No Self


  • Photographer
    SARIKA GULATI
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention
  • Company/Studios
    Freelancer
  • Date of Photograph
    Aug 2010-Nov 2010
  • Technical Info
    Canon 5D Mark II

1.A young monk from Phyang Monastery in Leh-Ladakh. After the flash floods, the local people took refuge in the monasteries for several days before any before any help could arrive. 2. Tundup Dolma studies in tenth standard in Govt. High School, Shey. Today she decided not to go to her school and cook for her parents, labors and masons working at the construction site of her new house. 3. Tsering Angchuk from Shey, cutting the poplar log for the roofing of his house along with his brother-in-law Namgyal and elder son. He works as a driver and it’s his first time getting involved in construction. 4. Local masons and the family members rebuilding their house in Norgays Ling, Leh-Ladakh. 5. Hope of a home for Rigzin Chorol after several months of struggle and pain. Shey, Leh-Ladakh.

Story

No Self

''Nations are built brick by brick and overnight all the developmental gains are washed away; schools, hospitals, roads and more importantly the loss of human dignity. Generation of oral history, knowledge, practices and accumulated wisdom of communities are lost, leaving them more vulnerable and more often as recipients of aid.'

The recent change in the climate and frequent occurrence of natural disasters does not only damage the tangibles; it slowly affects the people and communities living on the frontlines. Once living with dignity and respect, they suddenly find themselves at the receiving end.

On Aug 5, 2010, Leh-Ladakh in India and the areas around were adversely affected by the flash floods. I found heaps of mud and rubble, fragile bodies buried under the sludge, cracks in the houses and hearts, silent cries and yet the ever soaring spirit of warmth, smiles and hospitality.

After relentless wait for government compensation, few families took the lead to rebuild their own houses. Friends, families, workers and volunteers joined in the reconstruction process and an NGO provided them the financial and technical support.

'No self', explores the true selfless Buddha's essence in his own land and its people, their trials and tribulations and above all their resilience to survive in the face of adversity.

(Photo documentation between Aug 2010-Nov 2010)

You can create multiple entries, and pay for them at the same time.
Just go to your History, and select multiple entries that you would like to pay for.