The View...

Abhinaya- literally translated to mean 'expression' is a key element of many Indian art forms and it is only apt that our site dedicated to promoting these art forms goes by this evocative name. Founded by a group of eclectic individuals driven by a passion to promote the arts in India, our site allows users to download high quality videos of the various art forms in India. A part of the proceeds from the sale of these videos will go towards sustaining these art forms and artists who have dedicated their lives towards keeping these glorious artforms alive. Begin your journey of the Indian cultural landscape by visiting Abhinaya today...

Orhan Pamuk's magnum opus My Name is Red beautifully illustrates the contradictions that Islam is seized with currently using a part historical, part fictional narrative. Using the art of miniature painting as an allegory for the moderate views of Islam, he juxtaposes the arguments in favour of modernity alongside the arguments in favour of preserving the roots of Islamic culture over generations. These arguments beautifully capture the fracture lines in most religions in the world today between embracing change and maintaining a distinct identity. Pamuk deliberately equivocates and lets the reader make up his mind without imposing his opinion on the story-one of a rare breed of authors who doesnt let his views cloud the way the story unfolds. The denouement of the story is well worth the wait although the book is a tad too long for most readers. Definitely a book to savour over a long time and is not for the faint hearted reader.

After two weeks of balmy weather in Vevey, I woke up this morning to find a torrential downpour of snow flakes outside the window of my studio. Strangely this gave a much needed fillip to my spirits and made me feel a lot better as I prepared to go to work again. Only when I got out of my apartment to walk the few hundred metres to office did I realise how beautiful the landscape was in this gorgeous spring time snow. I saw people scurrying about to office as if the weather didnt matter to them much. Maybe they have lived in such climes for too long to step back and take a look for a new view, a new perspective on life and things that matter. This is what I intend to do in this blog-offer my perspective on small things that influence my state of mind...