- Written by Babit Kupar Kharnaior, Fifth Semester, Media Technologies, 2023
In the heart of a remote, verdant valley, nestled between towering mountains, lies a village unlike any other. This idyllic hamlet, untouched by the modern world, is a place where time seems to stand still. Here, there are no roads, no cars, and certainly no healthcare centers.
The journey to this village is not for the faint of heart, as it involves a grueling 7kms or a three-hour trek through rugged terrain. Welcome to the village, Nongjri Wahskhong, Laitlyngkot, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.
Nongjri Wahskhong is a hidden gem, an abode of 500 residents where the majority of them are Christians. Nongjri Wahskhong is a village where nature reigns supreme. Surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and a pristine river that winds its way through the valley, this village is a haven for those seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Earth. But its isolation comes at a price. Without roads or healthcare facilities, life in Nongjri Wahskhong is a daily struggle against the elements.
Nongjri Wahskhong is of the Hima Khyrim, it's headman is a well educated man name Kyntiewbok Kharkongor.
The journey to this village begins at the nearest town, 7kms away from Nongjri Wahskhong. From there, intrepid travelers must embark on a trek that takes them through dense forests, up steep, winding paths that seem to touch the heavens. The three-hour journey is not for the faint of heart, and only the most determined make it to the village. The villagers along with the headman approached the Local Representative time and again to sanction a scheme to construct roads or ropeway so as to make the villagers easy to carry goods and also to travel to healthcare centres but as usual till now nothing happen, says the Headman.
In this village there are 4 schools, 3 LP schools and SSA school which is till class 8. And those who have passed their class 8 i.e, from class 9 onwards have to travel for 3 hours or more carrying their heavy bags to reach their respective schools and colleges.
For generations, the people of Nongjri Wahskhong have relied on their own resourcefulness to survive. They grow Synsar (broom), bananas, beetle leaves and other fruits and vegetables to earn their living. They have to travel for 3hrs with heavy loads on their backs in order to sell their produce and when a medical emergency strikes, the journey to the nearest town becomes a race against time. Families must band together to carry the injured or sick person through treacherous terrain, hoping against hope that they will reach help in time. Many have lost loved ones due to the sheer difficulty of accessing medical care.
Despite these hardships, the people of Nongjri Wahskhong are resilient and proud. They have a deep connection to their land and a profound respect for the natural world. Their isolation has preserved traditions and customs that have long been forgotten in more urbanized areas.
Yet, despite the hardships, there is a sense of serenity in Nongjri Wahskhong that is hard to find elsewhere. The absence of modern conveniences has fostered a deep connection to the natural world and a sense of self-reliance that is awe-inspiring. The people here understand the delicate balance of nature, and they live in harmony with it.
Here are a series of photographs of Nongjri Wahskhong
Comments