My exposure to Rajasthan is filmy.

Bollywood has shown me the romance of the sand and palaces with camels in the backdrop and banjaras sing in their husky voice.

I’ve watched documentary films on the revival of water sources like rivers, johads & beris – dams and wells, and entire villages being transformed due to the tireless work of NGOs & water warriors like Rajendra Singh.

A scenario where villagers walked ten kilometres to fetch water, to now lush mustard fields in the Alwar district, Rajasthan has been work in progress with a people that have admirable tenacity, for all of this takes time.

The Jaipur Foot story of Masterji who has helped so many walk, run and dance again is well known also.

From that arid land come many things of beauty. The food is fantastic, their hospitality legendary and the craft are colourful and lively.

Leheriya, a visual invocation of the flow of water from a land that knows the value of it.

My ode to a state I am still to see for real. Madhu Mathur, saying hello to you especially.

I went over to Ally’s office to discuss our writing and there was Kanjeevaram Rani in all her splendour.

Saree #80 #100sareepact