Mission Delhi – Salim Javeri, Nizamuddin Basti
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] He walks to the young man and whisper in English, “Sir, I see you are lucky. ” The man stares at him for…
City Food – Ram Laddoo, Around Town
Simple and honest. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Nobody knows how the deep fried balls of moong dal came to be known as Ram laddoo. It might have followed the Hindu belief that something with no name can…
City Season – Amaltas Tree, Hauz Khas Village
The summer’s gift. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] On April 12th, 2010, the tree was bare except for four dry leaves. When an eagle flew past the branches, they looked bleak. The Delhi Walla was in Hauz Khas…
Mission Delhi – Sunita Pandit, Palika Bazaar Park
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Intently looking around, her eyes focus in on the the corner bench. A joda (couple) is sitting there. Sunita Pandit, 56, walks up to…
Mission Delhi – Kareem Khan, Nehru Place
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Sitting beside his secondhand books, Karim Khan, 52, lights up a Goldflake. The surrounding office skyscrapers of Nehru Place are looking like sleepy giants…
City Food – Lassi, Chandni Chowk
The cool yoghurt drink. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi has no copyright over the sweet-tart lassi. The cool, creamy, frothy yoghurt drink is delicious nourishment across India, especially during the summer. It is simple to make –…
City Region – Middle Lane, Connaught Place
It’s not loved. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Its curved passage is empty. The stone floor uneven. The wall disfigured. The plaster is chipping off. This short passage connects the Outer Circle corridor to the Middle Lane of…
Mission Delhi – Ram Swaroop Sharma, India Gate Maidan
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] The roti seems to be a few days old. Packed in a mud-stained handkerchief, it is broken into small pieces. With no sabzi or…
City Landmark – Rajiv Gandhi Setu, Ring Road
An urban refuge. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] A smoggy traffic square that was once dreaded by commuters for its long jams has become an unlikely urban haven. On one grassy slope, a group of women is playing…
Mission Delhi – Surinder, Pataudi House
One of the one per cent in 13 million. [Text and pictures by Mayank Austen Soofi] Effortlessly stitching the sole of a slipper, he says, “Its side has torn off.” After finishing the job, Surinder, 24, cuts off the thick…
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