Ashok Kochhar – 
“My journey is that of my dreams, coming to a reality; my dream is that of my journey taking me to the destination.”
It all started in 2012 when, my dear friend Atul Garg invited me for a holiday in New Zealand. My wife and I spent about three months travelling across the country.
I distinctly remember that it was autumn and winter was approaching.
We were on the road for approximately 45 days; during the journey, we covered the length and breadth of both islands.
The trip was touch and go, but one thing is sure: every travel gives you experience.
I realised that New Zealand is known to the outer world as a beautiful country with wonderful landscapes. It is absolutely true.
There are many ways to look at a situation.
After the tour, I found that nowhere I could see any information about the people of the land, their passions and beliefs. At that time, I decided that I would return and contribute to other side of the story, namely people.
After preliminary research, I found that from the people’s point of view, this is one of the most modern countries. A true cosmopolitan. There are so many races living in harmony, community services are done religiously; even small towns have their own festivals and social events. People are so humble and polite, may be the nature around has a role to play in their compassion.
So, I am travelling again across this unique country to cover the uncovered stories around people, their culture, heritage, trusts, passions and other aspects. I have created more than 35 categories thus far and the number keeps growing.
My expression would be a compilation of human stories, some of which will be popular and some perhaps never heard before. This does not mean landscapes will be ignored, they will be photographed from a varied perspective, complementing human stories.
For the last two months or so I was deeply indulged in knowing the people and my journey of 500 days will start on January 1, 2016.
I promise to share some stunning images and a visual treat.
I promise this will be my best creative expression ever.
I also look for support from friends and well-wishers.
Ashok Kochhar is a lensman of a million or more pictures taken perhaps on as many occasions, covering the world in a frame. Now a resident of New Zealand, he has embarked on a unique journey of the country, capturing its flora, fauna, mountains, rivers and most importantly, sea of people in their vicissitudes.
The journey is his new project covering 500 or more days.
He calls it ‘An Indian Newslink initiative.’\
We agree.
He inspired us to open up Indian Newslink to better photography, introducing people and places, some of who may not have been seen before- at least not from his angle.
Different Approach
We have pleasure in wishing him well.
The pictures appearing on this page are unusual; just like him.
He is a master who says that he practices ‘The Spiritual Art of Photography.’
In that spirit, he says:
I sit not with holy men upon hill tops
I talk not of wisdom and its roads
I please not my God and my religion
I am a wanderer in search of my own
Ashok Kochhar can be reached on 022-6467496 Email: kochhara55@gmail.com
-Venkat Raman
