I read physics for five years before deciding to become an artist. I thought it right, after which, to go to England, to pursue a life of painting- but found myself writing Romantic poetry all the while instead. Increasingly, as I'm growing up, such my decisions in life have started seeming very unorthodox to those around me, forcing me to have to explain a great deal quite often- what has remained quite constant for me, I reckon, however, is a perpetual seeking after answer to precisely how one ought to live in this world: which is why from physics, I imagine, I turned to painting, from painting to prose and poetry, and from poetry, now-a-days, to being engaged in the development of what I've christened the 'John Ruskin Manufactory', 'an attempt, sincerely and without compromise, to put into practice the economic ideals of John Ruskin, Lev Tolstoy, and Mahātmā Gāndhī'.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It has provided me, really, with quite life-changing experiences, Couchsurfing. I have met some most extraordinarily kindred spirits here, who have remained the truest of friends ever since I've met them.

Interests

• writing
• poetry
• architecture
• yoga
• reading
• music
• languages
• trees
• construction
• drawing and painting

Music, Movies, and Books

Most of college I spent reading Tolstoy. His Confession, What then must we do, and What is Art, will always remain favourites. Apart from whom, reading John Ruskin has also always been a pleasure, and rather an education. As regards philosophy, I always tell people to read Wittgenstein; and poetry, John Keats and Ravīndranāth Ṭhākur. The writings of Mahātmā Gāndhī, moreover, and most significantly of all perhaps, have proved an all-encompassing influence over me.

Musically, my interests, I find, have always kept changing. I used to like classic rock very much once upon a time. For a while after which, I was able to appreciate more acoustic, more folk-oriented tunes. Classical music when- both Western and Indian, began appealing to me, as also that from Eastern Europe.

I don't watch a lot of films however, I'm afraid. Yet I do suppose I prefer comedies over more serious films, unless of course the seriousness be inspiring.

And as regards paintings, I have ever loved those of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and the Peredvizniki group, as also the Pre-Raphaelites, and Breton, and Millet, and Turner, and Caspar David Friedrich- I am sure I'm leaving out many, many others.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Most recently, trekked up till Everest Base Camp!

Teach, Learn, Share

I've been involved, chiefly, in the following three projects lately: the promotion of Hindī as lingua franca of India, the construction itself of the aforementioned manufactory, and a study of the very many trees of Delhi.

If you'd like to learn about Hindī, I am certain you will not find a more enthusiastic teacher than myself! Should you like to lend a hand tending to the gardens, or should you yourself be an artist, should you like to be producing something for the manufactory, that'd also be quite perfect! Of course, you are indeed most welcome to join me on any of my Saturday tree-hunting expeditions as well should you be interested. Yours truly is also most keen on long walks about the city- and you will note, is vegan, and a teetotaller.

Countries I’ve Visited

Italy, Nepal, Poland, Russian Federation, Singapore, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, United Kingdom