infinite landscapes of the photographed space.

Credits: guptajighumnechale

Suhas Yadake

Suhas Yadake is a photographer, observer, and admirer of mountains. A lot of his photography captures the exquisite and insane beauty of the Himalayas. He stills the nature he observes and admires through his detailed photography. His frames tell a story of itself and the surroundings behind the particular shot presented. He experiences nature by capturing it beautifully.

Credits: man_and_mountains

Anil Kumar Saini

Anil Kumar Saini photographs nature and architecture. He presents exquisite frames via his lens. His photography tells that he observes various monuments, religious shrines, mountains, nature, flowers, and architectural structures and captures them beautifully. He believes that preserving nature and capturing it can be seen as one way of stilling the life in it. His photographs tell a story of their own too.

Credits: anilkumarsainiii

Rohan Shahi

Rohan Shahi is a photographer and videographer capturing panoramas through his highly observant lens. He brings the beauty of mountains together in his photographs and stills them for the most exquisite views. He views nature with close to his heart and brings the viewers closer to nature. From the vast and impossible landscapes to mundane moments and things to furry animals around us, he captures them and their stories beautifully.

Credits: rohanshahi