<p>Puffed up white balls of cotton, a hint of azure sky in the background lavishly painted with strokes of green foliage disappearing into ripples as a wave of breeze runs across the river.<br /><br /></p>.<p> The topography pictured around Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, reflecting the sky above, is breathtakingly beautiful. <br /><br />But when NP Jayan documented the Periyar Tiger Reserve over the last three years, the aim of this photojournalist was not only to capture the pristine surrounding of the reserve, it was to question the apathy of both pilgrims at the Sabarimala pilgrimage and authorities in keeping the nascent beauty of this place intact.<br /><br /> Jayan showcases a glimpse of the scenario in his photo exhibition ‘Thathwamasi’ at India International Centre, Annexe. <br /><br />As you walk inside the exhibition hall, its the chirping sound of birds that almost places you into the natural environs of Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a wildlife sanctuary, not only home to tigers but many other endangered species of flora and fauna. Within its premises lies Sabarimala pilgrimage centre where hordes of devotees come to pay their obeisance.<br /><br /> Jayan notes, “During the 40 days of pilgrimage, around 20 lakh devotees throng the pilgrimage centre every single day. Ten years back there was a landslide in the area, killing many. There are no proper amenities to distil the water of the river that is continuously contaminated due to human activity.” <br /><br />The transient nature of a colourful dragonfly that changes colour from blue to purple to the vibrant orange hues of fruits that are specific to the reserve, are beautifully showcased in the exhibition. From a flattering viewpoint, the photojournalist shifts to another landscape where the area is marred with washed clothes around the river and plastic bags around the centre.<br /><br /> The introductory note emphasises upon the fact that the two-month Mandalam season of Sabarimala pilgrimage ending in January, leaves behind a trail of non-degradable dumped waste. Thus the pollution has taken its toll on the wildlife – instance of elephants found dead with large amount of plastic inside their stomachs are becoming frequent. <br /><br />Through his body of work, the shutterbug wants “to create awareness amongst the new generation, especially children. So that they could save the biodiversity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.”The exhibition is on till June 26 at IIC Annexe.<br /></p>
<p>Puffed up white balls of cotton, a hint of azure sky in the background lavishly painted with strokes of green foliage disappearing into ripples as a wave of breeze runs across the river.<br /><br /></p>.<p> The topography pictured around Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, reflecting the sky above, is breathtakingly beautiful. <br /><br />But when NP Jayan documented the Periyar Tiger Reserve over the last three years, the aim of this photojournalist was not only to capture the pristine surrounding of the reserve, it was to question the apathy of both pilgrims at the Sabarimala pilgrimage and authorities in keeping the nascent beauty of this place intact.<br /><br /> Jayan showcases a glimpse of the scenario in his photo exhibition ‘Thathwamasi’ at India International Centre, Annexe. <br /><br />As you walk inside the exhibition hall, its the chirping sound of birds that almost places you into the natural environs of Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a wildlife sanctuary, not only home to tigers but many other endangered species of flora and fauna. Within its premises lies Sabarimala pilgrimage centre where hordes of devotees come to pay their obeisance.<br /><br /> Jayan notes, “During the 40 days of pilgrimage, around 20 lakh devotees throng the pilgrimage centre every single day. Ten years back there was a landslide in the area, killing many. There are no proper amenities to distil the water of the river that is continuously contaminated due to human activity.” <br /><br />The transient nature of a colourful dragonfly that changes colour from blue to purple to the vibrant orange hues of fruits that are specific to the reserve, are beautifully showcased in the exhibition. From a flattering viewpoint, the photojournalist shifts to another landscape where the area is marred with washed clothes around the river and plastic bags around the centre.<br /><br /> The introductory note emphasises upon the fact that the two-month Mandalam season of Sabarimala pilgrimage ending in January, leaves behind a trail of non-degradable dumped waste. Thus the pollution has taken its toll on the wildlife – instance of elephants found dead with large amount of plastic inside their stomachs are becoming frequent. <br /><br />Through his body of work, the shutterbug wants “to create awareness amongst the new generation, especially children. So that they could save the biodiversity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.”The exhibition is on till June 26 at IIC Annexe.<br /></p>
