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Paws, Love, and Whistling Woods: A Tail of Friendship
By Mahak Goyal
If you’ve ever strolled through the lush green campus of Whistling Woods International, you’ve likely been greeted by more than just the cool Mumbai breeze. There’s a special group of campus dwellers who steal the show without even trying—our beloved stray dogs. These furry companions have effortlessly become an integral part of our college life, proving time and again why dogs are truly human’s best friend.
What’s truly remarkable is how these dogs have become a silent yet powerful part of our daily routines. They don’t just exist in the background; they engage, comfort, and remind us of the beauty of kindness. There’s always that one dog who walks with students to class, another who patiently waits outside the cafeteria for a shared meal, and yet another who loves lounging in the sun, soaking in the vibrant campus energy. In their own way, they embody the spirit of Whistling Woods—welcoming, artistic, and full of heart.
But perhaps the most beautiful part of this companionship is the life lessons they teach us—kindness, patience, and the ability to love without conditions. In a world that’s constantly moving, these dogs remind us to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple joys of life. A pat on their head or a quick belly rub is often all it takes to lift our spirits and remind us that happiness doesn’t always come from grand achievements but from the smallest gestures of affection.
Behind Each Piece
By Kinnari Shah
Mumbai is the city of dreams — and behind every dream come true exists a story of its origins.
I visited some small-scale manufacturing units in Mumbai, a city known for its rich industrial diversity. These units, tucked away in bustling lanes, craft essential components for larger factories, each piece contributing to Mumbai’s dynamic landscape.
The workers, deeply skilled and meticulous, poured life into raw metal, creating tools and machinery that fuel entire industries. They watched me with both caution and kindness, concerned I’d hurt myself but also eager to share their craft.
It was inspiring to see their dedication—a powerful reminder of the often unseen hands that drive our world forward.
Two Eyes. Two Views
by Ketaki Hoshing
When the overwhelming vastness of the mountains dilapidates even the echoes, you realize your own thoughts have become too bold and too loud. When in that vast stillness, every sound comes a reminder of a purpose- yet undiscovered. When each breath is a warm hug to your numbed face, when even your footsteps move ahead - but your sight still lingers in one place, frozen in disbelief of the beauty that lies before you. When your eyes are in awe and your brain struggles to process the sight, the only thing it knows is to bring tears to the eyes.
The constant scent of camphor accompanied with the half-dry peppermint flavored chewing gum filled the air- as the tunes of Kishore Kumar made their way through my earphones. With my camera in one hand and two gloves in the other, my eyes wandered from the view in front of me to the camera’s viewfinder. In those moments I had created a whole world of my own and when those notes in my ears synchronized with the clicks of my camera- every photograph echoed, not only of the scene in front of me – but also the traces of memories that shaped it.
In the end, Ladakh was not just a place I visited; but a lifetime of experiences and a new set of perspectives I hadn't known before, with every moment I captured, I left a part of myself behind- etched in those memories. When I look back at these photographs- they are so much more than just images- they are reminders of a journey that went beyond the curved roads, the vast mountains and destinations, it was a journey of self-reflection, a journey of shared moments but more important- a journey that changed me as a person.
Lives in frames
By Dia Suvarna
Do you ever look at someone and wonder,
“What is going on inside their head?”
Every time I look at people- I wonder the same; whether they have the same thoughts, the same questions as I do.
It's always a beautiful experience; getting to know someone. I might have known them for a week , for years, or maybe, for simply a moment, where I ask them for directions, guiding me through the teensy tiny lanes of Colaba. And, right then- Just through a single photograph, the person becomes a part of my journey, a part of my life.
Every photograph is a perspective. A frame is a glimpse into a person’s soul, their joys, their sorrows, their hopes and aspirations. All it takes is a millisecond to capture a thousand words; a genuine smile, a thoughtful glance, or it could be as simple as a glint in one’s eyes- which brings out a lifetime of experiences.
It's not just about capturing a face; it’s about capturing the unpredictable essence of being- human.
Street Song
Like an
eddying willow leaf
I stand
on the street
and turn:
people,
both ways coming
and going
around me, swirl:
probably I
am no stiller -
detached; but
gold is
coming
into my veins.
