28th Shodh Yatra 2012 in Mizoram - Photographic Memories..

The plans were set and I was going for another Shodh Yatra after my overwhelming experience of the Shodh Yatra in Assam in 2009. 

After the first yatra, I had promised to myself to be part of every subsequent Shodh Yatra for the impact it had on how I viewed my life. The yatra was a life changing experience where I underwent deep self introspection and posed strong questions to myself. I closely observed the lives of tribal communities and experienced how each one of us is connected despite language and exposure differences. The opportunity to witness the innovations done by rural communities and the passion with which they explained their traditional knowledge and life experiences was phenomenal. Another source of learning was the experiences shared by fellow yatris who had come from different walks of life to connect with a common purpose of going to the roots and connect with our society at large. 

The purpose of Shodh Yatra is to scout rural innovations and help them commercialize but I believe that more than finding rural innovations, we identified our own innovative and creative side. 

With such a positive impression of the yatra, I embarked on my second yatra held in Mizoram. The Mizo touched with same intensity as the people whom I met at my first yatra in Assam. Mizos, hill people,  are friendly people and reflect strong passion for music (guitar) and sports. I got an opportunity to have close interactions with many local families, the learning from which goes much beyond words and can only be experienced by being there.

Following are some of the photographs of my yatra which speaks much more than the words:

An interaction session with locals where they share their innovations and traditional knowledge with us 

Having late night conversations with the communities

Prof Anil Gupta honoring a centenarian lady

Collecting our energies to commence the walk at early morning

A close photo of a centenarian lady

Good Morning! It is time to start the day

I posing with a centenarian lady

Exhibits at a museum

Trying my strength against Robert, a local who guided us throughout the walk

Prof Gupta with infectious smile!

And here we are concluding the Shodh Yatra moving forward in life and equally deeper.... The bonds formed will remain forever and keep everyone motivating to do something meaningful in their lives...

Photo Courtesy: Ryker, Deepa, Pankhuri, Fayaz, Aruna and Tarun