KERALA The photographs featured in this photo essay were captured in Kerala, a small state situated in the south-western region of India. This state has gained worldwide recognition as “God’s Own Country” due to its plentiful and picturesque landscapes, favourable climatic conditions, and backwaters. The 589.5-kilometer coastline of this state accounts for 10 percent of the total coastline of India. Consequently, fishing has historically been a prevalent means of subsistence in these areas, which explains why the majority of previous generations made fishing their primary occupation. However, this perception has changed in recent decades due to several reasons, like climate change, and people these days consider fishing to be one of the most deplorable occupations on account of the arduous nature of its labour.
It is in this context that I am using a few images to redefine the nobility of this profession by emphasizing its tribulations and grandeur, as well as the fishermen’s integrity. Literature, mainly, fiction works portrays fishing as one of the most chauvinist occupations by popularising the lives of Captain Ahab and Santiago hence people think that it is more fun and fascinating. But being a fisherman’s son, I would argue that it is one of the most exhilarating and exhausting professions in the world. In these areas, fishermen call the sea ‘Kadalamma’, Kadal means sea and Amma refers to mother. By attributing this sacred identity to the Arabian Sea these people consider her as their bread-giver and protector. Some of the images here show fishermen mending their nets by sitting on the shore which symbolically can be interpreted as her children repairing their livelihoods by sitting on her lap.
This occupation will elevate an individual’s interpersonal and societal competencies through continuous immersion in the vast depths of the ocean for sustenance. Fishing in the deep water is not an individual task but it is more or less based on ‘Community Entrepreneurship’ which means it is a collective effort both in terms of ownership and nature of the job. That is why fishermen always work in groups and to make it a successful one they must be unified in mind and body. To keep themselves in the unity they pray and gather equipment together for fishing before venturing into the depths of the ocean. Every morning they follow this routine by believing in the strength of the almighty and their brothers as well. It is this unity and faith that make their profession more engaging and meaningful. As evidenced by a number of these images, their existence also includes birds and other animals. It is not all about humans. Thus, these fishermen live a life of simplicity, modesty, and harmony with nature.
Given the arduous and secluded nature of their occupation, the plight of these fishermen is intricately linked to their economic reliance on the sea. The majority of these men are “shy” as a result of the secluded nature of their work, which requires them to spend the majority of their time in the depths of water, far from land. However, in the face of adversities, these individuals emerge as the true heroes. For instance, Kerala experienced one of the most catastrophic floods of the century six years ago. Due to the unprecedented nature of the natural disaster, no government agency was prepared to deal with the grave peril during those darkest hours. Then, risking their lives and vessels, these valiant fishermen headed rescue operations in the flooded regions; they were lauded as “Kerala’s Own Army.” Regrettably, their bravery was obliterated from the state’s collective memory due to their impoverished condition and limited knowledge of historical events.
This photo essay is thus a tribute to those fishermen’s unwavering determination and harmonious existence.
