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Eye with an edge
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An architect for ISRO, Ananda Ramu believes he is better at photography
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Photo: Murali Kumar K.
RECORDING THE CITY Ananda Ramu’s collection of Bangalore’s pictures go back 30 years
Ananda Ramu started his career as a private architect, before joining ISRO in 1973, designing special research buildings for launch vehicles. “I wanted a government job then and decided to join ISRO, due to the security the job guarantees.̶
1; Other than designing buildings for various ISRO projects, Ramu is also keen on pursuing one of his pet interests, photography. He has an entire album comprising a wide range of pictures clicked by him, in game reserves and aerial shots of cities. “I was interested in photography right from my college days. I decided to pursue photography seriously after I won a college contest for architecture pictures.”
Ramu smiles, “My wife calls my camera my first love. I have taken countless pictures, including shots at major intersections in Bangalore, nearly 30 years ago. They showcase a city very different from what Bangalore is now. I think that the pictures tell tales about the old cantonment, and if one were to compare these photos to the present day, you would find many of the older buildings missing or altered beyond recognition.”
He feels that the speed of Bangalore’s transformation from a sleepy town to this bustling metropolis has brought its share of problems. “We cannot blame the government and say that infrastructure is not available. The change has been spectacular. We have seen the skyline change drastically over the last six years.”
Ramu feels a career in architecture can help a great deal in understanding photography. “Architecture gives you an idea about the basic contours of any structure, and also lets you determine the areas that receive better sunlight and many other such technicalities.”
On the differences for conceiving structures for ISRO as compared to other structures, he says, “It is different in some ways, because the buildings must be made in accordance with what it is going to be used for. The duration of the projects ranges from six months and may go on for a couple of years in some cases. The structures are highly complex and many technical aspects need to be factored in, before constructing them.” “I have enjoyed my job and continue to do so. I was offered a job in the US in the early 1980’s but decided not to take it up, due to my family’s reluctance. I have never regretted my decision.”
Ramu soon plans to publish a book of photos of Bangalore from 30 years ago right down to the present day.
This column features those who choose to veer off the beaten track.
NIKHIL VARMA
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