Abhilash Surendran’s Entry
Kathakali preparation – Cochin, Kerala
Abhishek Singh Rathore’s Entry
Trees depict life like no other. They stand still at their place and observe everything from birth to death again and again. Yes,they get weak but they continue to provide life. The tree in the picture taken holds a firm line between life and death. Although, it is more than 100 years old but it’s surreal beauty continues to amaze. What’s sad about the picture is the surrounding. I’ll consider this giant tree for an old lady who stands alone in her family and although, she grieves for the loss she has endured over the years by the hands of human beings (deforestation), she still hasn’t forgotten her responsibility i.e. to give and preach. She continues to give us life (which i don’t need to explain how) and she also preaches us all about the way of life. It’s high time we learn from them and think of them as our own. If it was up to me, I’d just sit in front of it and enjoy its beauty all day long along with contemplating life.
Jama Masjid was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees, and was inaugurated by an I mam from Bukhara, which is present-day Uzbekistan. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD with three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons. There are three domes on the terrace which are surrounded by the two minarets. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshipers. The story of this place inspires me a lot because it shows the power of unity; 25000 people are gathering to pray to Allah.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara in Delhi. Known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru Harkrishan and the ‘Sarovar’ pool, the Gurudwara serves free langar to more than 50,000 citizens per day. It was built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II by the Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783. This place is an inspiration for me as it greets people from every religion equally . The langar that they provide is served free of cost from 12am till 12pm everyday and people from all backgrounds can have it. This is one the the most inspirational and beautiful things about the Sikh culture and should indeed be followed by every person.
