Kanchi

I took this photo of this lady when I was in Holiday in Nepal. I had gone back to my country after 12yrs living in Australia. Her name is "Kanchi". She has been living with our family for as long as I can remember. She was abused by her husband and could not take it anymore. She could not go back home because in hindu culture and specially in villages, a wife who runs away or leave's her husband is considered an outcast. She brings shame to her family.
My grandfather told me that he found her crying on the side of the road. He asked her what had happened. Listening to her story, he asked if she would live with our family.
Even since that day, she has been living with our family. Must have been over 35yrs now. She hasn't returned either to her family or her home or her husband. We are her family now. She raised me and my siblings like we were her own children.
When I showed her the camera and told her what it does, I asked her, " how would you like to pose for me ", and immediately she gave me this pose.

I have taken many portraits but this one is the closest to my heart.

Namaste in Hindu religion means - I bow to the God within you. We believe that God lives within us. When someone greets Namaste to you, you greet them back with a humble Namaste.
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