Santosh, 30, Varanasi, India. Varanasi is well known for the holy Ganges river and the Ghats where the deceased are cremated, but the alleys and street-shops next to the waters are often equally as interesting and lively. It was on one of these streets that I met Santosh. He insisted I share a chai with him and he seemed to appreciated the company and conversation. “I have no money to renovate my shop”. Santosh’s shop was like a window into his world. The simplicity of his existence and the meagre funds accessible to him were clearly evident and weighed heavily on his mind. Santosh inherited the shop from his parents. “It used to have more things”, but it seemed business had fallen away. As I spoke to Santosh, a local boy stopped by to buy some sweets. Santosh also sold ‘Paan’, which is made from Betel leaves and chewed liked tobacco, but otherwise his shop was almost bare. “My Father was a healer”. Santosh’s father’s passing four years earlier visibly affected him. He spoke in glowing terms of his father - Babaji Raemnut Vishkarma - saying many people would come to him for healing and his absence now was a great loss. “Marriage is not possible for a thirty year old with no money”. Family is especially important in India, but sadly when it comes to relationships, much importance is placed on a person’s social status and financial means. In Santosh’s case, he wanted nothing more than to be married, but felt this was almost impossible given his financial situation. As I said goodbye to Santosh I was left with a feeling of helplessness. I’m sure if Santosh had one wish in the world it would be for companionship. For every generalisation about a people, there are always exceptions however. I hope Santosh can find one such exception with whom he can share his life. 2015.
A quiet, shady alley in Varanasi, India.
A local - Varanasi, India. 2015.