Toy Stories
Photographs By Sanyam Varun
Festivals
India. A land of diversity, where a festival is celebrated nearly every month! We love the happiness and vibes these festivals bring, be it decor or fancy feasts or family get togethers. Eid, Christmas or Diwali – they are all celebrated with same gusto and energy.
The festival season comes in when the smell of petrichor is still lingering around, and leaves with the onset of spring. We look forward to the festivals that are yet to come, or wait for those again which have just passed by. Little things, like the warmth of one’s family, the late-night parties, the laughter, the food; every little thing of joy makes a difference.
When covid wasn't around, we'd go back to our families and home towns during long festival weekends. We'd meet up with friends, have a gala time and make memories. But now that we're stuck at home, it's not the same feeling. All we want is to step out again, meet our friends, and have the freedom to pop in a pani puri, or a mithai, without any worries!
Festivals might have gone virtual this year, but the feelings of hope, happiness and togetherness haven't. We're all waiting for a time when things will be back to normal, and we'll be able to celebrate these days of joy again, like we used to!
The Monochromatic Lens
Qayamat
By Shubham Kumar
Qayamat toh har lamha mehsoos hota hai,
Lekin tum kis se puchte ho?
Hum toh yaha saaf saansein le rahe hai,
Hamare liye shanti hai charo taraf,
Maut jaisi shanti, Bohot gehri, Awaaz bhi nahi aati kisi ki,
Aasmann ko dekho toh ekdaam neela hai, Koi daag nahi, Jaise be-daag kaale andhere,
Chhup chhupaye baithe hai sab, Uss intezaar me jisme khuli azad saansein hai, Jaise zeher bhara ho inn kamro me,
Dikkat hai ki tum dur nahi dekh rahe,
Log durr hai ab bhi apne ghar se, Lambe raaston me,
Hatho ko rakh apne aankhon pe, chhao dekhte hain, Har kadam ek umeed ki raah dekhte hain,
Apne bacchon ko goadd me liye chale jaa rahe hai betahasha,
Ussi Intezaar mein ki ghar ki khuli azad saans bhar sake,
Yaad rakhna unn pairo ke chaalo ko
Kyuki hamare iss duniya me, Inki kurbaani bezubaan hai aur Guzra hua waqt dhuaan,
Saaf reh jaati hai toh bas, yeh kagaazi kaamyabi,
Qamayat toh har lamha mehsoos hota hai mujhe. Kya tumhe hota hai?
A Dream called Mumbai
By Malay Vyas
As I looked out of the window of my bogie, I saw a horizon littered with lights, reflecting its shimmering beauty into the dark waters of the Arabian sea. As I neared the horizon, a horizon that turns dreams into reality, buildings, a Chlorophyllic green like they've been washed every single day, started emerging on one side. On the other side, bright white lights of the stations blinked by. With each station waving goodbye, the magnitude of it all- the building, the blinding light- kept increasing.
Just when you think there couldn't be a more compact society, you'd be surprised. Every square inch gobbled by humanity. When I got off at the station, facing the same humanity, I realised that I am now a part of it. I felt like a spec in hay.
Pushing the thoughts to the back of my head, I sighed with relief at the sight of a new, yet familiar concept, the humble autorickshaw. Before I could absorb the tall buildings, take in the broad roads, and adjust to the city’s flashing lights, I reached my destination.
A few weeks passed. I discovered that the place I lived in was practically part of a slum. We were so close, yet so far. It was as if the city understood, respected and cared about everyone. And so did the people. I felt proud to be a part of it.
Months went by. And I realised that to reach the glorious parts of the city, you had to pass through the ugliest ailes of humanity. Disparity over something so meaningless. The city keeps reminding us that life is a struggle until you make it. You can't stop, otherwise you'll be stuck in the murky streets before you even catch a glimpse of the glories this city can offer. I fell in love.
Completed a year. The people of this city are not what they seem. The ‘stalwarts’ would stab you in the back, just for fun; while the “strugglers’ would have your back, because they know how gruelling the climb to the top is. It’s about not stopping. Being at it no matter what. With that, I lived. And this city taught me how to.
First Ballad & Last Negative
By Sharang Sharma
First Ballad and Last Negative is the diary I let people read. An invitation to the sands of my world. This is my first Ballad. Encapsulated. Safe.
