June '14 - ELEMENTS

VOLUME II

ISSUE 4

JUNE 2014

IGNIRE CRYSTAL CONCEPT

PRESENTS

the online photography magazine

ELEMENTS

facebook.com/CrystalConcept issuu.com/ignire

SHOWCASE | INTERACT | QUIRKY BITES | MINDSPEAK | VIEWFINDER

EDITOR’s NOTE Time flies and here we have already arrived with our next edition - Elements. IGNIRE has continued to evolve as an awe factor amongst the amateur photographers and literature aspirants. Given such variant themes, the entries we get is a versatile lot; some being absolute stunners. I'm happy to see many photographers and writers being recognized through our webzine. We have plenty of amazing captures and written words that you shouldn't miss.

In our 'Interact' section, we have Shanthala Sudhidranath sharing her experiences about photography, life and more. Collectively, IGNIRE - June is a very lively volume to behold. So enjoy every bit of it. Like always - Happy Glancing!

Saranya Manivannan, Editor.

Credits MOHAMMED ZOHAEB CEO & Founder SARANYA MANIVANNAN Editor

Magazine design by :

CRYSTAL CONCEPT

DEEPIKA SINGHANIA Content Head & Writer PRASHANTH SHARMA Photojournalist HARINI RAJGOPAL Travel Photojournalist MONISH SP Director

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NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION. Crystal Concept, IGNIRE is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs 3.0 Unported License.

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CONTENTS

SHOWCASE Explore the elements of nature from behind the lens.

VIEWFINDER Its time to discover the Lurray Caves with Harini Rajgopal.

CONTENTS

INTERACT Talking the talk with Shanthala Sudhindranath

MINDSPEAK

MINDSPEAK Thoughts, perceptions and more on the deeper side of life The images in this issue are protected under the international copyright law and belong to their respective owners. No photo can be re-used for commercial purposes without obtaining prior permission. These images are under a one-time publishing right only, for IGNIRE – the photography magazine, May 2014.�

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS: Abubakar A. Khaliq Alejandro Espitia Anchit Khanna Anindya K. Maity Arjen Noord Artyom Chepurnykh Ashish Panwar Asim Ir Asim K. Chaudhuri Ayan Sen Ben Mailey Cassandra Rodrigues Chuck Damian Danieluk Dipika Kalaria Earnest Tse Ethan Schisler Federico Angeloni Florencio B. Prados Husain U. Jayanta Basu Jaymie Ryan Jerry Boyden John W. Dodson Jรณzsef Vรกgvรถlgyi Kanad Saha Khaled Feligha Laura Lakstedt Manjunath N Kaundinya Micah Burke Mutturaj M. B. Naveen Balakrishna Nikhil Kataria Noravich Phraikhanahok P. Sukumaran Menon Patricio Morales

Phil P. Pran Krishna Nath Praveen Premkumar Raghavendra Joshi Rajan Alwan Rekha Nag Resmi Maneesh Ritesh Kumar Roibu Grigore Sarah Thomas Sergio Smiriglio Shashikanth Agnihotry Shraddha Bagrodia Sunandita Ghosh Swarup Dey Sarkar Tanisha Rohira Tejaswini Nagesh Thierry Bornier Venkatesh Vivek V. Yasunori Tomori

Front Cover Image: John W. Dodson

Background Image: Ankit Gandhi

WRITERS:

Celine Signoret Champak Raj Merina Henam Reena Joy Sunayna Navani

Alejandro Espitia http://500px.com/aleespitia Artyom Chepurnykh http://rasfokus.ru/ JimClark

A r t y o m

Alejandro Espitia http://500px.com/aleespitia

Artyom Chepurnykh http://rasfokus.ru/JimClark

Artyom Chepurnykh http://rasfokus.ru/JimClark

Abubakar A. Khaliq http://photos.akhaliq.com

Anchit Khanna

Anchit Khanna

Anindya Kumar Maity http://500px.com/AndyMity

Anindya Kumar Maity http://500px.com/AndyMity

Ayan Sen http://500px.com/ayansen

Ashish Panwar https://www.facebook.com/ashish8999

Ashish Panwar https://www.facebook.com/ashish8999

Abubakar A. Khaliq http://photos.akhaliq.com

Arjen Noord http://500px.com/arjennoord

Asim Kumar Chaudhuri https://www.flickr.com/photos/asianu/

Asim Kumar Chaudhuri https://www.flickr.com/photos/asianu/

Asim Ir https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldThroughAnArtisticEye

