I was looking for a interesting picture to post to my visions when I stumbled on this image I shot in Nov’04. The place was Ahobilam, a fairly religious place in Andhra Pradesh, India. We were climbing up to the altar when I noticed this kid with his whip and costume along with a couple (adults, probably his parents) also dressed similarly. Their ‘job’ is to whip themselves for money. I guess the deep rooted belief is that when these gypsies punish themselves, they do it so that someone else’s sins get washed away***. The feller who wants his sins washed, invites these self-floggers, pays them some money and enjoys the show. One can imagine that this cannot degrade anymore – but as it turns out, the business has dulled down for these floggers and as a consequence, they now flog themselves for the sake of entertaining the bystanders. Though it sounds harsh, this is still commonplace in certain quarters of the country.

Now, before I sound all sentimental and shit, I will say that as long as there is willing audience and performer, the situation is not going to change. But what kicks me at my butt is the fact that as long as education and support is not available to the performers, they will remain deluded with the illusion that they have no other choice in their life than to accept their “fate”.

I guess, almost similar sentiments were running through my mind when I shot a few pictures. This particular image stood out for me and it makes a strong statement about this situation. The little feller has not much choice now – he is totally reliant on the family. May be he is the star of the show, people definitely pity children undergoing pain and tend to be more generous. However, when he grows up, what is he going to do? Follow in the foot steps of his parents? Break out of this cycle? Where is the welfare for such poor souls?

The positive side is that the kid is still impressed with the dirty tank with pebbles. During his free time, he can return to fleeting glimpses of being a child. I guess that is redemption enough for him before he gets back to his routine act. Life is unfair indeed.

Journeying across India makes one appreciate the positives in their own life. Try it!

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