CURSE OF THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY
Once upon a time families created the finest sharies on their handloom that time has gone, modern factories took over this precious work and left only the weaving of towels to insure their income at 10 RPS a piece…
The saying ‘curse of the modern technology’ is so true for the whole villagers of Rajgram in Bankura district of West Bengal. Rajgram is a small village of nearly forty families of weavers. Few years ago I had to go to Bankura for one day for my work. Next day I spend sometimes in the village while waiting for my train. I was aware about the present situation of Rajgram and unable to resist myself to go there.
There was a time when these people were happily living with their weaving profession. Earlier they used to weave Sharis and towels. Now they are only preparing towels. Even they cannot purchase the thread for themselves also. They have to take the thread form the creditor. For a pair of a towel they earn only twenty rupees. Normally it takes a whole day to finish a pair of a towels ! Really they are facing the survival problem. Now a day’s the females and the old men in the family are only sewing and the younger men are trying to get involved in other profession like rickshaw pulling.
Discovering life in the village of Rajgram….
Whose there…?
Power Cut
Another big problem for the people of Rajgram is power cut .
Spinning
An old woman spinning
A house wife spinning her handloom in front of her small room.
Shunil was one of the man who has changed his profession from weaving to rickshaw pulling. He was my rickshaw puller at Rajgram.
He was one of the best weavers from that village. Now he can barely hear and see anything and due to some unknown reason government has stopped his pension also. Not sure that he is still there or not.
Shaving
Life goes on
April 1, 2013 at 11:33 AM
NO DOUBT YOUR WORK IS COMMENDABLE TO TALK ON THE VERY INDUSTRY. GOOD DOCUMENTATION .PL CARRY ON .APPROACH TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY TO PROMOTE INDIAN COTTAGE INDUSTRY (MOST NEGLECTED PART OF THE TEXTILE ARTISTS). N.PODDAR
April 1, 2013 at 2:08 PM
You have shown us the heart and soul of the people of Rajgram. Very compelling images. Thank you for posting.
April 1, 2013 at 7:02 PM
All you extraordinary photographs justifies the pathetic story. I salute you !
April 1, 2013 at 8:06 PM
It’s a very distinctive way of story telling . Keep up your good work….
April 1, 2013 at 8:33 PM
Fabulous photo-essay from a truly great photographer……we can’t wait to publish another set of your iconic photographs in Life Force magazine http://www.lifeforcemagazine.com
April 1, 2013 at 11:19 PM
Another great work from you…..you are a visual story teller….a sad story weaved perfectly by your photographic talent….waiting to see more from you….!!!!!
April 1, 2013 at 11:38 PM
What a photo-story dada. I am following your path. Your works always make a finishing line which helps us to set our goals.
rajat
April 2, 2013 at 12:29 AM
A fantastic series … luvly story telling photos … grt work dada 🙂
April 2, 2013 at 4:37 AM
Love the story with beautiful photographs.
April 2, 2013 at 7:54 AM
Excellent Incredible shots… especially the No 10 on line. Nice work.
April 2, 2013 at 10:34 AM
Always a treat to see your photos ….amazing …
April 2, 2013 at 10:56 AM
All the pics are Wonderful, lively colors and awesome composition and story, personally i loved the 2nd picture.
April 2, 2013 at 3:43 PM
Wow amazing share– detailed images and a beautifully written blog very profound
April 3, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Wow ! Outstanding work ! The Theme, is a much needed and to be thrown light theme.. perfect sir !
April 3, 2013 at 2:06 PM
This is really Nice. I wish to meet you at least once in my Life.
April 3, 2013 at 2:28 PM
Sure 🙂
April 4, 2013 at 3:52 PM
Such an interesting story and incredibly beautiful pictures. Many, many congrats Apratim!
April 4, 2013 at 8:28 PM
As always, loved your compositions, the mood , the story..the fact that you uncovered a problem and put up a photo story still being artistic..! Lots of message in theses pictures.
February 25, 2014 at 4:57 PM
Excellent vibrant works
Regards
Abi