That and This

Nature and Industrial society co-exist in their own way. But they need to be in balance.

Old Only, Not Dead

I saw her sitting on the edge of a raised platform in village Kustana, Odisha. She sat there, eyes closed, oblivious to people passing by or my camera but her firm grip on her stick and her vibrant set of bangles showed she was in control. I wondered what she thought--of days gone by or of dreams she still had. Dedicated to all seniors who have much love to give and get!

When I believe in Myself

I was seated on his porch at village Kishanpur, drinking chai when he came and sat on a cot nearby. Royal in his posture, he peered into me with a mix of surprise (huh, a woman?) and contempt (what do we have to fake for this urbanite?). I sensed it. I sensed the chasm. And yet, I loved his silent pride in his life and living.

And in the same village, on the same porch, I saw this young boy (see below), standing covered with flies. What was utterly difficult to watch was that the boy did not make the least little effort to shake off the flies. Others shoed them off. But one fly remained--a poignant reminder of how it is when our sense of self-belief is gone.

She Writes, He Writes (Part-I)

In recognition of teachers who teach and in gratitude to my own teachers, a photo-essay on students across the country.

Yes, she writes. Village Jarkhi, Jharkhand