Asim Ir https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldThroughAnArtisticEye

Earnest Tse

Ben Mailey http://500px.com/BenMailey

Ben Mailey http://500px.com/BenMailey

Chuck https://prime.500px.com/CHUCKO

Chuck https://prime.500px.com/CHUCKO

Cassandra Rodrigues http://500px.com/cassi1209

Damian Danieluk http://500px.com/Damian-D-Photography

Dipika Kalaria https://www.facebook.com/DipikaKalariaPhotography

Dipika Kalaria https://www.facebook.com/DipikaKalariaPhotography

Ethan Schisler http://500px.com/ethanschisler

Ethan Schisler http://500px.com/ethanschisler

Federico Angeloni https://www.flickr.com/photos/124044230@N06/

Federico Angeloni https://www.flickr.com/photos/124044230@N06/

Florencio Barroso Prados http://500px.com/FBarroso

Florencio Barroso Prados http://500px.com/FBarroso

Husain U http://husainujjainwala14.wix.com/whosanephotography

Husain U http://husainujjainwala14.wix.com/whosanephotography

Jayanta Basu http://500px.com/basujayanta0

Jayanta Basu http://500px.com/basujayanta0

Jaymie Ryan

Jaymie Ryan

Jaymie Ryan

John W. Dodson www.yellowdogfotos.com

John W. Dodson www.yellowdogfotos.com

Micah Burke http://micahburke.prosite.com

Jerry Boyden http://500px.com/Boyden_Galleries

Jerry Boyden http://500px.com/Boyden_Galleries

József Vágvölgyi http://jokofoto.webnode.hu/​

József Vágvölgyi http://jokofoto.webnode.hu/​

Kanad Saha http://500px.com/kanad_saha

Kanad Saha http://500px.com/kanad_saha

Khaled Feligha Khaled Feligha https://www.facebook.com/pages/Khaled-Feligha-Photography/724415204252397

Khaled Feligha https://www.facebook.com/pages/Khaled-Feligha-Photography/724415204252397

Laura Lakstedt hhttp://500px.com/LauraLakstedt

Laura Lakstedt hhttp://500px.com/LauraLakstedt

Mutturaj M. B. http://500px.com/Mutturaj

Mutturaj M. B. http://500px.com/Mutturaj

Manjunath N. Kaundinya

Manjunath N Kaundinya

Naveen Balakrishna

Nikhil Kataria https://www.facebook.com/NikhilShootsG8Stuff

Nikhil Kataria https://www.facebook.com/NikhilShootsG8Stuff

Patricio Morales https://www.facebook.com/PmArt.Photography

Noravich Phraikhanahok https://www.facebook.com/Pisjamroen

Noravich Phraikhanahok https://www.facebook.com/Pisjamroen

P. Sukumaran Menon www.sukumenon.me

P. Sukumaran Menon www.sukumenon.me

Phil P. https://www.facebook.com/PhilPhotocity

Phil P. https://www.facebook.com/PhilPhotocity

Prankrishna Nath

Prankrishna Nath

Praveen Premkumar https://www.facebook.com/clickNframe

Praveen Premkumar https://www.facebook.com/clickNframe

Raghavendra Joshi

Raghavendra Joshi

Rajan Alwan http://500px.com/RajanAlwan

Rajan Alwan http://500px.com/RajanAlwan

Rekha Nag http://500px.com/rekhanag103

Ritesh Kumar

Resmi Maneesh

Resmi Maneesh

Roibu Grigore http://loremipsumchurch.com/grigore-roibu/?lang=en

Roibu Grigore http://loremipsumchurch.com/grigore-roibu/?lang=en

Sarah Thomas https://www.facebook.com/sarah.thomas

Shashikanth Agnihotry

Shashikanth Agnihotry

Sergio Smiriglio http://500px.com/SergioSmiriglio

Sergio Smiriglio http://500px.com/SergioSmiriglio

Shraddha Bagrodia http://500px.com/sbagu269

Sunandita Ghosh https://www.facebook.com/pages/Techie-Eyes-Photography-Sunandita-Ghosh/275969309174599?ref=stream

