29/06/2019
()
・・・
Once upon a time, I landed up in a little mountain village in Uttarakhand. The snow-capped peaks, rhododendron forests and mountain lakes stole my heart. But the longer I stayed, the more I realised that this was no ordinary village. Every summer, the locals run high altitude marathons, go birdwatching, practice yoga and more! Travellers are welcome to join but not the primary audience.
Once upon a time, I thought it was my responsibility, as a travel writer, to share their story with the world. But after spending time with them, I thought it would be much more powerful if they could connect directly with the world and share their own stories. Thus began what is India’s first and only Instagram account to be run entirely by a non-urban local community - 👣
A couple of years ago, to support their voices, some of you contributed smartphones, and we held an Instagram and Photography workshop in the village, introducing more local storytellers to Instagram.
Then something amazing happened. - one of the youngest storytellers from Munsiari - saved up all her money to buy a DSLR camera and express herself through photography! When I asked her why, she said: “I live in one of the world’s most beautiful places. I thought people come from outside and take amazing pictures here, so why can’t we?” Follow her dreamy work showcasing life in the mountains.
Then something even more amazing happened. - even younger than Alka - took on the role of the official photographer for their annual mela this year. Perhaps the creative environment within the community is fostering such talented photographers 💚 .
Isn’t it amazing how technology can create opportunities, raise storytellers and bring out hidden talent beyond urban India? Thanks for the chance to document some of these stories and connecting the country 🙏
This post is part of my series. Have you met people on your travels who’re using technology in inspiring ways? .
📷: 😍
