avatarSuntonu Bhadra

Summary

The web content is a reflective photo essay celebrating the vibrant beauty of nature through a collection of vivid images captured primarily in Bangladesh, highlighting the contrast between urban density and the tranquility of natural landscapes.

Abstract

The essay, titled "Mystic Nature Sparking In The Vivid Flower And Green Images," is a visual journey through the author's personal encounters with nature's splendor. It features a series of photographs taken between 2011 and 2013, showcasing the flora and fauna of various locations in Bangladesh, including the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, Jahangirnagar University, University of Dhaka, and the Bhawal National Park. The author, Suntonu Bhadra, uses these images to convey the joy and serenity that nature brings amidst the bustling city life, emphasizing the importance of preserving these green spaces. The essay also includes quotes from notable figures such as Kobayashi Issa, Arundhati Roy, Novalis, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, which complement the visual narrative and underscore the author's appreciation for the natural world.

Opinions

  • The author believes that while photography cannot fully capture the essence of nature, it can evoke memories and inspire imagination.
  • There is a concern expressed about the loss of green spaces due to urbanization, particularly in densely populated areas like Dhaka.
  • The author holds a reverence for nature, describing it as a "petrified magic city" and suggesting that patience is key to understanding its secrets.
  • The essay suggests that nature's beauty has a restorative effect on the human spirit, with its colors reflecting the moods and rhythms of life.
  • A sense of urgency is conveyed regarding the preservation of natural areas such as the Bhawal National Park, questioning how long these sanctuaries will survive against the encroachment of cityscapes.

Mystic Nature Sparking In The Vivid Flower And Green Images

Snapshots reminding me the joys in nature

A Canvas of ‘Nature’. Year: 2011. Location: Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, Bangladesh. Image courtesy: the author. [Disclaimer: Camera used: Nikon D90, 18- 105 mm & mini-lens. All the sources are marked in asterisk and sources are mentioned at the end of the story. All the pictures are taken between 2011–2013.]

Nature is a celebration of life, joy, and happiness. The mystic combination of colors and liveliness always makes me wonder about life, love, and the elements speak through.

“A world of grief and pain flowers bloom — even then.” — Kobayashi Issa (*)

You can’t capture the true essence of nature in photography. But, snapshots can take you to the past when you captured the images or take you to a new imagination level (and, fantasy perhaps). So, I thought to put some past images that I could capture in my life journey.

~ Layers of colors ~ Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh.

Micro Reds. Image courtesy: the author.
A hint of color. Image courtesy: the author.

“She wore flowers in her hair and carried magic secrets in her eyes.” — Arundhati Roy (*)

Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh situates at a distance from the city crowd; hence a part of rural beauty and nature’s essence is felt throughout the university campus. The lush green, small ponds, reserve forest section and bush, tree nursery, and of course, the winter birds (roaming from Siberia and other cold territories for warmer weather) all make the campus into a playground of evergreen nature.

And, so, the vibrant petals of flowers bring a layer of joy when bloomed.

~ A tiny bit of nature inside the HEART of the CITY ~ University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

No captions. Image courtesy: the author.
Yellow-green mixture. Image courtesy: the author.
Opposite stance. Left image: Dried leaves. Right-side image: Simple snap. Image courtesy: the author.

“Nature is a petrified magic city.” — Novalis (**)

The University of Dhaka is in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Dhaka is the 6th densely populated city globally, with 29k people per square kilometer. and 20.4 million people in total)***. So, a touch of nature in the crowded gathering is always welcome. As the university student, we had that privileged as there were some parts of the place, nature still was kept intact.

The scenario is changing rapidly; the green has lost many of its spaces in that place.

~ Serene Greenery ~ The Bhawal National Park, Bangladesh.

Chirping birds on the branch. Image courtesy: the author.
Singing in the water. Image courtesy: the author.
Green. Image courtesy: the author.

“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson (**)

The Bhawal National Park is one of the few protected landscapes in Bangladesh. Although currently called a park, it was a large forest under Bhawal estate during the British Rule. Now, only 600 kilometers of forest area is left, consisting of 345 plant species (mostly Sal, Shorea robusta).****

Green still sparks there, amidst the aggression of the cityscapes. For how long, that remains a question?

~ Some other shades of petals and green~

Shades or Yellow. Location: MCC, Bangladesh. Image courtesy: the author.

I feel the emotions in the tune of nature. Just as mentioned in the following quote of Edwin Curran (or perhaps more):

“Flowers are the music of the ground. From earth’s lips spoken without sound.” — Edwin Curran (*)

Left side: Red Petals. Right Side: Yellow petals. Location: The Shalimar Bagh (Garden), Kashmir, India. Image courtesy: the author.
A split view of the green and the sea. Location: St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. Image courtesy: the author.

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson (**)

Let the color of nature lift your spirit. I hope the pictures sparked your emotions into a blissful state.

Suntonu Bhadra ▪ January, 2021

Sources * Country Living. ** Wisdom quotes. *** World Atlas. **** Banglapedia.

Alternative images and words you can explore:

Nature
Photography
Travel
Colors
Flowers
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