Mission Delhi – Shahji, Fatehpuri Mosque
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] As an ascetic, Shahji—as he introduced himself—has but one main mission in life: meditating alone in an Old Delhi mosque, hours on end. The 80-year-old,…
Mission Delhi – Ram Lal, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It sure is not his most precious possession. It certainly is the most eye-catching. “It’s my guthi,” says Ram Lal, taking out the pouch from…
Mission Delhi – Ram Jeevan, Near Red Fort
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Paan vendor Ram Jeevan is sitting on a pavement near the Red Fort patiently waiting for customers while recalling his long years in Delhi. “I…
Mission Delhi – Rameshwar Thakur, Near Ramlila Maidan
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] If there’s one thing this footpath barber truly prizes, it’s his torn umbrella. On this drizzly summer day, it’s keeping Rameshwar Thakur relatively dry while…
Mission Delhi – Ram Krishen Das, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] His is the simple life. This sage survives on fruit and rotis—and has been living in a bamboo scaffolding within a temple for more than…
Mission Delhi – Geeta Rani, Sadar Bazaar, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It is so simple to sell household appliances in the bazaar. But it hasn’t been all that easy for Geeta Rani. The 50-year-old stall owner…
Mission Delhi – Muhammed Shamim, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The life of paan seller Muhammed Shamim has been touched by a very long and beautiful friendship. “I’m talking about Shahid,” with whom he grew…
Mission Delhi – Rekha, Gurgaon Railway Station
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Rekha and Ghukkar are a long-time couple. Both are labourers in the Millennium City of Gurgaon in the Delhi region. “Today is our off,” says…
Mission Delhi – Roop Chand Rekwar, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Like so many other Delhiites, Roop Chand Rekwar has very long hours. Arising at 5:30 am almost every day, he leaves home in Narela very…
Mission Delhi – Shabana Banu, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] In an instant, her life changed forever. “My son, my only son, is dead,” says Shabana Banu, who lives on a Central Delhi footpath. Her…
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