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Makheer | The people of Kangra

ABOUT

Makheer is a story about the forest-dwelling and pastoral people of Chherna, a village nestled in the Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Once a serene and self-sufficient ecosystem, it now faces a lamentable transformation. The Lambadug River, flowing through the valley which is necessary for the sustenance of the local communities, suffers from unchecked private hydel projects lynching on the natural resources.

Which has led to pollution, encroachment, deforestation and neglect of local communities causing grave impacts on the environment. This project explores the challenges faced by the people of Chherna as they find themselves ensnared in a struggle for survival, attempting to preserve their identity, and life-sustaining forest and river rights against the backdrop of poorly enforced Forest Rights Act (FRA) laws.

Exploration

Initially explorations were that of the landscape elements to convey themes of change, contrast, and disruption. However, the emphasis transitioned from utilizing landscapes as a visual medium to focusing on expressions and portraits of individuals and their narratives. The theme evolved from a global narrative about landscape destruction to an intimate story specific to Chherna and its inhabitants.

Chherna & People

The final collection comprises 38 mixed-media portraits of individuals from Chherna, showcased in the book 'Makheer.' Each portrait is paired with a natural element or object related to the person's memories or experiences. A discernible pattern emerged, illustrating that the older generation's memories were more organic and tied to their natural surroundings, while the younger generation's recollections were more synthetic. 

The chronology of portraits, from the oldest to the youngest, exposes a 'synthetic invasion' in Chherna's once-pristine landscape. As the community transitions from farming to labour work, the shift is evident in the changing memories of the people, reflecting a transformation in their lifestyles and interactions within the evolving environment. 

The Exhibition

Makheer was exhibited at the Sambhaavna Institute in Kandbari, Himachal Pradesh. Sambhaavna, a non-profit organization, includes a School for the local kids and focuses on an alternative learning approach. Exhibiting in Himachal allowed me to complete a full circle, returning the work to the community that played a crucial role in its creation. Those from Chherna, with whom I collaborated, were extended invitations to witness the exhibition.

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