"Indian culture represents a rich heritage of social norms and technologies that have their origins in the ethnically and linguistically diverse country of India. 
My father, Mallikarjun Vaidikar, affectionately known as Mona, grew up during a time heavily influenced by the British colonial era. He bore witness to significant historical events, such as the struggle against the Razakars, communal conflicts, domestic violence, and ultimately, India's journey to freedom. In 1946, he embarked on a unique path by establishing a photo studio, becoming one of the pioneering figures in this field. His work quickly gained popularity, he dressed up like British too and during this period, he introduced me to the world of photography. As a child, I started as a stringer, assisting him on outdoor assignments, including photographing notable figures like the Chief Minister and India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962My grandfather, Nagbasappa, led a life similar to many seasonal gig workers in India, cultivating three crops a year. In his case, he was a self-employed artisan, crafting handmade glass cradle-hanging called ' Khelni" in Marathi language for toddlers and producing handmade " Vahi" books for business accounts. He sold these creations during the New Year and Diwali celebrations in the Hindu calendar. Additionally, my father had two brothers who excelled as skilled frame makers and camera technicians, as well. The very first camera my father imported was a Linhof, a German-made camera intended for press photography. Although he didn't have extensive formal education, his influence in the field of photography was undeniable. This is the legacy from which I come—a family renowned for its photographers. My maternal grandmother, grandfather, and uncles all followed suit, becoming photographers themselves after gaining valuable experience under my father's guidance. I take immense pride in carrying forward this legacy, transitioning from the era of analog photography to the digital age, from retouching negatives in portraiture to mastering Photoshop, I've embraced the evolution of photography with an enriched heart."