“I was a devout Hindu. But when the earthquake destroyed everything I possessed, I was forced to live in a tent with families from other communities. I lost my religious identity. Like my new friend Aarti, who is a Christian from Pulchowk, I have a new identity now. We are both victims. We share the same grief.”
Photo: Pushkala Aripaka
“After the earthquake, many people left Kathmandu valley. But I have nowhere to go. This street is everything to me. My sewing machine is the only thing I have to earn a living. Now less people walk on the street. Now people don’t come to me for clothes because many of them are outside Kathmandu. The earthquake destroyed my landlord’s house. I had to change room. Now the rent is high and my income is decreasing and I have had to cut down on my expenses. I have not eaten meat for months because I can’t afford it. I can’t drink alcohol anymore. Fruits, I only dream of. I miss meat and alcohol badly.”
Photo: Amar Dhoj Lama
“I know Pune is not going to experience an earthquake anytime soon, but unconsciously I keep looking out for emergency exit routes especially when I am in tall buildings.”
Photo: Namita Rao
