Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Colors of India

Buxa Tiger reserve was in my bucket list for quite a few years, I wanted to engage in conservation activities so I could educate children and also rehabilitate poachers. Foskadanga is one of the oldest tribal village in the Buxa Tiger Reserve which is close to the elephant corridors. The purpose of my visit to the village was to work towards conserving ethnic tribal culture and also create wildlife awareness to the people of Foskadanga. The dream came true after I met the people of Rabha tribal community through my friend who was doing his community research. One of the initiatives I've taken to improve life of people at the tribal villagers is education. These children are roots of our country who will bring a change to the face of India fighting poverty. My friend and I are working together to improve the quality of education through various development programs and also through responsible tourism initiatives. The story of this photograph is that the children gathered for a send off as it was my last day at the village and the Rabha people performed a culture dance to surprise me.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2015
Date Uploaded: 08.2015
Photo Location: Buxa, India
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Copyright: © Ganesh Ravi