This is the final image from this week’s theme celebrating the women of Kolkata. Despite the enormous challenges of living in one of the city’s most deprived districts, the residents often demonstrate great resolve, easy humour, charm and grace.

I’ve been struggling with the word, “Slum” this week. Technically, it’s an accurate description of the district where you’ll find NGO projects but it’s such an ugly word. It seems to diminish the people who call it home and suggests an environment that we’d find disagreeable.

The synonyms for “Slum” are no better. None reflect the experiences I’ve had. There’s poverty and neglect, an absence of opportunity for sure. Yet I’ve always been greeted warmly and shown generous hospitality. “It’s often those with least who give most.”

As for the women, a few of whom I’ve paid tribute to this week, I’ve been inspired and humbled by their steadfast devotion to their families, their quick humour, uncomplaining industriousness and ability to carry loads that would leave me gasping (and calling for a Medic).

I picked this image to illustrate the uplifting and inspiring energy of the people I met in Tangra. Sometimes, when you’re focussed on one thing, something completely unexpected and joyful catches your attention.

I had photographed the lady in the red and yellow sari, walking away down the alleyway. Suddenly, this young woman sprinted around the corner. Wearing a beautiful dress and a smile to match, she looked as if she’d been magically transported from an Indian fairy-tale.

She stopped to chat and my friend Debora Walling made some instant prints for her to keep before she sprinted on her way. It seemed she was running purely for the joy of it. It’s an image which reminds me that we don’t have to let our surroundings dictate how we feel.

I hope your weekend is filled with the kind of joyful energy that makes you want to sprint along the street barefoot. If so, I look forward to seeing the photos!

Stock/Print: https://gavin.photo/gfi