Stories have always fascinated me. The art of storytelling is what motivates me to give my best in whatever I do. The urge to explore remote tribal places and the stories that are not known to the world has led me on an adventurous path. I visited the erstwhile Adilabad district in 2014 to make a documentary on the ancient tribes of Asia “Raj Gonds”. 

 

Everything that I have experienced during my research with the Gonds was enchanting. Their culture, their practices, their ancient history, their artistic heritage, and their way of living are worth telling the world. I chanced upon their centuries-old tradition “Gussadi” during Diwali, the rhythmic patterns and the skillful manoeuvring with artistic flavour have moved me from within. 

This is the moment that made me realise that I can resonate a connection with them and went onto document their stories. 

 

Kalakriti Art Gallery in association with Artcafe have provided me with the opportunity to showcase my first ever photo exhibition - the excerpts from the documentary on Gond tribe of Telangana in the month of November, 2021. It was my humble attempt to preserve the legacy of Gussadi and its ancient traditions through these photographs for the coming generations. 

 

This journey was not for me, but for them- The Tribes. This is to make them proud of their true identity. The world now can witness and can have access to learn about these tribes and their traditions through my work. In return for the love and respect the tribes had for me, this work is dedicated to them.