BOATS AND A MORNING

For the last two years, I have had made many photographic excursions to the River Krishna in our city. I would take it always as a delightful way to spend Sundays that you can stare at the childish zeal at the preparations that come before where I plan and pack for the trip.

One day a quirky idea stuck with me. How about bringing together, my camera fully focused, the shimmering sleeping boats along the shores of the River in a pre-dawn ambiance? Much before their engines roar and rush for the day’s fishing expedition.

But the stunt requires a lot of planning, and no one would join at that remote hour. Who would ally as early as four in the morning? Nevertheless, my strong enthusiasm didn’t give away and kept me awake an eye on the clock lest I may slip into unforgivable slumber.

Having not missed the alarm bell, I sleepwalked into my car, revved up the engine, and yawned so loudly that I felt my jaws would fall apart. Suddenly, I realized the drive has to go through COVID-19 restricted zones; I was little hesitant but rather went ahead. After an hours’ drive, I walked near to the dark shadowy shores of the River.

For the first time, I could observe the fishermen’s world of hard work that began much before the daybreak. It surprised me that their adventurous life has an unseen pitiful edge; a risk which so far I never knew existed that required to keep their homes warm and needs met.

However, I celebrated my pre-dawn session with the men of the River: visually fusing the boats, the men, the River, and the appealing hues of the monsoon morning.

One has to have passion as broad as nature to capture nature in its subdued hues.