The Hindu : New Delhi News : There is life beyond politics

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Thursday, Jul 23, 2009
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New Delhi

There is life beyond politics

Madhur Tankha

Politician turns photographer: A photograph by BJP leader Vijay Goel from his upcoming exhibition.

NEW DELHI: What started off as a hobby has now become a passion for former Union Minister Vijay Goel, who has captured the rich wildlife and culture of South Africa on camera for his upcoming exhibition at the Constitution Club here this Saturday.

Making productive use of a 45-day family vacation to South Africa, Mr. Goel has depicted the picturesque landscape and flora and fauna of that country. Thirty colour pictures including those of animals like lion, antelope and giraffe will be on display at the one-day exhibition.

A statue of a young Mahatma Gandhi draped in his barrister clothes at Johannesburg is one of Mr. Goel’s favourite pictures.

“Art has always been my first love and I am once again getting ready to mount my photo exhibition titled ‘Images of South Africa’. The passion for photography has been the driving force behind my artistic ventures in the past. Last year I exhibited my works at a photo exhibition on ‘Images of my Ancestral Village’. The presence of Vice-President Hamid Ansari was a morale booster for me. I am holding another exhibition that will feature some select snaps taken by me and my daughter Vidyun Goel, who has inherited the love for photography from me,” says Mr. Goel, who travelled to Johannesburg, Sun City and Cape Town.

Mr. Goel says his interest in photography was ignited while he was restoring his 300-year-old haveli in Anandpur village.

“While the students of Delhi Heritage Institute were working on the restoration part, I explored the village life and its old world charm. I have a fascination for our country’s rich architectural heritage.”

Over the years he has taken up projects including a coffee-table book on the havelis of Chandni Chowk and restoration of India Gate.

“I want youngsters to be passionate about art, culture, history and nature. The upcoming exhibition is aimed at encouraging amateur photographers like me to capture the artistic beauty of forests and its inhabitants,” he says.

Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor Tejender Khanna will inaugurate the exhibition.

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