OMG! A Woman ATE MUD for 12 Years
This Chhattisgarhi folk song, immortalised in the movie Peepli Live, is a reminder of the ephemeral nature of human existence.
But, the poet, Gangaram, would probably never have imagined that once the body is assimilated back into the earth, all one would find is mud in the stomach.
Shakun's belly has turned as hard as stone, due to a lack of food. But somehow, she has survived till now.
The misery of parched fields and dried up water reservoirs seems to find an expression in her groans. The wrinkles on her face bear witness to the fact that hunger is a much bigger problem than drought in the region.
Shakun has stayed alive for 12 years feeding on mud. Her situation is an indelible blot on our society, democracy and the country as a whole.
But, the poet, Gangaram, would probably never have imagined that once the body is assimilated back into the earth, all one would find is mud in the stomach.
Shakun's belly has turned as hard as stone, due to a lack of food. But somehow, she has survived till now.
The misery of parched fields and dried up water reservoirs seems to find an expression in her groans. The wrinkles on her face bear witness to the fact that hunger is a much bigger problem than drought in the region.
Shakun has stayed alive for 12 years feeding on mud. Her situation is an indelible blot on our society, democracy and the country as a whole.
