Santoshi's Story

​

We stumbled upon Santoshi's story while documenting the consequences of COVID-19 over tribal communities in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. With the global pandemic situation, it was decided that schools/classes will be conducted                                                                            online, but makes one wonder what promise does online learning                                                                            platforms hold for kids like Santoshi?

​

                                                                    We met Santoshi in the deep forest of Seelpani looking after her                                                                              younger siblings.

​

                                                                    Every year Santoshi and her family has to abandon their house and                                                                        make their ways to the deep forest to collect forest produces. The                                                                          duration of their stay lasts between 15 days to 3 months, depending                                                                        upon the abundance of produces.

​

                                                                    Santoshi belongs to the Kamar Tribe community. Gathering mahua flowers, wild fruits, wild mushrooms, other rare wild vegetables, and selling it in local haatri bazaars is a key source of income for these families.

​

There are not many livelihood opportunities available to this PVTG, they struggle to put two times meal. In such situations having access to android phones and internet connections does not even make its way to their priority list.