The ruins of a temple stand on a tiny island of earth in the middle of shallow-flooded paddy fields, like the wreck of some ancient rocket that failed to take off many centuries ago. Its pointed top pokes up into the misty winter morning and two of its four side spires are missing, like engines that might have fallen off. The recently irrigated fields are covered in a sheet of water in which the structure is reflected among the tufts of freshly planted rice. The contrast of old brickwork and the evidence of ongoing human activity asserts itself only after you have looked at the image for a while, as if two layers of time are peeling off each other in a decomposing palimpsest. There are other images of ruins in this series (titled Jhirno) that work similarly—ordinary and straightforward at first glance, but which then hook you into a longer engagement and meditation.
Esta historia es de la edición November 14, 2022 de India Today.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 14, 2022 de India Today.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
FUELLING AMBITIONS
Puri's return signals a welcome continuity. Oil production and green fuels remain a challenge
Acceptance Certificates
The Ayush ministry must push for rigorous treatment protocol based on science and ensure new and high-quality products
THE HEALTH MAKEOVER
Providing adequate and quality healthcare to a large population is a challenge. The immediate task is to provide affordable treatment and tackle the burden of spiraling non-communicable diseases
THE GREEN TIGHTROPE
If the government is to realise its grand promises of a green revival, it needs to show unwavering commitment. Pollution and depleting forest cover remain major worries
REALISING THE TRUE POTENTIAL
Conserving and promoting India's rich heritage can generate jobs and spur other sectors too
MAKING YOUTH EMPLOYABLE
To cash in on its demographic advantage, India must revamp its skilling infrastructure with aid from the industry
CRACK THE REFORM CODE
Educational reform is unfinished business. More resources and full adoption of NEP are a must to end disparities, fill vacancies and train teachers
FISHING FOR SUCCESS
Empowering the fisheries sector and the national livestock census will be top priority
POWER-PACKED AGENDA
Reforms in the power sector are key to meeting the exponential growth in demand for electricity
BREAKING THE GRID LOCK
Joshi's big challenge, apart from synergies with the power ministry, will be to popularise the green fuels of the future