Swarup D. Sarkar

Swarup D. Sarkar

Tejaswini Nagesh https://www.flickr.com/photos/tejaswini_nagesh/

Vivek .V https://www.facebook.com/postprocessingschool

Thierry Bornier http://500px.com/ThierryBornier

Thierry Bornier http://500px.com/ThierryBornier

Venkatesh https://www.flickr.com/photos/124137787@N08/with/14173277185

Venkatesh https://www.flickr.com/photos/124137787@N08/with/14173277185

Yasunori Tomori http://yasunoritomori.wix.com/tomorisphotography

Yasunori Tomori http://yasunoritomori.wix.com/tomorisphotography

MINDSPEAK

"Who made you captain of this ship?"

Who made you captain of this ship?

A million cries drown in my throat.

In this democracy I can't vote.

Since when did you decide what I could do in my life?

When I was a child I couldn't decide.

But now I'm all grown up and you still see a three year old by your side.

Who made you captain of this ship?

Who gave you the helm to steer my life?

Are my words powerless?

Do they mean nothing to you?

Don't let me be the passenger.

I know what I want in life.

Celine Signoret (http://celinesignoret.blogspot.com)

MINDSPEAK

The Duality They tread down this path, they trample on this road, leaving their footprints behind they carry guns and bombs with them leaving scars on our flowers and homes.

They laugh at us, we cry at our misery.

They pull at their machines, we defend with our blood.

They try to terminate us our sweat puts off their fire they are scarecrows they are nuclear weapons.

Our only similarity We dwell together.

They live to kill, we live to survive!!

Merina Henam

MINDSPEAK

When winter comes An interesting story plot, a steaming hot celebrity casting, an escape into true fantasy and to the world outside ours with its affluent Capital City, lavish culture, and the sort of celebrations which can lie only in our wildest dreams. These are few things which make us crave for an extra episode. Let alone the fact that it has a great story plot, film makers should plight to honor the values of humanity and system. Coming to the X-factor of the series which accelerates the madness, it is commendable and there's no harm in some fun, right?

So, everything falls into its what are we losing our kids perhaps gives you the idea,

place so well. It's perfect yet, to? Here is something which read on.

While fantasy takes you on a ride through the best of imaginations in a manmade world, what derails here is the science and its laws.

It's a funny blame game to play but on a serious note, this affects! Unlike, the comics that occupied our childhood, this feels more realistic and possible which makes the younger generation believe that supernatural powers and myths exist or can be created. It's good food for thoughts, it develops one's creative mind but we're into the trouble of inviting superstitious beliefs to the future which didn't exist in the median.

Secondly, I have to mention the love quotient which is adapted in such plots. Considering that these shows are watched by "adults", it is absolutely harmless and is against this whole article but we have adolescents watching the incest, orgy, conspiracy for sex, murderous rage in their favorite characters for lust and most importantly, teaching the gender differences in every scene. From the utmost honor of being a queen to being thrown into a brothel, things meant for girls are limited and it affects the ones growing up for tomorrow's world. We really don't want to see little girls, seducing those whom they feel are powerful and capable and not that boys aren't influenced by this. They are all going to believe that there is nothing that money cannot buy and for the rest they can raise their swords (or a gun). Is this where we are going to push them?

Children truly forget the meanings of apology, love, friendship and art and instead learn treason, lust, arrogance, treachery, death and power. Words lose their meanings to weapons and despite violence over powering serenity, there is no gallantry, chivalry or valor expressed in any of these television dramas from where kids 'LEARN'. We're losing the best of the two worlds to the worse. We do meet people making a fuss about the number 13, about winter and about an apocalypse by strange beings attacking earth. Is any of this healthy?

For all this, of course, there is parental guidance and child lock options available to us

MINDSPEAK

but do they really stop the children from watching it or learning from them? And to our surprise we see parents encouraging their toddlers dress up like the extremely famous characters and flaunt them over social media. To put an end is difficult. As much as there are terrible things in them, the good factors are less but not null. We haven't lost faith in them entirely but to stop the madness behind the television dramas, we have got to move them away from surreal life into a happening one. Encouraging children into plays, sports, arts and music will keep them away from being influenced by a fantasy tribe or a ruthless king. "Kids, we have democracy now." will be a shut up statement to all those power and monarchy related thoughts in young minds. And the winters shall be pleasant and peaceful now and forever.

