Totopara: A Forgotten Corner of India
In the lush foothills of the Himalayas lies Totopara, a small village where the Toto tribe has called home for generations. With the 18th general election on the horizon, the residents of Totopara feel overlooked and neglected by the political powers that be.
In the lush foothills of the Himalayas lies Totopara, a small village where the Toto tribe has called home for generations. With the 18th general election on the horizon, the residents of Totopara feel overlooked and neglected by the political powers that be.
The Plight of the Toto Tribe
Jiten Toto, an 80-year-old farmer, has witnessed decades of elections come and go without any real change in Totopara. Despite being one of the smallest tribes in the world, with only about 1,670 members, the Totos feel ignored by politicians who have failed to address their basic needs.
A Changing Landscape
Migration from Bhutan has reshaped Totopara's demographics, with the Toto tribe now being outnumbered in their own village. Land ownership issues have further exacerbated tensions, as the community fights to reclaim the land that was taken from them in 1969.
Infrastructure Woes
Poor roads, lack of healthcare services, and increasing human-animal conflicts are just a few of the challenges facing Totopara. The village's isolation during the monsoon season highlights the urgent need for infrastructure development and access to basic amenities.
Education and Employment Struggles
The village's only school is understaffed and struggling to retain students, leading to a rise in dropouts. Lack of job opportunities further compounds the issue, forcing many Totos to rely on selling betel nuts for their livelihood.
Political Apathy
As the general election approaches, the Totos remain undecided on which party to support. With their votes often overlooked by mainstream politicians, the community questions whether their voices truly matter in India's democratic process.
In Totopara, a sense of disillusionment looms as residents like Jiten wonder if their concerns will ever be heard by those in power. As the sun sets on another day in this forgotten corner of India, the hope for change remains a distant dream for the Toto tribe.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .