The Daughter of Spiti
She stood there on a bend in the winding road, as our SUV struggled uphill along the gravelly track amidst the weather-beaten barren mountains in the cold desert of Spiti. She carried her little child on her back and waved at us. We were on our way to Kaza from Kibber, the world’s second highest motorable village. As our four-wheeler screeched to a halt, she smiled at us and politely asked for a lift, her face beaming with joy as she squeezed in between the luggage on the backseat of our vehicle.
She was coming from Kibber, on her way back to a village
near Chicham, about 10km from there. This had been her daily trek for the last
2 weeks. Her mother who stayed in Kibber was sick, and she came every day to
take care of her, returning to her in-laws’ place near Chicham before sunset.
I was curious and enquired, “Isn’t it too difficult and
tiring, making this long, arduous journey every day, and that too with a child
on your back?” Her eyes moistened as she looked out the window and sighed, “My
in-laws don’t approve of going to Kibber every day, much less staying overnight!”
I felt sorry for the poor girl, as I saw the dilemma in her eyes, a married
daughter’s dilemma, of having to ask your in-laws’ permission to take care of
your mother! Then her mood changed and her face lit up with a beautiful smile
as she lovingly readjusted the cap on her sleeping baby. Walking 20km daily was
not a big deal, she went on chattering; her mother was recovering and she was
happy for that.
We dropped her off near the hanging bridge that led to her
village. She invited us to her home and we promised to visit someday, in the
manner people say to strangers they meet on the road. Finally, she waved
goodbye and hurried on her way along the swaying bridge.
As her delicate frame reduced to a minuscule dot on the
curved road to Chicham,I recalled her winsome smile. There was a vulnerability
in it, yet a hint of strength too, the strength of a daughter, that of a mother,
or maybe both.
-----------------------------Madhumita
PC: Andy
The Mother-child bonding is eternal. Helps surpass all odds and obstacles just to ensure the well-being of the loved one. More power to women.... True liberation will come only when such wonderful human beings are actually emancipated...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteNice shot👌
ReplyDeleteHeart touching...
ReplyDeleteThe universal story of a woman - simply but powerfully told
ReplyDeleteNice photos, nicer writeup!
ReplyDeleteThe eternal bond of a mother with daughter is much much strong to overcome our physical and social shortcomings -pull us to reach our goal . Very beautifully depicted thru your eyes and pen . 👌👌👌
ReplyDeleteIncredible!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture Anindya da and a perfect story to follow. The colour of the sky, old broken walls and a splash of light on the lady's smile, a perfect combination for a perfect picture. Hope to see many more such pics
ReplyDeleteBhalo lagche. Photo are write up er jugolbondi. Khub sundor.
ReplyDeleteWow... This is a fantastic environmental Portrait... Along with the story...
ReplyDeleteThe photograph, an absolute masterpiece, and the words , extremely well articulated which touches your heart , kudos to Madhumita & Anindya
ReplyDeleteLovely 🙏
ReplyDeleteThe photographs and the writing are perfectly complementing each other..superb
ReplyDeleteLovely write up. Madhumita’s prose captures the picture’s heart beautifully. Durba
ReplyDeleteSuperb blending with write up n pic...mind blowing...both of you Rock
ReplyDeleteBeautiful narrative and lovely photos -very heart touching
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and a heart ♥️ felt narrative
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice travelog. I thought it was an essay written for Kodi's tuition till I who the author.
ReplyDeleteJust loved the image ... stunning shot makes me happy when I look at the portrait.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely narrated the mother daughter eternal bonding . Photos are very lovely. Keep the sprit up.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ❤️
ReplyDeleteIt touches your heart
ReplyDeleteSuch is life. We see, meet people and we move on. What stays back is that essence of a story. How beautifully captured and written - no words to express my awe.
ReplyDeleteA human story beautifully told by Madumita and wonderfully complemented by Andy’s pictures. This is not art & craft. This is heart & craft. Sayam
ReplyDeleteWhen the story lingers in your mind until the next morning ,it means it has connected .to take permission to visit your own permission elicits a sad reality of emotion in a girls life that haunts people who have experienced it .
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this emotion to the surface ….
feelings beautifully portrayed....by pictures and move vividly by the words......
ReplyDeleteThe tale of daily hardship which so many mothers face brought alive thru Madhumita's narrative and Anindya's photography. So telling
ReplyDeleteEven though the picture itself speaks a thousand words, Madhumita aunty's soul stirring depiction of the protagonist's dilema elevates the whole thing to another level!
ReplyDelete