Author name: Sreekumar EV

All, Daily Life

Unmasked Conversations: A Time to Reconnect

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Unmasked Conversations: A Time to Reconnect
Captured during the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown, this image speaks volumes about a time when the world slowed down—and families rediscovered each other. With no rush to leave, no constant distraction from phones or television, grandparents found a rare window to speak freely and be truly heard.

For many, it was a return to real conversations, where the younger generation finally paused and noticed the silent wisdom at home. In a world normally consumed by screens and social media, this period became a quiet blessing—where bonds deepened, hearts softened, and generations sat side by side, not just under the same roof, but in the same moment.

Yet, as with all human stories, the closeness brought its share of tensions—misunderstandings and frictions emerging from constant proximity. But perhaps, even those small struggles reminded us what it truly means to be family.

Aerial

Vyttila Junction: From Chaos to Connectivity – A City’s Leap Forward

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Vyttila Junction: From Chaos to Connectivity – A City’s Leap Forward
Once known for its relentless traffic snarls and chaotic congestion, Vyttila Junction in Kochi stood as a symbol of urban struggle—where highways, local roads, and buses collided in daily disarray. Captured here in a rare aerial photograph, this was Kerala’s busiest and most crucial traffic node, serving as a gateway to the city and beyond.

Years later, the scene is unrecognizable. Towering flyovers, crisscrossing metro lines, and an elegant new bridge now dominate the skyline, turning Vyttila into a multi-tiered hub of seamless connectivity. The transformation is not just physical—it reflects Kochi’s ambition to evolve into a smart, livable city where modern infrastructure meets real-time urban needs.

This image freezes a moment in time before the metamorphosis—an important visual reminder of how far the city has come.

All, General

Rising Heat, Rising Tensions: Man-Animal Conflict in Kerala

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Rising Heat, Rising Tensions: Man-Animal Conflict in Kerala

Muralikrishnan, a domesticated male elephant, lies injured after falling off a lorry in Kumbalam, a town just 10 kilometers from Kochi, Kerala, on March 30, 2007. Tensions escalated moments later when the elephant was bitten on the ear by his chief mahout for failing to obey commands. As temperatures soar, Kerala is witnessing a disturbing surge in attacks by distressed elephants—over 30 mahouts have died from such incidents since January alone. Despite strict regulations to prevent cruelty toward captive elephants, violations by mahouts and elephant owners remain rampant.

Festival

Colours of Harmony

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The Kochi Thirumala Devaswom temple premises came alive with vibrant hues as the Konkani community celebrated the grand finale of their Holi festivities. Blending tradition with joy, devotees—young and old—joined together in a spirited display of colour, music, and unity. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Konkani people, turning the temple grounds into a canvas of togetherness and celebration.

Sports

“From Cheers to Challenges”

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S. Sreesanth shares an emotional moment with his mother at home, shortly after his selection to the Indian cricket team. The young fast bowler from Kerala had touched the pinnacle of national pride, but his journey ahead would be a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials. Despite moments of brilliance on the world stage, controversies and challenges would cast a long shadow over a career that once brimmed with promise.

Spot

Heartbreak Beyond Words

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A father, shattered and broken, identifies his twin daughters among the 17 lives lost in the Thattekkad boat tragedy. As he trembles before the lifeless bodies of his little girls, grief engulfs the room—leaving no eye dry, no heart untouched.

LENS AND LINES

Witness to a Tragedy: Reporting from the Edge

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It was during a routine drive across the Alexander Parambithara Bridge that I came upon a sight that instantly struck a nerve: a pair of stretches—the kind often used by those with disabilities—lying beside a pair of slippers near the railing of the bridge. Something about it felt wrong. Very wrong.

As a few others gathered, including a senior-ranking naval officer, it was confirmed: someone had jumped into the waters below. Moments later, we all spotted him—a man afloat, barely moving, yet unmistakably alive, with the most haunting eyes I’ve ever seen, staring upwards.

People yelled from the bridge, urging him to grab on to something. He didn’t. He floated, resisting help, until the current carried him beyond the reach of my lens—or my eyes.

Then, from the sky, came hope. A naval chopper, almost suddenly, descended into the scene and airlifted the man to a nearby naval hospital. Despite the efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Teaching Note:
As a journalism student or photojournalist, never underestimate the power of being present and observant. Stories often unfold in real time. Your instincts—paired with compassion, ethics, and clarity—are your tools. This wasn’t just a report; it was an experience. Sometimes, the camera captures less than the heart does.