- Saranya Manivannan

INTERACT Shanthala Sudhidranath )https://www.facebook.com/ShanthalaPhotography)

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman. Experiment with your camera and don’t let anything stop you from giving in to photography.”

Let’s start by getting to know you. Tell us to shoot their functions. I use go along with him and that’s where my love for photoga little about yourself.

Hi, I am Shanthala, and currently I am work- raphy began. My aunt and uncle got me my first DSLR camera from USA in the year ing as a freelance photographer.

2011 after which I started experimenting I shoot weddings, candid, portrait, kids, cou- on my own. But I had no idea of how to use ples and maternity. I’m also into wildlife and the camera to its full potential. That’s when a nature. Prior to this I was working with an in- friend introduced me to Mr. Anand Sharan. vestment bank. After working for nine years I went for a five day basic course at BSOAP in the corporate field, I felt like taking a break (Bangalore School of Arts and Photography) for a year and experimenting with photogra- and that’s where my journey began. phy with something on my own. In fact, I’m Who or what inspires you? still doing that.

What got you started on the photography My father would be my first choice. After that my mentors like Mr. Anand Sharan, Mr. bit?

Shankar Subramanian and Mr. Murali SanWell, I’ve been interested in photography tham have always inspired me and have since childhood. My dad had a small film helped me become the photographer that I camera with which he used to take lots of am today. In photography, I get inspired by pictures of mine as well as many of my rela- nature and wild life... it’s like a type of meditives and dad’s friends even used to call him tation for me. It brings me peace while cap-

turing those beautiful moments.

What kind of camera do you shoot with?

how to make profits in business. Also some places photography is restricted so I want to go to those places and take pictures.

I have full frame Canon 5D Mark III and all Canon lenses 24-105, 100mm, 17-40 and Photography is a male dominated space. a100-400 recently gifted to me by my hus- What is one constant challenge that you’ve faced as a woman photographer? band.

What would you say to other amateur Tell us about one of your more memora- women photographers who face similar ble shoots problems?

There are many memorable shoots. My first Well, photography or any field if you see snow experience in the USA was one of my there is no discrimination like male or female. favourite shoots. I was at Oregon trying to It’s an individual interest and especially for capture the Crater Lake and it made me feel women photographers to do anything she like I was part of a painting. It was so beau- likes that she has to get a good support from tiful and her husmesmerband and ising! Anf a m i l y other one members. I of my fawould like vourite to say for shoots is amateur from my women visit to Kaphotogbini. We raphers had to talk to wait on your famthe boat ily make for the some time tiger to spend to come out practice and drink and exwater. And the variety of birds and animals plore photography. Just don’t stop with the that you’ll find there is just a photographer’s photography. delight.

Going with the theme, which element of The first photographer who comes to nature will fascinate your camera lens the your mind and why? most?

My dad... He had so much of interest and For me and my camera most fascinate elepassion towards photography he used to ment nature itself. And that includes all the take such wonderful pictures with his Canon elements! film camera.

If not behind the camera, where would You get the cloak of invisibility for a day. you be instead?

What would you do?

I would like to be an entrepreneur and start I want to get into a top businessman’s mind some business of my own. Also I would like and know their ideas, tricks and plans about to experiment my cooking skills and explore

all kinds of cuisines.

know?

Are you working on anything currently?

Firstly, I am very stubborn if I want someHope time permits in future I would like to thing or want to do something I have to do work on a coffee table book about India... it. before that 1st I have to spend time travel Secondly, I love driving in a very nice scenic each and every corner of Indian to know place... but not in Bangalore traffic. about place and collect the pictures.

Thirdly, I worry about everything until things What do you feel is the most oppressing problem in our society now? What sort of experience from your personal life makes you feel its intensity?

are done like why this not happened that’s not happened.

Well, most oppressing problem in Bangalore is traffic. These days Bangalore has become so crowded, it’s so difficult to walk even on the footpath. And people just NEED to follow lane discipline. It’ll make life so much easier.

In my personal life from the college days I wanted to get in to a job then 1st buy a car and take my parents wherever they want to go. But I have finally achieved it I got into a job and saved money bought a car it was a wonderful experience I really felt I am great.

