Spreading Smiles, my good friends

On an official trip, i was in Nowrangpur, a maoist affected area located in the borders of Chattisgarh and Odisha. I was assigned the duty to visit one of the ten gram panchayats in Jharigaon block where the tribal girl children literacy levels was found to be around six percent.

In the assignment, i came across these three Santhalese tribal women who later became my companions or good friends talking to me in their own language and helping me to understand their culture.

Language was never a problem for us as we exchanged our views through our eyes and actions. I spent some time walking through the fields along with them and understanding their daily dose of activities.

After being addicted to 24/7 internet and daily huzz buzz of the city, being away from this schedule and spending time in a remote area like Baalujaran, without continuous power cut and good transport system was not a silly thing for me.

But these two days spent in Baalujaran was a different experience. The first time i went close to them with a camera in my hand, they were not panicked but welcomed me with a cute smile. Innocence was clearly visible and friendliness was extended without any expectations. 

I sat beside them and questioned all possible things that i want to ask and got replies which i understood to an extent. When i asked for a photo, they dint understand anything, but after showing few clicks they agreed to me.

I was not understanding how to make them sit or stand in postures or locations.. but felt that i should make the best of ambience that was offered in the location. I had to show them how to laugh for my photo so that they will laugh. After couple of sessions, they came out with hearty laugh and the result is this photo.

God always made beautiful things and we humans exploit and kill the quality. Natural beauty is something god gifted. Having seen these women without any make up or without using sunscreen to combat scorching heat or get tanned, this is something that has to be appreciated. Beautiful souls and beautiful them.

Miss those days and them.

By Amoga Laxmi Sukka