She survived the alleged mass massacre at Devgarh Baria village in Gujarat on March 3 2002. BILKIS SPEAKS ''The courage of my truth saw me through. The judgement has finally meant some closure to a long and very painful journey. Many wounds will never heal but I am stronger today, and for that I am thankful.'' "Nobody would be able to deny that sexual violence was perpetrated against women in Gujarat during the riots." ''The State and its officials who emboldened, encouraged, and protected the criminals who destroyed life during the riots still remain free and unblemished." ''It was their job to protect me. The battle I have won today gives me strength for the much larger and perhaps longer struggle, which lies ahead.'' "I could not have made the six-year-long painful and fearful journey alone. I am grateful to the NHRC and the Supreme Court which transferred my case to Maharashtra." ''This judgement does not mean the end of hatred but it does mean that somewhere, somehow justice can prevail.'' "I and my family members are still living in fear. It is the duty of the Gujarat government to assure us of safety." "The frequent flip-flop of Zahira Sheikh has hurt the fight of innocent victims of Gujarat riots and has brought a bad name to the community."
Faces
The above compedium is a tribute to Indian rural masses. The picture collection was developed from my project site visit to Orchha (Jhansi) in November 2007. (Pl. click to enlarge) With 70% of population residing in villages, occasional visits to such places offer a tough test to our development pardigms. I hope the pictures help us to relate back to reality of our people and motivates us to work better.
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