
Tried to do create this entrance door. Not happy with the results, will try to upload another later
Naulas are life line of villages in uttaranchal. In Kumaon water harvesting and storage is given great importance. The traditional naulas or harvested springs are often beautifully made with sculptures. Many naulas are famous not only for the quality of their water but also for the architectural beauty. One observation on my recent trip was the introduction of handpumps throughout the region, especially along the roads. This is a boon to tired travellers & villagers who often have to walk long distances to fetch water. This song comes to my mind...." Thando re Thando mere Pahad ki Hawa thandi, pani thando " (cool is the breeze that comes from my hills & cool is the water that flows thru it.......

This painting has been inspired from the cover page of a book published by my father on Uttaranchal & their people. It brings to light the acheivements, contributions & sacrifices that they made for India's struggle for independence (before 1947). At a time when two square meals was a luxury, people from the remote villages of Uttaranchal came forward & participated in the freedom movement. Such relentless sacrifice for a cause & hope for a better future drove many out of their homes & migrate to different parts of the country with little money & no security. Women sometimes stayed back to take care of the families & elders or joined their husbands to an unknown future. In either cases they bore the brunt to make ends meet. Many joined hands with Gandhi & started the "Khadi" movement of spinning their own cloth, an idea of self reliance. Such stories will be an inspiration for generations to come