I am a senior citizen, Photographer by profession, but passionate about improving the world through helping individuals. From the age of 20 - 33 worked FULL TIME , pro bono , with an International NGO called MRA then, but is now called Initiatives of Change. Did theatre, wrote songs, small sketches 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 photographer for 18 books and contributed to another 20 or so. Was responsible for the images in the initial "Kerala - Gods Own Country" campaign for Kerala Tourism that helped put Kerala on the international tourism map. Over 250 magazine and book covers to my credit. My images have appeared in Rolling Stone, National Geographic Traveller, Forbes UK, FAKT 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

Because 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

Dhurandhar - currently playing in Indian cinemas ,

Haven't really read all that much. Currently trying out the Bhagvad Geeta, 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.

I would love to learn to cook different cuisines.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can help fix simple household stuff - leaky taps, rickety chairs etc.

I can share m y experience of life and travels to 35+ countries, and lots and lots of interesting tales of some way out adventures and experiences over the years.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, India, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates