Atma Katha, translated into English, means “my story.” When the summer program visited the village of Jharuwarasi in 2005, one of the villagers asked Steve Folmar, “What can you do for us?” This is our answer. Atma Katha is a multi-faceted project aimed at providing Jharuwarasi with funds for development projects. Atma Katha, currently a photo exhibit, will eventually be published as a book featuring individual biographies and photographs of Jharuwarasi villagers.
Jharuwarasi is a small, semi-urban village a few miles south of Kathmandu, Nepal. The term “semi-urban” indicates the presence of a dirt road with vehicular access, but Jharuwarasi is a far-cry from anything the West considers to be urban. The population of Jharuwarasi is predominately Dalit, previously known as “untouchables” in the Hindu caste system. For generations, Dalits have been socially, ritually, politically and economically marginalized.
The people of Jharuwarasi are disadvantaged, not only by their caste, but because the village lacks facilities needed to uphold minimal living standards for some. The village, although “semi-urban,” is not developed. However, the people there actively desire a better way of life. The present development projects are not enough to support and uplift an entire community. Water availability is erratic and agriculture is not sufficient to support everyone. Local healthcare facilities are nonexistent. All these deficiencies prevent Dalit villagers from upward social mobility. However, properly applied development projects and facilities would improve living standards, providing the villagers with the capability to gain economic and foster political equality. This is exactly what Atma Katha strives to achieve: self-empowerment for a disempowered people.
Currently a photography exhibit, Atma Katha is evolving into a publishable book. The book will feature personal biographies and photographs of individuals living in Jharuwarasi. In summer of 2007, several socially conscious young adults of Jharuwarasi created an NGO (non-government organization, similar to a non-profit organization in the United States) called Animation Nepal. This NGO facilitates successful development projects for Jharuwarasi villagers by Jharuwarasi villagers. All profits (income beyond production costs) from photo sales and book sales funds this NGO to promote effective development and social mobility for the people of Jharuwarasi.
Please download and print the Photo Order Form (PDF) and send the completed order form with a check or money order to:
Steven Folmar
Department of Anthropology
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27109.
In order to reduce costs, photos will be printed once a month by Brian Perry. Note - Size may vary slightly because of format.