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

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Ramnami Trible

Most of the Ramnami are of Dalit background, an Indian common name for people at the bottom of the caste pyramid. They are largely illiterate and not allowed to enter the "upper" caste of Hindus. Entering Indian temples and using private wells, they began tattooing 'Ram' on their bodies and faces as a way to protest India's brutal caste inequality. I believe: Everyone who picks up the camera will deeply sympathize with the people here and their stories. I want to send a message: "If someone hurts you, don't panic, accept it. Pain makes us grow, and the enemy is the sandpaper that angel gives us to shine. In the end, all we have to do is throw away the worthless sandpaper.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: India
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Helena Vân