Of People and Places

Representative Illustration                                                                                    © Niharika Shenoy Outspoken, sensitive, easily offended yet deeply vulnerable; curious, sharp, and lovable—these are the shifting hues that come to mind when I think of adolescents. It’s endearing to see personalities peeking out, forming and dissolving in the short span of our interactions, surprising and humbling me with the depths they contain. They remain my favourite age group to explore ideas with: old enough to grasp nuances on their own, yet not too world-weary to try new things.  This blend of intensity and openness is exactly what makes them such great companions in a space like the Archives at NCBS , where I watched twelve young visitors mingle with an eff...

Sittilingi is a valley in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu.Everywhere you turn, you see  green-blue mountains and the valley is a vast bamboo grove. There are peacocks in the fields and trees and many birds, especially the small ones that make the most noise. It is lovely to be outdoors in the morning and late evening. Daytime is sweltering hot. The night sky is spectacular. I had the privilege of seeing the blood moon ( Total Lunar Eclipse) there and it was breathtaking. I hear from my friend that it was cut off from the outside world for a long time. It is a small hamlet with Malayalee / Malayvasi ( adivasi), Lambadi  and Dalit families.Twenty six years ago, two doctors -Regi and Lalitha started the Tribal Health Initiative in a small hut in Sittilingi and now it has turned into a full - fledged hospital. Its team  includes trained nurses who come from the local community and a world wide community of volunteers and well -wishers. The THI has also led initiatives su...

Art on the train Digital illustration is not in my comfort zone so thought I'd take a shot at it :) There was a little girl on my train once She colored a man yellow Took my sketchbook and my markers While an old passenger did bellow “She’s ruining your book, Don’t give it to her Whoever heard of a real live man Being colored completely yellow!” The girl looked at me worried Waiting for a rebuke I just looked at her and smiled So she went back to my sketchbook. She next drew me a landscape A town of yellow houses A four coloured rainbow with two clouds In bold lines without pauses. “Have you ever seen houses so tawdry So out of whack and childish?” The old man scolded and grumbled We paid no heed and enjoyed ourselves While the train in the tunnel rumbled. This was an annoying encounter for me on the train from Hoshangabad to Bangalore. I have met a great many kids in my train journeys and invariably,when they see my sk...