Change in their hands - A twinkle in their eye and a determination in their voice. How a small camera can make all the difference

By Namita Srivastav

Srikanth Kolari is one of three photographers whose work is being exhibited as part of the Gaining Momentum exhibition. We asked him about the people he photographed whose stories affected him most and what he hopes people will take from visiting the gallery.

From his two weeks travelling Jharkhand and Bihar with PACS, Srikanth tells us it is the story of Jashoda Mahli that troubles him most.

RSBY: Change in offing

When 65-year-old Mahrun Khatoon collapsed on the roadside and ended up with a broken left elbow, she was less concerned about the pain but more about where she would get the money for her treatment and hospitalisation.

“My husband left home many years ago, leaving me and two children alone,” she said sharing her story and struggles. Throughout our hour-long conversation she kept slipping between her past and lonely present.  She had come down to Ranchi where we met.

International Women’s Day, 8th March is a day to celebrate the achievements of women in various spheres of life and to assert the need for continued voices to end inequality and discrimination against them. On this occasion we like to hear your view on:

What this day signifies to you?

What are the key issues to be addressed to ensure women’s empowerment?

Do write in

Message from Rajan Khosla, PACS Programme Director:

There has been a lot of media coverage on the subject of UK aid to India. We feel it is important to hear the voice of civil society and others so we want to hear from you.

Tell us what you think:

Undernourishment in India Despite India’s remarkable economic growth over the last decade, many children still struggle to meet their most basic needs, including access to sufficient food and health care. According to the 2005-06 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3), 20 per cent of Indian children under five years old were wasted (acutely malnourished) and 48 per cent were stunted (chronically malnourished).