A connection of the past I guess....

Gotiguda is a small village in Muniguda block of Rayagada district in Orissa. It is inhabited by the Kondhs ( Scheduled Tribe ) and the Scheduled Caste. Gotiguda is also the place where I got my first taste of working with a tribal community way down in 1996. We took to each other and the bond has lasted for over ten years now and am sure will be a bond that will last a life time. Most of the people here suffer from sickle cell anemia. The children have all grown up and are married and have their children now. But those who were homogenous sickle celled are no more. I am raising funds for building houses for them. Going back to this village every now and then is a beautiful feeling. Their warmth and love moves me. Whenever a child is born or some one dies, I am informed. A connection of the past I guess........I don't know what keeps us connected always 

The lady in yellow is Niloti's mom. In 1996 when I visited the village for the first time Niloti was a child of 3 years. She was dehydrated, sick and almost dying. No doctors around. Having saved her life the community accepted me. Today Niloti is all of 15. She was working as a daily wage labourer. She got married in Oct 2008. The other lady in white is some one I had given medicnes to for joint pains......every time she meets me she connects me with medicines. Wish I was a doctor!!

Catching up...

This young man now in his 30s was a kid when I met him in mid 90s...

 The most beautiful view... on way to Gotiguda.... extension of the Niyamgiri hills.....