Exploring Amazing Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Eyes of Prakash Bang

Prakash Bang was a mild-mannered man with a genial smile. He smiled to me when I asked, “But then, what attracted you the most about Bosnia and Herzegovina?”

“Dear lady, it was everything!”

Prakash Bang didn’t learn photography professionally. A good eye and an interest in playing with shadows, thanks to a Rolleiflex handed over by an insightful father at the age of twelve, made him explore the globe with his camera in tow, and when the opportunity to shoot Bosnia and Herzegovina came, he was happy to shoot.

“I could not stay in one place. I had to go from one place to another. In the back of my head, I kept on thinking, too many things to see, too little time.” And his photographs told their own story, hanging from the walls of the WelcomeArt Gallery, ITC Sonar.

I had the opportunity to speak to Sanjay Agarwal, Honorary Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Kolkata, who was quite enthusiastic about the event. “I am all for exploring new places, and I love travelling to different parts of the world, and BiH is one such beauty that’s yet not fully discovered by many.” He believed that as a country with a very interesting history, BiH was sure to be a hit with tourists in the future.

I had the opportunity to speak at length with His Excellency Dr. Sabit Subasic, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to India, and we had a long, interesting discussion about my favourite subject – the food. I have to admit – I had very little idea about the food scene, but after a lovely discussion over dinner, I was quite titillated by the tempting description of Cevapi and Burek. Dr. Subasic insisted that BiH’s Baklava was different from that of Turkey, and spoke about the wonders of plum brandy and coffee. As a coffee addict, I could only listen and nod my head in wonder and wish for some of the bittersweet brew.

As BiH is quite significantly cheaper when compared to other European countries, it is a good idea to move into the Balkan countries and experience the beauty of these less-travelled parts of the world. As BiH is quite close to Italy, a train from Venice can be availed to Zagreb, and from there, another one will take you to Sarajevo.

One of the factors that I am concerned about while travelling is safety for women travelling alone or as part of a couple, and the good news is, BiH is quite safe and the people are quite friendly. So, I believe it can be a good destination on its own, or as a part of my next European adventure.

Disclaimer: Poorna Banerjee was invited to experience the exhibition by the Honorary Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paromita Saha.