I am a senior citizen, Photogrpaher bu prfession, but passionate about improving the world through helping individuals. From the age of 20 - 33 worked FULL TIME , pro bono , with an internatinoal NGO called MRA then, but is now called Initiatives of Change. Did theter, wrote songs, small skeches and worked among Farmers, Industrial workers, Naxalites, N.E. Indian Tribals etc. Picked up photography as our publications needed images and later turned it in to a profession. Have won various awards. Been the ONLY or Principal photogrpher for 18 books and contributed to another 20 or so. Was responsible for the images in the Gods Own Country campaign for Kerala Tourism that helped put Kerala on the international tourism map. Over 250 mgazine and book covers to my credit. My images have appeared in Rolling Stone, National Geographic Traveller, Forbes UK, FAKJT Switzerland, Animan and International Herald Tribune - France, Newsweek - USA and many many more.

You may see my work on www.pankajshah.com

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Beacuse of my love for travel and my love to meet new people. I live alone and company is always welcome.

Also throughout my 13 years as a social worker I only stayed with families and individuals, never in a hotel. I would like to give back.

Interests

• live music
• watching movies and series
• listening to musicc
• meeting and talking to new people

Music, Movies, and Books

Ravel's Bolero rendition by London Philharmonic, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Bad Company, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple

Dhuradhar - currently playng in Indian cinemas ,

Haven't really read all that much. Currently trying out the Bhagvad Geeeta, but it is heavy going.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I helped Mrs. Nalini Netto, IAS, then director of Kerala Tourism to put Kerala ( South India ) on the world tourism map not just through my photography , but also advising her on some strategies that began to bring international tourists to Kerala ... something she felt could not be done. To know more email me on pankaj@pankajshah.com

Was the youngest director of a musical show INDIA ARISE in the West End of London in 1967

Was received by Pope Paul VI in a private audience in the Throne Room of the Vatican. Got to see the Sistine Chapel.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach photography.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My home, my experience of life and travels, and lots and lots of interesting tales of some way out adventures and experiences over the years.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

India, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom