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For Robert Arnett, capturing the essence of India and its varied terrains and people was a journey he took to heart. The sixth edition of India Unveiled: Spirit, Tradition, People takes readers on a visual journey of India much as earlier editions did; however, with its larger format and expanded sections, the latest edition not only delights the eyes, but also appeals to the mind with its well-written, detailed text. Arnett channels his appreciation for and interest in India through striking photographs that capture moments and places that go well beyond mainstream |
stereotypes such as Bollywood and the Taj Mahal. India Unveiled offers readers a chance to truly learn about different regions of the country – not only the busy streets of Mumbai, but also the rice paddies of West Bengal. Through photographs, Arnett, along with editor and photographer Smita Turakhia, elevate seemingly inconspicuous moments shopping at the produce market, visiting the temple, celebrating a marriage, and even mourning the loss of a loved one. The images of everyday life are as much a part of India’s image as are the tourist attractions. For younger generations of Indian Americans who have not spent much time in India (and even for older generations who may not have traveled through their native land), India Unveiled takes them on voyage to a nation diverse in history and culture – one that is not to be missed. Learn more about what inspires Robert Arnett and Smita Turakhia. |
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Robert Arnett
In looking through the sixth edition of India Unveiled, the pages clearly exhibit an extensive and thorough knowledge about the country, but also a certain passion for all things India. How and when did this passion come about?
India Unveiled explores India through various perspectives – historical, cultural, spiritual, religious, etc. Was this broad overview intentional? Is there one perspective to which you are drawn or wish to explore further? India is such a multifaceted country tlat to portray it accurately, all those aspects must be included, particularly as they are so little understood in the West. The one perspective with which I was, and still am, enamored and awed with is Raja Yoga, an ancient path that teaches that scientific meditation is the basis for God-realization. The more I learned about Raja Yoga, I realized it offers the answers to man’s age-old questions: Who am I? What am I doing here? Where am I going?
The inspiration was a little boy who returned to me my lost wallet and would not accept a reward. Children all over the world, to include America, would return a lost wallet, but almost without exception, if they were not given a reward, they would be disappointed. I was so impressed by the concept of dharma, righteous action, that I wanted to share it with the West where the entire culture is based on the reward system. To me, the concept of dharma is what sets India apart from every other country on earth. Yes, there definitely will be another children’s book. Stay tuned! Tell us more about the School Library and Photo Exhibit projects. The objective of both these projects is to put accurate and positive information about India in hands of educators and students, particularly in public schools. We are partnered with Indian American Education Foundation, Seattle, WA, and are always seeking sponsors to donate books to school libraries in their areas or anywhere in the US. Through the generosity of sponsors, over 10,000 copies of each book are in school and public libraries and classrooms. Because of wonderful book reviews from prestigious library journals, school approval is a not a problem. In fact, they appreciate the donation very much. Seven sets of Photo exhibits are in various universities and museums. If you had to choose one photograph from the latest edition of India Unveiled as your favorite or most memorable moment, which would it be? My favorite photograph is of a little girl about eight years ringing a bell to attract God’s attention by a roadside shrine in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The little girl was spontaneously trying to get God’s attention. The photograph captures her devotion and utter trust in God. Her gaze of deep concentration as she rang the bell indicated that she had serious business with the Lord. Her sincere devotional outpouring of love to God touched my heart and is one of my fondest memories of India.
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Smita Turakhia
Tell us more about your background and how you became an illustrator and photographer.
If you had to choose one photograph from the latest edition of India Unveiled as your favorite or most memorable moment, which would it be?
What words of wisdom do you have for the younger generation in the Indian community who aspire to careers of an artistic bent (rather than traditional fields such as engineering or medicine)?
About Smita Turakhia:Smita Turakhia is the illustrator of the multi-award-winning children’s book Finders Keepers? by Robert Arnett. She is also the editor, contributing photographer, and designer of India Unveiled: Spirit, Tradition, People by Robert Arnett. A graduate of Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai, India, she also studied art at the University of New Mexico. She currently resides in Texas with her husband. |


