The Bhaiyyas Of Bambai... A Story Of Survival

The Bhaiyyas Of Bambai... A Story Of Survival, a photo by firoze shakir photographerno1 on Flickr.

And who really cares about them, the Satraps in UP are busy making money, had the leaders past present or future created infrastructure , instead of building statues parks , had they created jobs the Bhaiyya .. could live with dignity in any part of India.

But he is mocked beaten for his lifestyle, he does all odd jobs and when he ends up building a home or a workplace in this migrant city , he is hated , because he had the courage will and the patience to do what he did and changed the rules of the game .. the next few pictures I am tweaking as monochromes shot by me to show you their world of survival.. the poetry of life shot as images ,,

I was born in Lucknow but came to Mumbai as a one year old living in a hutment at Kurla till God who was kind , bought my Dad to Wodehouse Road where we lived for many years than Strand Cinema Colaba a short stint at Neelam Apts Breach Candy too.

I on my part moved towards Bandra West and made Bandra my home and the path to my destiny.

I shoot the North Indian migrant from UP at Pitru Paksh Banganga and the Biharis at Chhat Puja Juhu beach every year... when I come to town I shoot the Bhaiyya patiwala two legged human taxi .. or coolies ,,,who live their dreams out these are the grass root North Indian migrant.. thelawalas.. you cant miss them near Crawford Market and Chakla.

Its a pity Mumbai being a fast paced city I have never sat down with them or chatted them.. but I did see a patiwala crying , he refused to beg, he was an old man , but I gave him money.. we all have bad days one time or the other..

Even when I can carry my stuff I give it to them to carry so they can earn with respect.., and here I must reiterate ..these guys are trustworthy , wont steal your stuff .. however miserly you maybe in giving them money for their services ..

And before this I showed you a few frames of barbers also from Uttar Pradesh eking their living in Mumbai.. the greatest collection of Bhaiyya barbers and bald North Indian diaspora is the eve of Navratra at Banganga Walkeshwar celebrating Pitru Paksh paying tribute to their dead ancestors by religious tonsure.

And all this I could capture as a street photographer and beggar poet.