weekly competition winners week no:1, theme: Womes' Day

 1st prize: Aby Abraham.

i thought she will smile, but she couldn't.......

2nd Prize: Elika Sumi

About the Photo:
Today is International Women's Day. Google has a doodle on their search page,probably showcasing the progress of women - there's a Lady with a stethoscope examining a young girl. That's food for thought for you, read it whichever way you wish. 

As for me, the picture I wanted to upload today reminds me to question that very progress. Here is a woman singing and dancing the song of her forefathers. In a land where turmoil prevails, the first week of December - time of the State sponsored Hornbill Festival - is always a rosy affair. The ancient regulation of Inner Line Permit required by 'non-Nagas' is relaxed for 'special conditions', a plethora of tourists inflow occurs in comparison to the 'dry spell' of visitors for the rest of the year, and of course, the 'smart' Nagas earn their highest revenue during the Open Season. Indeed, a time of prosperity and merry-making. 

But here is this woman, who has come from the village. She was promised a good remuneration by the village head - the direct representative of the State government. The thought of going to the capital, singing and dancing for the tourists - oh, not just Indians, but the White people too - perhaps, this could be an opportunity for the much needed 'outing' she always thought of. Leave the fields behind, leave the crops to fend for themselves, leave the family in the care of the eldest daughter, leave home...but someone among them told me, its a week of dancing, singing, no proper sleep or 'remuneration' in the cold Kohima winter, yet trying to look their best for pictures to be taken by people like me, pictures that will stand for posterity (ironically, a poster postcard too)...Aaah, one politely longs for the warm hearth in the small chuka (kitchen) at the village.

for food.....

3rd prize
Ann Mary George