If you have ever visited Nimbal, Ashram of Gurudev Dr. Ranade, then you must have noticed large black and white framed photographs in the centre of main meditation/ worship room.

All those photographs were clicked and framed by Late Narayan Rao Kulkarni. In one of the photographs you can see the photographer with his favourite muse – Gurudev Dr. Ranade clicked at his humble home. The photographer is visible in another portrait too where he is handing over something to Gurudev.

I did visit Nimbal during my recent visit to Bijapur. I was stunned by the photographs, calm meditation room and the serene surroundings of the ashram where Gurudev Ranade spent his last few years. His humble beautiful home seemed like an abode of knowledge and peace.

Gurudev Ranade was a highly learned man. He was Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University once upon a time before becoming a spiritual thought leader.

In the collection of Narayan Rao Kulkarni one can find many photos of Gurudev Ranade and his reverence towards him is quite visible and palpable. They had also designed a coffee table book on Nimbal Ashram together which is also available at the ashram.

But very rarely one comes across a spiritual Guru who held his humble disciple and friend  in such a great regard. During recent digitisation of the collection by Servants of Knowledge, Bangalore, a letter was found in one of the negatives. It is a highly appreciative letter written by Gurudev introducing and mentioning Narayan Rao Kulkarni as one of the great artist, photographer and museum collectors of India based in Bijapur.

This letter written on 25th December 1950 is a rare testimonial from one great soul to another creative soul. It also shows that within three decades photographer had accomplished humongous work. He started his photography journey in early 1920s.

It is indeed a moment of pride to share this letter here. The further scans are definitely going to reveal the range of his extraordinary works. This is the befitting introduction to the collection.

Many thanks to Servants of Knowledge organisation from Bangalore and their team for taking up the challenge of digitising this rare collection dating back to 100 years!!