I clicked this picture when I was in a village in Karnataka, covering rural life for my journalism course. This old lady sat in a corner, looking desolate and heart-broken. I still feel a pang of guilt and sadness every time I look at her downcast eyes and furrowed eyebrows.
Most people in this village (Pavagada) suffer from skeletal fluorosis, owing to a high percentage of fluoride in their drinking water. Their teeth are stained, their bones are brittle and bent awkwardly. Despite that, most of the village folk manage to stay happy. Except this woman. I hope she could let go of whatever was on her mind when I shot this picture.
I don’t know if it’s rude of me to consider this “broken,” but that’s all I can think of when I see her. Sorry ajji.
Swat of All Trades 