“I follow Le Corbusier’s philosophy of ‘form follows function’,” says curator Alka Pandey as she greets us at her government bungalow in Kaka Nagar colony.
The entrance of her house is a a riot of purple — a host of morning glories in full bloom. “My garden is my favourite place. I have spent years maintaining it. I love to wake up to the champa tree, morning glories, marigolds. The fragrance of the blossoms is beautiful,” says Alka, adding that the open air and nature make her feel connected to the outside world.
The house spells comfort, simplicity and reflects her deep connection with Hindu deities. While the small verandah holds folk and art paintings of Kumaoni culture (her native place), paintings of Lord Ganesha and Shiva, the entrance opens up to a small space with statuettes of Indian gods and goddesses. “These deities are spread all over the house to keep the spiritual and positive energy intact in the house,” she explains.
Besides the garden, it’s the study where Alka loves to spend her spare time. A simple room with a huge rack with her research books, computer and a little puja ghar with an akhand diya that burns 24x7. “It’s my workplace and is like a shrine,” she adds.
In tune with her love for cooking, a big vegetable garden in the backyard is the main attraction of the house. From spinach, coriander, carrot, beetroot to broccoli, cauliflower and a nimbu tree, she grows it all. “I always had a house with a big vegetable garden. Right from my childhood days, I loved working in the garden and find it very therapeutic. Talking few hours out of my hectic schedule for gardening gives me immense pleasure. For me it’s like another creation. When I make beetroot soup for my guests or family with my garden produce, I feel so satisfied. I feel this keep me rooted and grounded,” she says, adding that her favourite is hara dhaniya plant. “I enjoy putting it in every possible dish. I love my dishes garnished with fresh hara dhaiya from my garden. It’s the biggest luxury one can enjoy, ” she says.
And being closely associated with art, beautiful paintings adorn wall across all rooms. Whilethe small dining area holds a huge floral painting by Suahsini Kejriwal, the spacious living room with red couches, vases and Mughal- style lamp, is adorned with artworks and photographs by young artists like Ayeesha Seth. The guest room with paintings of lotus and footprints of Buddha from Burma spells peace, beauty and comfort.
“I like to keep the works of artists I connect aesthetically with. These are all timeless pieces. I can live with them throughout my life.”
About her decor, Alka sums up, “My house is done up with a minimalistic approach. I don’t want to it to be like a royal museum. A home is a place, where you live with an open mind. I follow a lifestyle which suits my function and my house reflects that.”