I wanted to write this blog, because this is something that I've noticed for quite some time. Feet are something that I usually do not like, they actually frighten me at times, which is silly I know. However, I've noticed the various feet in India, and they've gotten me thinking. By looking at peoples feet, you can tell somewhat of the life that they live. For instance, the tiny, dirty feet of a small child can tell you that this child probably is poorer than most and could possibly live in a slum or village outside of Kolkata. This child has probably seen more than I will ever see at the age of just 5-6 years old. The child probably plays in the dirt and runs around constantly. He/she is free to roam wherever he/she chooses in this slum or village.
Then you see the tiny, clean feet decorated with pink or blue or green shoes. These children most likely have a home of some sort and their parents do fairly well. These children will most likely if they don't already, attend school and receive an education. These children probably play indoors most of their days and spend their time with children of their same status. Their parents most likely maintain their hygiene extremely closely.
You also see grown, dirty, blistered feet of a man peddling a bicycle rickshaw or a motor rickshaw and a woman sweeping the streets or holding a child near the curb. This man or woman most likely works below minimum wage. Their feet are extremely used due to the work that they perform daily. They have numerous blisters showing how hard they work in order to bring back even the littlest income. They may be trying to provide an education for their children, but it may not be possible. Some are happy and content with their life, while others continue to long for more opportunities.
There are also the grown, clean, sometimes painted feet of a man on the metro or a woman shopping with her daughter or son. The painted feet of women near a Hindu temple. These men and women are probably well-off or can at least make enough money to provide for their family and ensure that their children are educated. They are more concerned with material wealth, but they also understand the poverty that surrounds them and so they give thanks daily for their blessings. They worked for every penny that they earn, and they do not waste a cent. Some are extremely happy and proud of where they have come. They don't take life too seriously, and they know their children will be happy. Others are anxious, always wanting more money. They may despise their job and take it out at home, but they stay in the job because it provides security for their family.
These and so many more are the stories of the feet of India. They and so many more stories and feet comprise the intricate caste system and demographic. They form what is known as the plethora of culture and lifestyle that inhibits India. These footprints are teaching me so many various lifestyles that walk the streets of Kolkata. These feet surround my flourishing life in India and leaves me curious for more.
Then you see the tiny, clean feet decorated with pink or blue or green shoes. These children most likely have a home of some sort and their parents do fairly well. These children will most likely if they don't already, attend school and receive an education. These children probably play indoors most of their days and spend their time with children of their same status. Their parents most likely maintain their hygiene extremely closely.
You also see grown, dirty, blistered feet of a man peddling a bicycle rickshaw or a motor rickshaw and a woman sweeping the streets or holding a child near the curb. This man or woman most likely works below minimum wage. Their feet are extremely used due to the work that they perform daily. They have numerous blisters showing how hard they work in order to bring back even the littlest income. They may be trying to provide an education for their children, but it may not be possible. Some are happy and content with their life, while others continue to long for more opportunities.
There are also the grown, clean, sometimes painted feet of a man on the metro or a woman shopping with her daughter or son. The painted feet of women near a Hindu temple. These men and women are probably well-off or can at least make enough money to provide for their family and ensure that their children are educated. They are more concerned with material wealth, but they also understand the poverty that surrounds them and so they give thanks daily for their blessings. They worked for every penny that they earn, and they do not waste a cent. Some are extremely happy and proud of where they have come. They don't take life too seriously, and they know their children will be happy. Others are anxious, always wanting more money. They may despise their job and take it out at home, but they stay in the job because it provides security for their family.
These and so many more are the stories of the feet of India. They and so many more stories and feet comprise the intricate caste system and demographic. They form what is known as the plethora of culture and lifestyle that inhibits India. These footprints are teaching me so many various lifestyles that walk the streets of Kolkata. These feet surround my flourishing life in India and leaves me curious for more.
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