I still have many things to achieve, however I am very happy and lucky that my parents and husband supports me everything whatever I want do they never put me down.

I still have long way to go in life. I would like to travel a lot get to know about different cultures, people and capture wonderful moments. Also, I want to make a photography book showcase all my work.

Three things about you that people don't

Something that you want to achieve as a photographer in the coming years:

Any advice for the up and comers: Go out practice, explore and experiment your camera, composition and background.

Don’t mind taking 100 pictures of the same object until you get a perfect picture and show case only the best pictures out of them. Also you first need to enjoy nature before you capture it. All the best and happy clicking to all!

MINDSPEAK

A PINCH OF FAITH There are some days that are insignificant, they come and go like they never existed. Blessed are those who find something to celebrate each day!

Little things in life could mean so much, there is so much worth celebrating.. You need an eye for detail to see how many blessings you have earned miraculously. It's such a shame how people whine about their lives. It pinches me to see the amount of pain they bring upon themselves by the anger filled in their hearts- anger against other people, against God, against life, against themselves. Their little hearts are so full of hatred, there is very little space for love! I wish I understood their minds; I wish I could cure them of their sickness they treasure so close to their hearts. Anger is a sickness which will beat you face down. I have always been fascinated by this emotion which causes unimaginable destruction. So, what is the cure? Where is the love? The love we learnt about as children, the love that we hoped for when we grew up, the compassion that clouded our hearts once upon a time, how could it all just vanish into thin air? Everybody I meet is busy painting a cruel, heart wrenching picture of the world through their eyes that are blinded with hatred. The canvas is so fragile, how can the meaningless masterpiece last? Such irony! Are we so faithless? We have begun to believe that we deserve a loveless life!!

The truth is, love is always around -it always has been. But when will we realise that and choose love over anger? What we look for in others, always lies within ourselves. Soon we will all be torn inside, if we don't make peace with our hearts for love has strongly rooted in each one of us long ago. We never hated anyone as little, innocent, ignorant children, remember?

- Reena Joy

MINDSPEAK

...and He replied!

Teenage, they say is what defines the rest of your life. It gives the right balance of being carefree and irresponsible along with a learning curve which becomes the stepping stones for your life. Its like being an adult without having the duties and responsibilities of one.

One such event from my teenage stands out, and is etched in my memory. It has made me who I am today and was the bedrock of my relation with Him. I was getting ready for college and like most Indian kids, I was taught to light a lamp and say a small prayer in front of the temple at my house. I did it religiously (no pun intended) and like most Indian kids, I didn't know why I was doing it. I would take my bath, get ready and then light the lamp and leave home. But something changed after this particular day.

I was late for college. That was a time when I was always late for everything and always rushing for places but that day, I was a little too late. I looked at the temple and questioned my ritual. Did it have an effect? Was it really reaching someone? Or was it just sent to the space, and floated around like a mindless dream. For the first time I stared at the temple demanding an answer from God. While getting ready, I questioned his existence. As I lit the lamp, I looked at him with mixed emotions of anger and frustration. My patience was at the edge and I wanted to know if the 30-40 seconds I spent every day mattered.

As I almost ran towards the bus stop, I heard a loud crack. A branch had fallen from a tree about 25 steps ahead of me. A chill ran down my spine. If I had not taken the 30 seconds to light the lamp, then I could have been under the branch; hurt, bruised and probably hospitalized.

It could be a coincidence but the hair standing on me gave me another indications. Lightning did strike that day. All it takes is few moments to change your perspective. I didn't need to check if my estimation was correct. I felt it in every cell of my body. It was! He had proved his existence and it was enough for the teenage me.

I continued to light the lamp without fail. After a few years, I was on my way to my office.

Sitting in the bus on a rainy evening, I heard a loud crack again and a branch fell on the opposite side of the road. No one was hurt again but this question pricked me. Would He have hurt me if I hadn't lit the lamp?

Something inside me told me that he had proven His existence to me, not the worth of lighting the lamp. I decided to stop the ritual and take a risk. Instead, I prayed to Him the minute I got up. Now, I finally feel a clearer connection with Him. I don't know if I will change my opinion again but as of now, I know I am doing the right thing.

