Ashok 
Kochhar-
Notwithstanding political and territorial disputes, neighbour’s excursions and other forms of human interventions, Kashmir can restore its place as a Paradise on earth, reinstate Nature’s bounty provided no further time is lost in unnecessary conflicts and worst of all, public indifference and apathy.
Captivating charm
There is a certain mystique beauty that is unique to this Indian State, attracting poets, nature lovers, producers of feature films and of course photographers. There is also a certain innate beauty and charm to Kashmir, which remains distinctly Indian.
It is a pity that once the most beautiful place on Earth, this State has become one of neglect and discard. It is hard to believe that Kashmir was love at first sight for the Mughals when they invaded India hundreds of years ago. Thereafter, this North Indian Territory was a source of attraction for international travellers.
Tight security
Security and safety are the prime concern here and it is therefore not uncommon for visitors to be frisked time and again. If you are travelling in your own vehicle, various check posts end up being a hassle due to constant search of vehicle and your belongings.
While traveling to various destinations, I was excited to see the beauty that has ever been glorified by the great poets and authors.
Harsh realities
But the reality of the place is different to what is projected in books and videos.
The Dal lake of Srinagar, once the glory of the place, is now stinking, and in a highly dilapidated state, as there is no awareness to preserve it. One cannot stay in the Shikaras (boat houses) any more.
People of the place have shrunk the lake to almost one third of its original size. The causalities from recent flood are the cause of man-made encroachment on the wetland.
The mornings begin with blaring sounds from numerous loud speakers, declaring their supremacy in the land. Intolerance of people for other religion has caused the migration of a particular community hence all the temples are in shambles and deserted. This gives a stale look to the entire land. Somehow Kashmir has lost its glory of the past.
Action needed
That serenity, and abundance of nature and the various hues of the sky have been taken over by human hatred, and traces of conflict all over.
It is time that we resolve the conflicts of our living, and restore the World of Beauty in which we lived. We need to live in contemporary times where tolerance is the only key to happiness, where sharing is the soul of existence, where brotherhood is the only Mantra for happiness.
We need to wake up before it is too late and realise that our fight over an unseen God is destroying the beauty of God’s creation on this Earth, which is nothing but his gift to his children.
I decided to shoot some of the images in B/W, as colour would not have justified the pictures. As a creative visual person, the pain I have gone through, cannot be described.
About Ashok Kochhar
Ashok Kochhar is an artist, a visual expert and an esoteric personified. While his images leave the spectators gasping, his thought and expression stir the deepest emotions and cast a spell of magnificence hard to explain in words.
It is often said that only a painter in a photographer can create wondrous and exotic visuals. In about two decades (he started only in the late 1980s), Kochhar has worked for almost all major corporates in India. His engineering qualifications and background in Engineering brings into focus accuracy and sharp vision, both important attributes to photography.
Throughout his career, Kochhar has worked on high quality equipment, matching international standards. He is stated to be among a handful of photographers who use the best technology and techniques available globally.
