The Ramnamis ink the name of Ram at the age of two , and keep adding more as they mature, until every part of their body, sometimes even their tongue, bears the indelible name. Five symbols are at the core of their devotional practice: Jaitkhamb, a pilar painted white with Ram Ram written on it and s a place for bhajans and congregations.

Ramnami Vastra (cloth with Ram Ram written all over and worn by Ramnamis. Mor Mukut, headgear made from peacock feathers worn by their 'saints' is a symbol of sacrifice and purity. Tattoos of Ram no the entire body and finally ghungroo worn while they dance to express their faith.

Modernisation and migration have taken their toll. Today, barely a hundred Ramnamis with tattoos survive; it is a matter of time before they disappear. Bhupal Ramnathkar travelled to their homes, ready to witness the visual expression of their devotion.

However, it was their vision that took him by surprise. Alife dedicated to Ram in formless purity, and completely devoid of hunger, greed, ambition and every material trapping that is the norm for every other human society. He discovered a contentment, a sense of completeness in the simplicity of their daily routine where every activity is nothing more than a pause in chanting the name of Ram.

Ram is Bhupal Ramnathkar's attempt to capture the past, present and uncertain future of a unique thread in the fabric of devotion for Ram, and a spiritual way of life that gently urges us to pause and look at the world outside and inside us.