In the tranquil Gharbhanga Reserve Forest, an eerie calm prevails, starkly contrasting with the festive hustle of nearby Guwahati. As the rest of the city prepares for Diwali, the “festival of lights,” the villagers of Gharbhanga dwell in persistent darkness. Despite the modern world surrounding them, electricity – a basic amenity for urban residents – remains a distant dream for these families.
India Today NE embarked on a journey to explore this stark inequality. Navigating through traffic to reach the forest checkpoint, they received warnings from officials about roaming elephants and tigers. Undeterred, the team ventured deeper and encountered Sunati Fangshu, a 50-year-old mother, washing clothes by a stream. Welcoming the reporters into her humble wooden home, Sunati shared, “Diwali is about lights, but for us, it’s more about darkness. We do what we can with small lamps, but it’s not the same.”
Her son Rinku, an eighth-grader, expressed a heartfelt plea for electricity, especially during festival seasons. The request highlights the sharp disparities in access to basic infrastructure. Sunati further explained daily struggles, including traveling to neighboring Meghalaya to charge phones and relying on stream water for daily needs. Local officials, aware of the issue, cited environmental regulations as a barrier.
While Guwahati dazzles with colorful lights, Gharbhanga relies on kerosene lamps and community bonds. Their subdued Diwali celebrations symbolize resilience in the face of adversity. However, the question lingers: is this remote community being neglected, its needs eclipsed by urban conveniences? For the families of Gharbhanga, electric light remains an unattained luxury, a poignant reminder of ongoing inequalities as the city revels in Diwali’s brightness.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/in-the-shadows-of-diwali-gharbhangas-fight-for-light-in-darkness-1113211-2024-10-29?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-10-29 22:38:00