- Sunayna Navani

MINDSPEAK

The Pickpocket The real education is not science or mathematics but rather it is the art of survival, and I consider myself educated, largely thanks to my mentor and my teacher - my father. It has been two years since my father orphaned me but not a single day has passed by without me missing him. The time now reads 8:50 a.m., and my job is scheduled to commence at 9, again reminding me of my father and of one of his many principles, “never be late to work.” I hastily wore my clothes, bolted the lock to my shanty home and ran towards my workstation, the bus stop.

my daily salary, part of my father’s rule. At 16, my father took me under him for the onjob training and after 3 years of intense training, I got my first assignment, pickpocket all by myself. I still remember how nervous I was but thanks to my meticulous training, I passed with flying colors. My father was proud of me but before he let me operate full time, he sat with me to explain the rules and regulations that I had to adhere to. The main objective was never steal more than what is required so whatever I had earned, I was entitled to 200 rupees only, (Due to inflating prices, I hiked my salary one month back from 100 to 200 per day). I transferred 200 rupees to my wallet and searched for clues about the victim’s residence, and I found it in the form of a bill. My next step would be locating the address, dropping the wallet deficient of 200 rupees at victim’s doorstep, and walk away discreetly. This weird task of mine consumed more hours of my shift than pick pocketing. A few instances when I failed to locate the address or the victim was out of state, I donated the amount to an orphanage. Many instances the yield was less than 200, and I had to repeat my chances until I earned 200 rupees per day.

I made it on time and naturally the bus stop was heavily crowded, most of them were regulars, who availed public transport, people I would happily avoid. I scanned through the faces, searching for that one unfamiliar face who was new to this bus stop and there was always a new face and soon I marked my man. An impatient bald man, wearing neat formals, who repeatedly glanced at his watch. The time was exact 9, time to work.

After 10 minutes, the public bus made its cameo appearance and only the fastest and fittest could enter the swarming bus. I quickly got behind the impatient bald man and as the jostling reached its peak, in one quick motion, I picked his wallet before he After dropping the victim’s wallet, I planned sneaked inside. my schedule for tomorrow, Sunday, my I found five crisp 100 rupee notes but unfor- scheduled week off. Also, I did not work tunately I was entitled to only 200 rupees as on festivals and holidays, again my father’s

MINDSPEAK rules. At last, my schedule was to sleep my the incident and wondered if I should steal week off and relax.

200 more tomorrow but decided against it On Sunday, I changed my plans after hearing as it squared off for breaking the rule. Next a good movie had released. Movies were my morning, I woke up for a surprise of my lifebiggest weakness; unfortunately I could not time. I found my wallet at my doorstep. For afford many with my salary. I freshened up, an instance I was so stunned that I could not caught a bus, and ran towards the theater. I move a muscle. I gathered my wallet scanwas welcomed with a disappointing house- ning the location for any clue as to who had ful board. I usually treated myself with 2 dropped it and when I opened my wallet, I movies per month; this was actually outside found 100 rupees in it, 100 was missing. the quota. I decided to hang around the theater for a while but it only heightened my enthusiasm hearing rave reviews from people exiting the theater. It was an easy option to come back again next week but somehow I felt an adamancy to watch the movie today itself. I found out black tickets were exorbitantly priced at 200 rupees. Since I could not afford a 200-rupee movie, I hovered around the theater thinking of an alternative. The only feasible and logical option was to pickpocket on my week off, against my father’s principle, but the idea was uncomforting.

Another 10 minutes, my enthusiasm heightened. I prayed a silent sorry prayer towards the sky, to my father, and went about stealing, breaking the rule for the first time. The spilling crowd was an ideal foil as I easily picked a wallet. I found it had 500 rupees.

With a little hesitation, I brought the ticket in black.

Caution and confusion engaged my thoughts as I went through my work. Who picked my wallet? Why was it returned? How can anyone know my scheme of things? When I noticed that this confusion was an obstruction, I eased my thoughts and concentrated on my work. In a crowded bus, I easily managed to pocket a wallet, which had only 200 rupees. I transferred the amount to my wallet and threw the stolen wallet as it had nothing of significance to be returned. My thoughts shifted back to the strange turn of things while I was travelling back home.

When I got down, I found out my wallet had been picked again.

