Author: Priyanka Shankar

Exploring the Borderlands of Chushul, Ladakh – Join Tashi Angmo in her kitchen as she prepares timok, a traditional Tibetan bread, in the picturesque village of Chushul, Ladakh, India. Located at an altitude of 4,350 meters, Chushul offers breathtaking views and a unique blend of Tibetan and Indian cultures. Despite its serene surroundings, Chushul is also situated near the Line of Actual Control with China, adding a touch of geopolitical tension to the otherwise tranquil setting. The recent clash in 2020 between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley has changed the dynamics of the region, impacting the lives…

Life as a Nomad in Chushul, Ladakh: A Story of Resilience As the sun sets in mid-September, Kunzes Dolma guides her yaks through the streets of Chushul, a Himalayan village near the India-China border. Dolma, a 68-year-old herder from the Changpa community, faces challenges due to military restrictions on grazing near the border. The 1962 Sino-Indian war has left a lasting impact on the region, with occasional clashes along the Line of Actual Control. The 2020 skirmish in the Galwan valley heightened tensions, reminding locals of past conflicts. Despite the difficulties, farmers like Rigzhin Dorjay and Chetan Doye strive to…

Coal Mining in West Bengal and Jharkhand: A Story of Struggle and Survival Amar Baran Paul recalls the horrifying day when the ground shook beneath him, causing over 25 houses to collapse in Harishpur town, located near the Madhabpur coal mine in West Bengal. Land subsidence incidents are common in the area, affecting communities like Harishpur. In Rakhakura, families like Manik Bauri’s live adjacent to coal mines, facing health issues due to pollution and coal dust. These communities, largely dependent on the coal industry, also engage in illegal coal smuggling to sustain their livelihoods. Despite promises from politicians, residents’ demands…