Mission Delhi - Iffat Zarrin, Gali Hakimji Wali

Mission Delhi – Iffat Zarrin, Gali Hakimji Wali

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] She is “tanha.” Alone. “I try to look for solitude in my tanhai,” murmurs Iffat Zarrin. As patriarchal Old Delhi’s only published women poet, her…

Mission Delhi - Subhash Kumar Das, Chelmsford Road

Mission Delhi – Subhash Kumar Das, Chelmsford Road

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The evening sky is dark with clouds threatening to burst into a heavy down- pour any moment. The trees too are swaying, as the winds…

Mission Delhi - Aslam, Gandhak ki Baoli

Mission Delhi – Aslam, Gandhak ki Baoli

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The afternoon is so humid that it seems like even fish can swim in the air. Aslam struggles out of his shirt and pants, throwing…

Mission Delhi - Kishen, Hazrat Nizamuddin East

Mission Delhi – Kishen, Hazrat Nizamuddin East

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] The night sky is jet black, with no star to be seen. Slowly, the darkness starts to fade away, and it is morning. Despite witnessing…

Mission Delhi - Muhammed Naushad, Near India Gate

Mission Delhi – Muhammed Naushad, Near India Gate

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Ordinary road, ordinary traffic light, ordinary auto rickshaws. Suddenly, the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, as a truly rare, almost never ever seen sight…

Mission Delhi - Pinky, Meharchand Market

Mission Delhi – Pinky, Meharchand Market

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] She is rolling out yet another atta ball, building up a stack of perfectly round garma-garam tawa rotis. Meanwhile her little daughter is glued to…

Mission Delhi - Subhash Yadav, Burari

Mission Delhi – Subhash Yadav, Burari

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] His three children are go-getters. Abhiraj, in 11th grade, is focusing to become an engineer. Suraj, in 10th grade, is focusing to become an IAS…

Mission Delhi - Annu Begum, Panj Peeran Graveyard

Mission Delhi – Annu Begum, Panj Peeran Graveyard

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Her voice is fainter than the slight sound of the evening breeze. “Hussain, Hussain, mera Hussain, Hussain…” At times, the voice falls completely silent, though…

Mission Delhi - Disha Dhawan, Daryaganj

Mission Delhi – Disha Dhawan, Daryaganj

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] She wakes up at her Palam Vihar residence only after her husband brings her the morning chai. The breakfast subzi-kachori is later ordered from the…

Mission Delhi - Muhammed Asif, Ghalib Academy Library

Mission Delhi – Muhammed Asif, Ghalib Academy Library

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] This moment, the young man in white kurta-pajama is poring upon a book. This moment, he is scrawling on a pad. Now, he is thoughtfully…