Monday went by as usual but the real shocking incident happened on Tuesday. I considered it an insult to my profession, someone had picked my wallet. I laughed off

one. I looked around for any sign of life but there was absolutely nobody. Like a bolt it occurred to me who had knocked the door and my assumption was proved right as I

I was deprived of sleep that night. I wondered if it was a coincidence or somehow linked together. There was only one person who was aware of my professional traits, my father, dead. I strained on the possibilities and theories so much that I felt a slight headAll my guilt dispersed as I ended up en- ache creeping up, and I could not remember joying the movie, clearly worth the mon- the exact time I fell asleep. ey. Post movie, I promised myself to never I was alarmed by an almost inaudible knock again break the rule and started towards my at my door. Ignoring it, I curled up on my bed home. I had 300 rupees left from the 500 but after a few seconds, I heard the knock and at night, I dropped the wallet at victim’s again, a tad louder this time. I dragged mydoorstep. self towards the door and opened to find no

MINDSPEAK

found my wallet at my doorstep with 100 ru- “You have dropped your wallet.” pees, the other 100 missing.

This cat and mouse game had got to my I was scared but also excited by the turn of nerves, and I could hardly concentrate on events. Next day, I managed to pick a wal- my work. In all these years, I had never failed let with 1000 rupees. I transferred my 200 at work but the same easy task seemed like rupees and kept aside the victim’s wallet in a herculean one today. I could not steal anymy front pant pocket. I deliberately kept thing until late afternoon. By 5 p.m., I got my wallet in my back pocket to entice the impatient. Keeping my thoughts aside, I person who has been stealing my wallet. I decided to finish my work for the day. I zeliterally checked my wallet every 10 seconds roed in on one of the bus stops where I had to make sure it was intact but soon dropped worked many a times. I chose my victim the practice thinking it might discourage hastily, a young man with a laptop and ears the thief and risk my chances of confronting plugged to music. I took my position behind him. I avoided the bus and walked towards him and waited for the opportunity. The my home. I chose a crowded short cut. I was moment the bus arrived, in the rush, I burcautious jostling through the crowd. Unfor- rowed my hands in the young man’s pocket tunately, a couple of cars were stuck head and in that one split second, I saw him. I saw on in the short lane, leaving little space to the man, eyes fixed on me, I knew he was the pass on. Characteristically both drivers had one stealing my wallet but he was a stranger engaged in a verbal argument, attracting a to me, never seen him. In that haze, I felt my lot of attention from the crowd. Curious, I hand being locked by the young man with made my way in to get better view of the the laptop. I was caught. fight. At that instance, I sensed that my wal- The most important rule of my father was, let had been picked. My experience told me “quit the profession the moment you are it was a clean swipe, unnoticeable to public, caught, because that would mean you are so it must be someone professional. Imme- no longer good at it.” So, officially, I had diately, I turned back and saw a blur of too retired. For the first time, I got the taste of many faces. Restless, I searched for the face what it means to be a thief. I was handed but I could tell from the psychology taught over to the police, harassed, and I quickly by my father that no one in the immediate confessed my pick pocketing adventures. I vicinity was the probable culprit. was sentenced to six months of prison. Six I decided to catch him. I waited sitting at my doorstep till late night, waiting for the person to return my wallet. I braved my eyes until 2 but then nature’s rule caught me and I dozed off. I was awoken by my neighborhood aunt early in the morning. After answering a concerned enquiry, I walked inside the home but just before I could close my door on her, I heard the aunt calling my name. I opened the door and asked “What?”

months of prison would give me enough time to think about my future profession but one question still haunted me, who was he?

In 10 years of his career, he had never seen someone as strange as the guy who had picked his wallet at the theater. He was young, may be a teenager, he decided not to punish him.

At night, he caught a glimpse of the thief dropping off his wallet at his doorstep. When he checked his wallet, he found 200 missing from

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the 500. Curiosity got the better of him as he saw the same thief again near the bus stop. He made an odd decision, to play his own game.

He started stealing his wallet and with the address found in his wallet, he dropped the wallet with 100 rupees at his doorstep. The young man was talented and professional, and he had to bring in all his experience to steal his wallet.

He had never felt so excited about his profes-

sion but now he felt a sort of dullness to his career. It has been 3 months since the young thief was caught and there was no sign of his release yet. In a strange way, he no longer found his profession challenging, in fact, he was bored of it and was seriously thinking of changing his profession.

- Champak Raj

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