postcard from India (3)

Jan 31

Hello everybody, 

Thought you all might like to know about the people who live under the bridge. It's about 1km from where we were staying at Lukerganj. 

I came across these people the other day whilst walking, and decided to pop in for a chat. Of course being Indians, they were really friendly. I found it hard to get information about  specific things, because nobody spoke English, but they were really keen to show me everything about their life and  what goes on in this place.

They live in very rudimentary housing, with no running water (let alone hot water), no hygiene standards, and certainly no toilet (It's piss in the streets around here), But surprisingly, I found them to have an inner peace about life somehow, and they seemed relaxed and happy. This is strange logic to a westerner, but you can't help admiring them. 

As with Indian people, they're incredibly resourceful, and use every situation and resource to their advantage. I was shown into their homes, and after a short while, was asked to have chai, and stay for a meal, which I had to decline unfortunately, because we were on our way somewhere else. 

You see, I'm a westerner, and I'm always in a rush and don't have time for chai, or communicating with others and being friendly and helping people in the streets. Being here really makes you question your life and the things you do. These people are almost as poor as you can get, yet they were prepared to give up some of there resources (food and drink) to a total stranger. Im sure they would have put me up for a week, if I had needed it. Our lives and values as westerner's , really need to be reassessed. 

Under the bridge is packed with housing like this.

An old man sitting out the front enjoying the view of the drains.

Someone else's house. 

One of the families. Even given their conditions, they try to look elegant. A far cry from some of the young girls in my home town. 

Another mum with an 8 month old. Gave this great lady 500 rupees, she was just so friendly and awesome. 

They make their living keeping cattle, raking up all the cowshit, drying it and making fire bricks out of it (no firewood in India) that they sell for people to burn. 

The finished product ready for sale. 

I hope these people have inspired you as much as they have me. The western mindset of being on the dole, that its other peoples resposibility to look after you? Ha!!

Bye from India xx 

Postkarte von Indien. 
Diese Leute wohnen unter eine brücke. Sie sind sehr arm aber trotzdem glücklich und haben zeit zum mein mann einladen zum essen und chai trinken. Sie verdienen gelt von Kuh Mist der Mist wert getrocknet und verkauft als brenn Stoff fürs kochen.