Public Project
Don't Call Me Chinki
Delhi consists of people belonging to almost every Indian state. It attracts many young people for higher studies and jobs. Most of the people from northeast India living in Delhi are between 18 to 35 years of age, which adds to the multicultural fabric of this city. Some of them come here for higher studies, some are on the look out for better job opportunities…all of them are seeking a better life. However despite being residents of Delhi, they are still considered outsiders. Through this essay I wish to offer a peak into their daily lives.
I have photographed suburbs of Delhi- NCR – Humayunpur, Munirka and Vijay Nagar, Chakkarpur – where majority of those who stay are from North East India. I have attempted to photograph their personal space – while meeting friends and family, practicing for the church choir, their day to day activities etc. In these neighbourhoods, people from eight different states live together, building a community, which is like a microcosm of North East India.
What I present here marks the beginning of a much deeper exploration in which I would like to examine the notion of identity vis-à-vis the challenges faced by the Northeastern diaspora in Delhi. But most importantly, the project will guide us to understand ourselves and encourage the dormant humanness in us to make this city a better place to live.
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