All posts filed under: FACES

Conversations with Local People

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“We Enjoyed This Breathtaking View and The Famous Shrimp Pakoras at the Nambol Bora Hotel, Manipur” – Chingngam, Imphal

Published by Roots & Leisure

“I took this photo yesterday at the ‘Nambol Bora Hotel’ in Manipur. It is around 15 kms from Imphal city, and is on the way to Bishnupur district. This local eatery is known for serving the area’s best snails and shrimp pakoras, locally known as ‘Bora.’ It is definitely becoming one of the best hangouts in Manipur. And especially after staying indoors for several months, visiting Nambol Bora was literally a breath of fresh air! We ate Khajing bora (Shrimp fritters), Yeroom bora (egg fritters), Lemon Tea, Chicken momos, Potato & Spring Onion bora. The shrimpy chutney they serve with the pakoras goes so well with the momos too. The perfect duo! We really wanted to try the Tharoi bora (snail fritters) as well, but we went a little late, so it was all sold out. There’s also ‘Shinju‘ on the menu but it was the lemon tea that blew me away! ” ~ Chingngam, Imphal The View at the Nambol Bora Hotel, Manipur The Famous Pakoras ‘Boras’ (clockwise from top): Khajing bora (Shrimp fritters), Yeroom bora …

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#Faces | “This Photo Will Forever Remind Me of My Best Friend, and Our First Outing in a Long Time!” Neimeseu Wetsah from Kohima

Published by Neimeseu Wetsah

“This photo was taken on 12th July 2021 in Kohima, near the Lotha Church in Chandmari colony. My best friend captured it while we were on our way to do some grocery shopping. We have been friends since Sunday school days, but it has been ages since we last met, due to the lockdowns. Moreover, now that we are in college, we don’t get to meet often, as she studies at Patkai college (in Nagaland) while I’m in Delhi. On this particular day, Kohima was blessed with nice sunny weather so I thought I’ll pay her a visit. It felt so nice meeting her after all this time. Later, we went out grocery shopping together, and then to our favorite restaurant – and stuffed ourselves! I still remember how much we ate that day as we jabbered about everything under the sun, like the old times…we spoke about our hostel lives, our school days, our day-to-day happenings, and how the pandemic has affected us all. When I look at this picture, it makes me think …

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Faces | “Capturing This Sunrise in the Wheat Fields of Ludhiana Made Me Believe That India is Still a Golden Bird”

Published by Titiksha Jain

“I took this picture during one of my photo-walks in the outskirts of Ludhiana, Punjab. Just like people wake up in the early hours to do yoga or exercise, my morning ritual often comprises of long walks by myself – and my camera.  This was on my way towards Flahi Sahib, one of the popular Gurdwaras in the area. The sunrise this particular morning had a magical golden view as it rose above the expansive wheat fields. That moment I took this picture, I immediately thought of how India is a Golden Bird even today, to me; and anyone who disagrees might change their mind after seeing this photo. I still remember the hope and pride I felt in my heart as I admired this view that morning…” ~ Harsh Jain, Ludhiana “Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground.” ~ Frederick Douglass

#FACES | Introducing Sustainable Library to The School Children of Manipur With Nikita Barton

Published by Neha Fernandez

“I’m Nikita Barton, an educator, working with NGOs and Social Groups to promote education in rural villages. For this particular project, I travelled to Puichi in Manipur, to set up a ‘sustainable library’, with books donated by various well-wishers. While it was my job to train the local teachers to encourage students to read, and run the up-keep of the library, I couldn’t help myself sitting down with the school children themselves, and introduce them to a book or two. Their eagerness to learn something new is definitely contagious. Not to mention, the joy on their faces when they find something interesting the book and ask you questions about it. It is truly an enchanting and life-changing experience to see children so young, begin their journey as book lovers.”

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#FACES | Naga Boys Playing Football in Their Local Village Ground

Published by Kumti

“Look at all those village boys finding their way to fun.  They don’t mind the bruises, the mud stains, the scorching heat – all they care for is the victory. Victory when the worn-out ball passes through the bamboo posts. Aye! Our native isn’t anywhere near to FIFA countries but what a sight and what blissful feeling to witness these boys delve into a world of their own in the green lushes field. I know just by looking at them play that they are not themselves; not just ordinary. There is a force unseen that drives them on the field. Indeed Argentina away from Argentina. Every village has its own football story and you can find it in your Soyim (birthplace) too.” -Apen, a storyteller from Nagaland 

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#FACES | A Naga Girl Captured Carrying Timber

Published by Kumti

“My name is Talimoa Pongen and I work in a media house. I also love taking candid photographs, through which  I want to tell stories. I took this photo of  a little girl, helping her folks by carrying timber. She was taking two or three rounds, carrying the heavy logs to the destination. I just wanted to capture this beautiful moment. This photo was taken in Mokokchung at The Woods resort, where I was camping with my friends.” – Talimoa Pongen from Nagaland Follow Talimoa Pongen on Instagram

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#FACES | A Trip to Heunanbe Village In Peren With Vilivi Zhimomi and Her Sister

Published by Kumti

“My sister and I  have currently opened a store called Beautology located in Dimapur, where we provide facial therapy, Korean skin care products, clothing and accessories. We were invited to Heunanbe by a welcoming family for lunch. After lunch, we wanted to look around and explore. So we took a short trek to the family’s farm, which had a variety of organic vegetables, fruits and spices and not to mention the view! Our khangs (baskets) were almost too heavy to carry by the end of it. The rain thankfully stopped us from emptying the farm and we took shelter in a hut. It was quite an experience as we sat around the bonfire and munched on fruits, along with ‘garam chai’, dried ourselves while waiting for the rain to stop. I managed to bring a little piece of the farm to my backyard. Hopefully soon I will be able to boast to my friends about my little ‘pluck and cook all organic’ corner.” – Vilvi Zhimomi from Dimapur

#FACES | The Beautiful Locals of Spiti Valley and Key Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

Published by Samyama

I visited this beautiful monastery for the first time in June during my Spiti trip. I always wanted to witness this spectacular monastery as it is located in a pocket space surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Kye Gompa or Key Monastery is 4,166 metres above sea level and is the biggest monastery of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.  On an amazing yet slightly chilly day, while enjoying the view, I saw these two gorgeous ladies and asked them if I could take a picture of them. They were excited to let me, take their photos!  I talked to them about how they live in Spiti in the winters, how their life is and if they have ever been out of Himachal. They both told me how they love when so many people from all over India come to visit (June-Oct is the peak time) when it’s usually quite silent. They mentioned how they have never been out of Himachal but the lady on the right has a granddaughter studying in Bangalore. These two friends own a homestay where …