Picture of the Week

© K. L. Kamat

Who said "the poor cannot be happy " ?

The teethless, but hearty smile of an  Halakki lady conceals a life of utter poverty, illiteracy and  exploitation. Traditionally, these tribals led a simple farming life along the Sahyadri mountains in southwest India, but   the extremely simple lifestyles of Halakkis  made them vulnerable against the currents of 'progress' and in the recent years, their men have taken to drinking and gambling in large numbers and the women have fallen prey to the exploits of men, Indian and foreign.

See Also:

• Halakki Farming Community

• Children of the Forest God -- Learn about the little known, but very rich traditions and cultures of the tribals of India

August 17, 1998