For more than 20 years, I has used my camera as a tool for justice—documenting the resilience of women, marginalized communities, and those navigating the double burden of structural violence and environmental destruction. From investigating the impact of female foeticide to exposing how a mine engulfs the bodies of Singrauli’s residents, my work has been used effectively for advocacy.
At the recent ORA Ideas Festival, my multi-media exhibit captured the resilience of Nanda’s Last Sentinels—the last generation to have lived in the forests of Pang, Tolma, Lata and Raini, India before they were taken away to form the core zone of the Nanda Devi National Park in 1982.
They’ve always lived with a deep rooted belief in their local mountain goddess (Nanda) Devi’s protective powers. Now they fear she has been enraged as Devi Aapdas (disasters) frequent the region. As tunnels bore through the still-rising Himalayas, rockslides crash down and glacial lakes swallow the local bystanders, facing the brunt of this tussle.
With the mountain confronting invasive penetration in the name of green energy, border security and instant moksh (salvation for the Char Dham pilgrims), the roles of protection have reversed. Armed with memories of their self-sustaining past, the elders brave an in-situ resistance even in the face of danger.
Their spiritual respect for these forests and mountains has manifested in the customs, rituals and practices that conserved this natural sanctuary for so long. I am now creating a series of in-depth visual stories that will come together as a multimedia microsite that captures the wisdom of this fading generation—a wisdom that we are likely to lose soon if we don’t listen.
About the Author
Ruhani Kaur is a visual journalist dedicated to justice-driven storytelling. For over 20 years, she has documented the lived realities of women and marginalized communities facing systemic violence and environmental harm. Her work has supported advocacy efforts, informed campaigns, and helped push for policy change. She continues to explore new, interactive ways of bringing these stories to life. Learn more about Ruhani Kaur and explore her work on her website.
