Mission Delhi – Khemchand Pakoriwalle, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] He has a name that makes him seem one of those men justly famous for selling fabulous pakoras. But he stopped selling them some 40…
Mission Delhi – Manoj, Rose Garden, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Silently he unrolls the plastic mat along the leaf-strewn grass. Next, he takes off his shoes and socks, and plops down on the improvised bed,…
Mission Delhi – Farida Begum, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Farida Begum is the first to agree with the famous poet who suggested that loneliness is a horror not to be surveyed. “I do feel…
Mission Delhi – Munna Bhai, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] What’s that one thing in the world that’s closest to your heart? “Mummy’s photo,” declares Munna Bhai, a tea stall owner in central Delhi’s Hazrat…
Mission Delhi – Mohammed Jamal, New Seemapuri
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] His smile is so radiant that it almost seems tangible. As though you could hold that smile in your hands like a flower. Upon hearing…
Mission Delhi – Vijay Kumar, Kamla Nehru Park, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] An amazing sight this afternoon. He is the only person in the public garden without a mobile in his hand. Otherwise every single person in…
Mission Delhi – Ashiq Jama, Lodhi Gardens
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It seemed like a logical question. As a professional gardener, Ashiq Jama must have lots of flowers in his own home. Or? Mr Jama laughs….
Mission Delhi – Anil Kumar, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi is full of migrant men who leave their villages to make a better life in the big city. Here they live in accommodations, shared…
Mission Delhi – Bishen Das Sharma, Embassy Restaurant, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This morning the restaurant at the colonial-era Connaught Place is practically empty except for some elderly gentlemen drinking coffee, or may be some fancy tea….
Mission Delhi – Munazir, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Most Delhiites are familiar with the deep-throated cry of “kabadi walla kabadi walla!” (scrap collector, scrap collector!) as he walks along residential lanes. His cry…
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