I was randomly taking pictures of Sindhupalchowk’s fragile hills, which have a long history of disasters like landslides and earthquakes, during the baseline survey for the project Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions in Sindhupalchowk. ForestAction NepalIDRC / CRDI
My gaze fixed on the scene of the hills for a long time. I initially noticed undulating green hills, scattered houses, and rocky edges around the trees. But when I started to shape it on the basis of my life learnings, I connected it with how one’s life struggles, limitations, and boundaries constrict people on small edges.
The prejudices, limitations, stereotypes, inaccessibility, and myriad other obstacles that one encounters in life are represented by the rough and dry edges that encircle the trees.
But despite all these visible and invisible walls, the person who has a progressive mindset will grow either way. The lush green forest in between these rocky edges gave me hope that no matter where your roots are or the limited resources you have, you tend to grow and flourish if you decide to keep on going and pursue your dreams avidly within the walls too.
Our positive outlook on life is what propels us forward. If the seeds of these trees were pessimistic about the space and the unfavorable conditions here, they wouldn’t have grown up to be this dense and green.
It’s all up to us whether we see the glass as half filled or half-empty.
