Those Hands of Hope

While most of us might look at the underprivileged in India and feel a sense of compassion toward them, Sanjay Kumar, an activist associated with Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), goes a step further to also believe that these people have the courage to change themselves for good. 

Having travelled throughout the country, he has met poor women who live insignificant lives themselves but are hopeful for a better future for their coming generations. They work in salt pans, in the beedi, matchstick and soap making industry. Kumar captures these women through his photographic exhibition, which starts tomorrow at the NCPA. 
"They seem strong, confident and independent," he says, referring to his subjects. "They are also determined to change their fate for the better."

Kumar has made his way through states like Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan to closely understand the lives of the women.

He cites the example of Mukta, who works in a salt pan located 15 km away from her village in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. "She stays away from her family for months just so that she can earn and educate her children. She hopes her children will be respected citizens someday," he informs.

The average wage of these women ranges merely between Rs1,500-3,500, but what they do receive in abundance is the support from their husbands. "One feels proud to know there is so much hope at the heart of India that is striving to bring about change. Maybe the coming generations of these women will rise up someday to their optimal level to run their great country."