Mysuru:  Travelling widens people’s horizon and one should travel as much as possible to gain the experience, said noted scholar Dr. T.V. Venkatachala Shastry.

He was speaking at the release of artist and photographer S.M. Jambukeshwara’s book titled ‘Americada Antaranga’ organised by Gayathri Enterprises at Kalamandira’s Maneyangala here yesterday.

Quoting the famous proverb “Desha suttu, kosha odu” (travel the world, read the books), he said that author Jambukeshwara is a perfect example who with his grasp of travel writing has been able to capture the various moments in his travel from the bottom of his heart.

Author Jambukeshwara, speaking on the occasion, said that he had recorded many observations he had made during the six-month stay in the USA.

He regretted that the importance that was given to cleanliness and discipline in the US is not seen here. Even the senior citizens, instead of sitting idle, work there, he added.

Former Prasaranga Director and Visiting Professor, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) Prof. C. Naganna, speaking about the book, said that during travels for most of the people, the mind also takes a holiday and only enjoys the moments. But Jambukeshwara, who has written another travelogue on Europe, is an exception, as he  has recorded the most important elements during his travel in the US.

Former District President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat M. Chandrashekar, University of Mysore Basavanna Chair Visiting Professor Dr. Chandrashekaraiah and others were present.

About the book

The cover page of the book ‘Americada Antaranga’ with the Statue of Liberty with the clear blue New York skyline in the background beckons readers to go through the book written by renowned photographer and writer S.M. Jambukeshwara.

He has not stopped short of just capturing photographs but has methodically captured moments of travelling along with his family all over the United States of America through his pen too.

This being his first visit and a long one at that for nearly six months, he gives insights into the country with its many fascinating places. “Cleanliness and discipline is the hallmark of United States, which we in our country sadly lack,” is the observation that he candidly makes as one turns the pages of the book.

His first visit is to Venkateshwara Temple in Bridgewater and he also watches baseball game in Queens in New York and compares their passion to the sport to that of cricket in India.

Dwelling on how the bureaucratic system works, Jambukeshwara recalls how his son Amrutesh, who did not have a permanent Driving Licence and was refused hiring a car, got the licence in 15 minutes without any hassles. He has also described the beautiful Niagara waterfalls in its morning and illuminated night glory.

The book carries the photographs of the famous Times Square in New York, American Museum of Natural History, Washington Memorial, MIT and Harvard Universities. A photo of him standing in front of the statue of Marilyn Monroe with her skirt flying taken by his son also attracts one’s attention.

His visit to the Ellis Island where America’s first Immigration Office (1855  to 1954) is located is an experience he has shared with great clarity of thought.

Jambukeshwara has also spoken about the Police system and the US school education making the 200-page book a comprehensive read.

About the author

Photographer, artist, journalist and writer  S.M. Jambukeshwara passed out from Chamarajendra Technical Institute and also developed interest in photography. Even as he works in the JSS Mahavidyapeetha, he has devoted his spare time for wildlife photography.

He has won national and international recognition in this field and has been the recipient of London Royal Photography’s A.R.P.S., UNESCO Federation International D.L. Art’s A.F.I.P.A. awards.

Along with photography, his  other interest includes travelling and he has visited UAE, Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Europe and USA. He was the Editor of the Coffee Table book brought out by JSS Mahavidyapeetha in both Kannada and English.

Jambukeshwara has also been conferred the 2010 Rajyotsava award.