The cute old man here came asking for a lift to the army transit camp in Arunachal where we made an unscheduled night halt. He was fun to talk to - but when asked his age, he said - "Don't know, how does it matter - I am having fun". This showcases the attitude of most tribal people in these remote corners of our country - In Arunachal Pradesh
While my peers were out inspecting an anganwadi centre deep in the tribal region of one of the most backward districts in the country - These 3 generations of a tribal family looked on - without complains, without much hope. — in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
I had always looked out for a picture that shows the two INDIAs - moving in the same direction but at a markedly different pace. Maybe this ox-cart and the siren-blaring SUV captures it. (Accidentally clicked from within my car keeping only the setting sun in mind)
The old man sat pensively indifferent throughout our "inspection visit" at his village. A few minutes of casual street-talk with him revealed that what we were shown was just the terminal head of the village (declared to be connected to the national highway), the bulk of the village remained inaccessible on foot due to the terrible sewage conditions that has left all its streets in a mess of human excreta. This is the "effectiveness" of visits by senior officials! — in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
This is a now-unused memorial to commemorate the naxal martyrs. We came across this in our visit to an anti-naxal setup in Gaya District. The policeman on the left was involved in the Road-Opening Patrol (R.O.P) that was necessary before our movement in this area could be deemed "safe"
My friend here is a dalit land-less agricultural labourer who has been out of work since the last few days. What moved me was the flagrant display of royal power on the wall behind him. This district which is infamous at the world stage for its malnutrition levels, has been the "summer capital" of this royal family. I wondered how, despite his living condition, this man could ask for a perpetual stay of the clan (as the writing on the wall behind him shrieks) — in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Clicked on December, 2012, this picture was moving enough to make me write on it.
The omnipresent "Jhar-jhari". It is an improvised motorized transport that uses the motor used in water pumps to rotate the wheels. Costing as low as 40k, it can carry upto 15 people and can be stuffed to the brim with baggage. It's use however is technically Illegal — in Gaya, Bihar.
