All posts filed under: FACES

Conversations with Local People

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“Capturing Her Wrinkles Felt Like Capturing a Lifetime of Emotions – Frozen on Her Face” | Old Lady at Maring Village, Manipur by Gautam Raj

Published by Vilina

“I don’t know her personally. Met her at the local market as we stopped by at Maring village in Manipur on our way to some other village. She was selling fresh vegetables from her garden and was calling out to us to buy them. That’s when I saw her face – and call it timing or luck, the sun was just setting making the lighting perfect for a picture. So I grabbed my camera and asked her if I can take a picture instead. She stared blankly at me, perhaps disappointed that I didn’t buy her vegetables. My first attempt failed.  I told her she was beautiful. She was indeed. In my eyes, the wrinkles on her face made her look even more beautiful and her eyes seemed like she had a story to tell. She smiled shyly and then, laughed a lot when I complimented her smile. Her laughter gave out a feeling of genuine happiness inside. That’s when I clicked the second photo – this picture. This time it came out good. I …

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I Stopped to Admire How These Kids were Lost in Their Own World of Happiness” Vivas Anand from Darjeeling

Published by Vilina

“It was a beautiful cold evening as I strolled leisurely through Mall Road in Darjeeling – with a camera in hand and trying to soak in the flavors of the area. Evenings here are always crowded and has a busy ambiance. As I continued to walk, I came across this family with two kids on a bench, and I was instantly drawn. I couldn’t walk past without capturing them – and that happy moment of theirs; so I took out my camera and took this photo. Nothing extraordinary about this picture, but I was pleasantly taken aback by the simplicity of the moment and how they were lost in their own world of happiness. I just loved how they were thoroughly enjoying their munchy snack – and so mindfully at that. In this busy world we live in, it’s hard to be satisfied with what we have, and these kids somehow reminded me of that by showing a contrasting picture where it didn’t cost them much – but looked immensely satisfied. Everything was transparent and it was beautiful the way it was in front …

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“Watching my Neighbourhood Change Through a Sad Yet Memorable Photo” Smyrna Samten from Sikkim

Published by Vilina

  “I grew up in this neighborhood “Daragaon” in Sikkim. Out here, it can get really hot during summers – and especially grueling, when you have to climb the many stairs along the way in this area. So I often used to take shade under the trees on the sides while climbing up the long stairs. Even when tired, the beautiful staircase with the greenery used to be really soothing and beautiful to look at. Especially a sight to admire when it rains, as the stairs are swept clean and the trees shine with health from the raindrops. I have actually taken tons of pictures of this beautiful walkway over the years (old photo at the bottom). So it was a really sad day when I took this particular picture below. I was walking home through the same walkway and I found trees chopped and the trunks laid aside like dead bodies so I clicked it. The man in the picture was loading them into his truck. Amidst my sadness, and as I walked up the steps, it …

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Faces | Mizo Ladies Wearing Traditional “Puan” Wraparound Skirt to a Wedding in Aizawl

Published by Kumti

“This photo was taken before we headed off to a friend’s wedding in Aizawl, Mizoram. We absolutely love dressing up for weddings, especially in our traditional attire. In the picture, we are wearing “Puan,” which is a traditional Mizo wrap-around skirt, usually handwoven by local weavers. Nowadays, there are many designs and patterns available, so it’s exciting to explore the options. We paired the Puan with formal tops. The tops we are wearing in the photo were designed and made by my best friend and fashion designer, Rini Hlondo (standing on the left, wearing a mint green Puan). The Puan I’m wearing is by Chawndeng Handloom😊” ~ Rebecca Lalthanpuii, Founder of Lush Contouring, Beauty clinic specializing in microblading and lash extensions. Rebecca Lalthanpuii (on the right), founder of Lush Contouring, posing with her designer friend Rini Hlondo (on the left), owner of the Rini Hlondo label.

Faces | Life of a College Student in Nagaland by Chovoni Lophro 

Published by Roots & Leisure

“This photo was taken as part of a promotional campaign for my college, Model Christian College. Although I don’t remember the name of the professional photographer, we took over 30 shots to get this one perfect shot! 😂” “Hello, I’m Chovoni Lophro, a 19-year-old 3rd-semester student at Model Christian College in Nagaland, majoring in Political Science, which has always been my favorite subject. I’ve been a part of the same institution throughout my education, starting from Model Higher Secondary School, where I studied from grade A until my 12th. After that, I joined Model Christian College, which is also part of the same institution. As a college student, my days are quite busy with a set routine. I have classes every day from 9:40 am to 3:20 pm, which doesn’t leave me much time to help my mom in the mornings. In the evenings, I usually keep myself busy with my studies. However, during my free time, I enjoy doing what I love, such as reading, gaming (my favorite is Mobile Legends), dancing, singing, and …

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Faces | ‘Memories of My Childhood Home in Nagaland’ by Elika Awomi

Published by Elika Awomi

“This is a bird’s-eye view of the house I grew up in Kohima, Nagaland. Just looking at this picture brings back a flood of beautiful childhood memories, like stealing unripe fruits (especially peaches and plums), enjoying tree swings, playing outside with friends in the backyard over our mini kitchen, garden camping, Christmas and New Year’s Eve bonfires, making doll houses, and basking in the winter sun. I also fondly remember rainy days when we would gather in the front porch and play Five Stones or Carom. On Sundays after church or Sunday school, the outside area would be packed with us kids playing Seven Stones, Hide and Seek, and more. Reliving these moments always makes me feel like a happy kid again! 😊” ~ Elika Awomi, Food lover and Jewelry maker

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Faces | Students in Nagaland Busy Studying for Their Mid Term Exams

Published by Roots & Leisure

“My name is Ayudangla, and right now I am busy studying for my mid term exams; we have our Science paper tomorrow. I am a 10th standard student at Christian High School Dimapur.  Our exams started  from 9th March onwards, and will end only on 21st March. So my daily routine right now is study, go write my exams, come back home, change my clothes, get some rest – and back to my books with tea and snacks. I can’t wait for my exams to get over and meet my friends for a street food outing in the evening. Planning to go out on 21st itself right after the exam ends.”

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A Visit to the Traditional House in Zhavame Village, Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

“We are sitting against the backdrop of a traditional house in Zhavame village under Phek district, adorned with wood carvings that signify the owner of the house has performed the ‘Feast of Merit‘ several times, the highest social status in the olden days. It’s a beautiful reminder of our rich cultural heritage. On colder days, it’s common for village folks to sit around the fire in the frontage of the house, share stories and discuss issues, reminding us that even in the midst of broken hopes and dreams, warmth and kindness can still be found.” ~ Rita Krocha Rita Krocha and friends sitting around a fire inside a traditional house in Zhavame village, Nagaland

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“Aten Really is a no-rule-applies-to-me Person” | Kids in Nagaland Pose for a Photo

Published by Roots & Leisure

“Aten really is a “no-rule-applies-to-me” person. She just got that wallet as a gift from her dad (honestly, I don’t even know what kind of a gift is that – for a kid! lol) but she adores her dad 🙂 The moment she saw me, she showed off her wallet and what’s inside. She has lots of paper (maybe she thinks money is paper – and vice versa) and one 10 rupee note. Her mom wanted to take a photo of the three of them : Aten,  her older brother (middle) and their cousin. But she was not in the mood to pose at all – unlike her brother who’s always ready for a click. Her mom finally got her to pose by promising a jelly candy afterward. But she doesn’t look convinced. LOL” ~ Sungdi