Mystic Beauty

Snow capped mountain peaks,clear pools of water reflecting the blue sky,barren landscape and unique wildlife— the topography of Ladakh has always inspired photographers to seek their own definition of the place through their cameras. For amateur photographer Ranjan Ramchandani,a three-week visit to the various Ladakhi monastries while exploring the beauty of the region resulted in a coffee table book Swades: Ladakh the land of Splendour ,(KW Publishers,Rs 1,900) comprising few hundred images on the landscape,the mountains,monastries and the people. “I scouted the region in 2007 after somebody asked me to pay a visit. The beauty left me awe-struck so I returned,to bring out the various aspects of the place with my camera,” says Ramchandani,whose book was launched by Dr Karan Singh at the DLF Emporio mall,Vasant Kunj on Thursday evening.

Though there is ample material on Ladakh’s scenic splendour,Ramchandani says he has attempted to be off-beat. “Most picture essays on Ladakh are accompanied by literature on the region or that picture,but I have complemented my images with diary entries of my stay over there. So it is more personal,” he adds.

The book was commissioned by Ramchandani’s close friend Vivek Khushlani,managing director,BOTIL India,who has decided to donate a share of the sale proceeds to those affected by the landslides in Ladakh. “Rather than bringing out just another coffee table book,we wanted to seize the opportunity to be a part of something bigger. So we have tied up with two organisations which are connected with the ground level activities in the region and so will be able to ensure that the money reaches those who need it,” explained Khushlani.

One thousand copies of the book have been printed in the first edition and the publishers will be bringing out at least four-more editions in the coming months. “The money is a small amount but this is a beginning nonetheless,” assured Khushlani.