~~ heritage or disgrace ~~, a photo from West Bengal, East

Photographer's Note

Hand Pulled Rickshaw is one of the oldest vehicles of Kolkata. It may be a matter of surprise that the city manages to retain the hackneyed rickshaw along with the present day transport systems like the metro railway. The long parallel bars and colourful seats with the ‘tung tang’ rhythm of the bells, make Rickshaw an emblem of Kolkata tradition.

In India, hand-pulled rickshaws are only seen in this city. It doesn’t mean that latest technologies are not welcome in this city. Most of the places in Kolkata have cycle rickshaw and auto rickshaw facility. There are an estimated 24,000 rickshaw pullers in Kolkata. But hand-pulled rickshaws are mostly confined to the traditional localities of this city. Bowbazar, College Street, Hogg Market, Bhowanipur, Kalighat, Shyambazar, Amherst Street, Ballygunge are the localities of ‘Rickshaw Communities’.

But should we feel proud about rickshaw – the inhuman vehicle? It shocks when a plump of flesh boards on a rickshaw with heaps of luggage and orders the aged rickshaw puller to run fast. Added to all these is the barbaric attitude of the passengers ugly bargains on the rate. Can any civilized city even dare to dream that a man bent with age and lashes of poverty is pulling on double or triple weight passengers and luggage?
Kolkata is the city of life, love and humanity – hand driven rickshaws are really tragedies.
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After having some rounds the man counts the grands.
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Thank You.And have a nice weekend.

SnapRJW, Subhogen, timecapturer, aleXundar ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

serp2000 (47063) 2013-12-13 10:27

Hello, Mrityunjoy,
I see he has got good salary today. Very interesting scene, fine details. Oh, here is two vehicles, but in the thumbnail it looks like a cart. y compliments! Well done!
All the best wishes!
Serghei

elize_meijer (12) 2013-12-13 10:57

Well spotted. Love how the 2 carts look like 1.

it almost feels like you are intruding in a private moment. Thank you for sharing

m (0) 2013-12-13 12:27

Amazing picture,
real piece of photographic art. So telling and expressive. Congratulations on your excellent work.
Thanks and best regards

SnapRJW (31631) 2013-12-13 23:13

Hello Mrityunjoy - Your delightful picture has a darker side which you comment on very well in your note, you raise a dilemma which dogs the world and one which, I am sorry to say, will never be easily solved. How do we raise the living conditions of millions of people all over the planet? The hard-working rickshaw driver is at least in work and has the opportunity to earn a few rupees. Exploited? Most likely but he works to provide for his family and for that he can hold up his head with pride. An excellent shot which highlights the tragedy of many lives. Warm regards rosemary

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2013-12-14 1:52

Aare bah! Eta darun tow! Durdanto composition. Besh ekta painting-painting looks aachhe. Superb photography with interesting colour tone. Very very well done brother. Tfs.
S

Subhogen (4067) 2013-12-14 2:31

Hello Mrityunjoy,
Great composition for this photo. Perfect timing as well.
Very aptly titled. They are not heritage at all and they should be slowly phased out with financial support from the government. Besh bhalo chobi.
Regards,
Subho

timecapturer (49288) 2013-12-14 3:53

Hi Mrityunjoy
an evocative posting this, made all the mores so on reading your commentary. It is a glimpse of something that is strangely beautiful, traditional and obviously a means of earning a living. This is a wonderfully executed shot, full of character and also powerful considering the size of this conveyance before any human involvement. Stunning imagery!

Enjoy the weekend - B.

aleXundar (1256) 2013-12-15 6:32

Hello Mrityunjoy,
A beautiful one from North Kolkata with a thought-provoking note.
Very compact and a very natural shot. Colors are superb and so is your timing.
Excellent presentation of Kolkata's typical transport.
Thanks.

Regards,
Alekhya