Mission Delhi – Rani, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This is Rani’s 15th winter. She is wrapped in blankets and gunny sacks. The evening is chilly. She is quietly warming herself upon a coal-fired…
City Landmark – Rafugar Sajid Suhail’s Establishment, Chawri Bazaar
The last of his kind. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] He first learnt rafu—the noble art of darning—from his father, who in turn was taught by a master. Even so, Sajid Suhail, Chawri Bazaar’s only full-time rafugar, sincerely…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Priyanka Elangbam, Imphal
The 219th death. [Text and photo sent by Priyanka Elangbam] Priyanka Elangbam died last night with her earphones entangled loosely around her neck. It didn’t strangle her. She was listening to some positive affirmation ASMR videos on YouTube, to help…
Mission Delhi – Babu Ram, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Babu Ram has been selling ice cream on Delhi streets since more than 40 years— which give him considerable space for reflection. “I’m trying to…
City Hangout – Hog Market, Rajendra Place
Out of the way. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This unlikely place feels like an island, very far away from the Delhi of sleek shopping malls and markets. Hog Market is indeed a getaway from nouveau modernity. With…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Kingshuk Deka, Pune
The 218th death. [Text and photo sent by Kingshuk Deka] Kingshuk Deka always feared what if he were to outlive Luca. The growing cataract in the beautiful feline eyes bothered him. You see, Luca was more than just his pet…
City Faith – Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani’s Sufi Shrine, Old Delhi
A hidden landmark. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This is the whole of it. This small room with pink walls and a white marble grave. The shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani stands unobtrusively beside the…
City Walk – A Journey to Togo, Vasant Vihar
Tracking an elusive land. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Most of us might not claim much knowledge about Togo. But this West African country is right there at the Vasant Vihar Metro station. Sort of. Display signs at…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Devyani Srivastava, Noida
The 217th death. [Text and photos sent by Devyani Srivastava] She was all of 30 when she left this side of the world. It was an anxiety attack that took her to the stars and the moons. Devyani Srivastava was…
Mission Delhi – Kavita, Sector 14, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Isn’t it ironic how the most domestic and intimate enterprises of life sometimes take place in everybody’s sight? Take this one: A young mother swinging…
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