These pictures came from an expedition to Yuksam, India. Yuksam is a pristine village that has come under considerable environmental stress in recent years, with more tourists and huge construction projects in the region. We were there to assist their
local NGO with its ecotourism efforts.
His shots:
Credit: Alvin Koh
Our homestay host, Tseten, joined us for breakfast and reminisced about his childhood. He is pursuing a degree in history, and serves as a trekking guide in his spare time. Just like the other villagers, Tseten is very proud and protective of the pristine environment he grew up in.
Credit: Alvin Koh
A frightened child showed up at the house and was offered comfort, food and drink. The villagers have a lot of love and respect for children, and it shows beyond these little gestures. For instance, orphans are so readily adopted that some families raised 11 children at the same time!
Credit: Alvin Koh
It was sheer bliss the joining children in their races and tumbles across endless fields in the beautiful weather. Here, inseparable buddies take a breather from their game of tag.
Credit: Alvin Koh
This little child was playing at the village center as his proud mother watched on. This is one of those lucky shots. I was so focused on the child's serious expression that I did not notice the contrast of his mother's broad smile in the background.
Credit: Alvin Koh
While exploring the village, we chanced upon a child's birthday celebration and were invited to join in the revelry. Amid the dance and laughter, I noticed an adorable kid looking a little left out. To me, this photograph evokes a lot of thoughts and emotions like individualism, identity and isolation within groups.
