“This is our life saver. The water in it will last us two days in the sea.”
Mappila Bay, Kannur.

This conversation with a fisherman came to my mind when I watched the news about two young Indian fishermen shot dead by Italian guards of the ship Enrica Lexie. The fishermen often went into the sea for 2-3 days in their impoverished country boats with nothing more than a barrel of water and some snacks that would keep them alive. They are no match to the trawlers. But every man has to make a living.

I wonder what their families thought when their men didn’t come back. Of all the dangers that lurked beyond the horizon, did they ever anticipate murder in the Arabian Sea? In the grand diplomatic tussle between two great nations, I only hope, justice be served.

A home in Alewa, Jind.

“She is classic, isnt she?”
1966 Mercedes 230S
Shivavilas Palace, Sandur

Centuries ago, they traveled from Rome. Crossed oceans and mountains until they reached India. Some stopped at the west coast of India and lived in the desert. Some traveled further South. They are nomads no more.

Parvathi Bhai
Age : 45
Sandur, Karnataka

“Did they tell you stories? Of ghosts and life after death?”