Tribal Life
Dharampur Taluka is located in
south Gujarat near the foothills of the ‘Sahyadri’ range of mountains, and
is about 300 km away from my hometown. Amidst the hilly region and scattered
jungle, live 'Adivasi', the local tribal people for many generations. The
people in this community are farmers who, during the off season, go to the
nearby cities to work as laborers.
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In my college years in the city of Valsad, I had become friends with students who had the 'Adivasi' background and came from Dharampur area. In 1993-94, upon their invitation, I spent some time in the villages around this region. I was totally absorbed by their unique customs, living style, myths, and beliefs. Subsequently, I lived in the area for long periods of time to imbibe the experience of being with people, who, I found, live in harmony with nature in simple conditions. My relationships and friendships with them developed to the point where I am considered a welcome family member in many different households.
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These tribal people are very dear to me, and they have enriched my life by sharing their unconditional love, compassion and positivity towards life. In my photographs I have attempted to capture their emotions, dignity and courage...if these qualities are, at all, capturable by the mere medium of photography.
