BANGALORE: With war plaguing various parts of the world and crime rates skyrocketing in our own motherland, Gandhian principles are the way forward, reckons B S Shivaraju, better known to Bangaloreans as Cop Shiva.
The police constable taught himself to wield a camera, became a part-time documentary photographer and has since exhibited his works across the world. Four years back, Shiva began documenting the life of Bagadehalli Basavaraj, a school teacher in north Karnataka, who dresses up as Gandhi and visits public places on important occasions.
Shiva has clicked over 1,000 pictures of the man so far and will exhibit 29 of them at the inaugural exhibition of Kala Ranga, the new auditorium in RBAMNS Bangalore.
The 35-year-old artist started his career in photography by working at 1 Shanti Road Gallery. Interacting with fellow artists and photographers has helped him learn the art and perfect his work. He loves clicking people and portraits and has exhibited photographs in countries like Bangladesh, UK and Sri Lanka.
Speaking about Basavaraj, Shiva says, “He has been impersonating Gandhi for 14 years now. He works as a physical education teacher and also teaches yoga to children. On holidays, he dresses up as Gandhi and sits or stands like a statue in public places. He doesn’t speak or do anything to attract attention. All he does is send out a silent reminder to the public of the principles taught by the father of the nation.”
He goes on to add, “People have different reactions when they see him. Some think he is insane, some ask questions, some even throw coins at him, thinking that he is an innovative beggar. But that doesn’t bother him as he just wants people to remember Gandhi.”
Basavaraj is glad to have found a platform to spread the Gandhian principles among school children. In future, Cop Shiva also plans to hold a photography workshop for youngsters.
G is for Gandhi, will have its preview in the presence of Girish Karnad today and will be on till August 25.