Happy Pride - Sartorial
By Sanyam Varun
“As far as my experience goes it was a bit mixed. I was sad that even though 377 was abolished over a year ago we were forced to hold a solidarity meet instead of a celebration of sexuality and togetherness in pretty much an enclosure. But I was happy that so many people showed up and were supportive even though the country is in chaos and it was pretty risky to gather people did it anyway. Which was pretty uplifting.” - Anish
“It was beautiful seeing a space where people could loudly be their happiest selves and finally not hide a single part of who they are.” - Desire
Happy Pride
By Sanyam Varun
On the 2nd of Feb Mumbai saw its 2020 Pride Celebration in Azad Maidan in Colaba. Even though there was discontentment about the fact that Queer Azaadi couldn’t get permission to hold their march at the traditional place of August Kranti Maidan, it was a cheerful and powerful celebration. Smiles, Hugs, Dresses, Placards.
“An overwhelming day full of love, freedom and people” - Saumya Mhatre
“It was a happy fuckin celebration of love!” - Ishaan Khowala
Look up to the clouds - II
By Ananya Dasgupta
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear 'Mumbai'? Maybe the film industry and the celebs; maybe Marine drive, Juhu Beach or the Arabian Sea; maybe the Mumbai monsoon, or maybe even the Vada Pav. The one thing that comes to my mind is the sky. Take your eyes off the skyscrapers and the sea and look up to see the beautiful blue expanse.
I remember I was on a flight watching the clouds and finding animated characters in them, each cloud had it's own personality.Within few moments the clouds of Mumbai change their colours and shapes - an exciting phenomenon.
I often wonder why people look for happiness in other people when nature has so much to offer. Photography for me is not tiring, but peaceful. I cherish those moments where nature is at it's best and so I capture them. I hope you will be able to live those very moments through my frames.
Dadar
Flower Market
By Komal Mishra
Right outside Dadar station, under the flyover thrives a wholesale flower market, something to stumble upon on the off chance that you aren't consumed by the monotonous routine of the city.
The narrow path is a riot of stands and boards. It's chaotically beautiful, and the hues calm your senses. Watching the bright blossoms in unfurl at 5 AM each morning is a sight to behold. Sellers walk around with overwhelmingly large bushels on their heads to catch the local and supply the flowers to the city.
The beauty of the space is enhanced by the vendors who are surprisingly sweet and make sure you get the right flowers at the right price. I still remember buying 3 dozen roses and 2 dozen lilies at an incredible bargain!
The ideal time to be at the market is between 5 AM to 9 AM, as shops open, it is also the best time to observe how the market composes itself with such speed. If you feel like going for a photowalk try taking various shots, so you don't pass up what you were searching for.
Look up to the clouds
By Ananya Dasgupta
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear 'Mumbai'? Maybe the film industry and the celebs; maybe Marine drive, Juhu Beach or the Arabian Sea; maybe the Mumbai monsoon, or maybe even the Vada Pav. The one thing that comes to my mind is the sky. Take your eyes off the skyscrapers and the sea and look up to see the beautiful blue expanse.
I remember I was on a flight watching the clouds and finding animated characters in them, each cloud had it's own personality.
I saw how a small pink cloud floated in like a feather and turned the whole sky pink. Unbelievable. Within few moments the clouds of Mumbai change their colours and shapes - an exciting phenomenon.
I often wonder why people look for happiness in other people when nature has so much to offer. Photography for me is not tiring, but peaceful. I cherish those moments where nature is at it's best and so I capture them. I hope you will be able to live those very moments through my frames.
A study in 620 THz
By Ragini Mathur
The photo series was named a study in 620 THz as its inspired by a set of paintings made by my boyfriend. The paintings are a gradient study of the blue spectrum; the colour that has a frequency of 620 THz. The photos are intended to be a study in the same spectrum but with subjects and visual intervals contrasting with other colours.
While he is an artist with his paintbrush, I'd like to believe i'm an artist with my camera.
Madras & Me
By Kadhir Venkatesh
Hi. I'm Kadhir Venkatesh. I'm from Madras, would have probably called it Chennai, but I'm kinda old school. My cousin gifted me a 5D Mark II. I captured everything that convinced my eye.
That's all you need to click a picture.
Period.
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