Help support marginalised families living in the Thar desert

We’ve spent the last year researching and documenting the lives of nomadic Kalbeliya communities living in the Thar desert in northwest India. We’ve become particularly close to two families who we spent a month with earlier this year and who have recently told us how difficult their life has become because of COVID-19.

Normally the Kalbeliya earn their income by travelling from village to village doing various essential jobs; predominantly agricultural labour work. Because of government restrictions, the Kalbeliya are currently unable to travel and because of their status as outcasts, they are not receiving any help from government. They do not have houses or any stores of food supplies and the conditions in the Thar desert are worsening by the day as the extremely hot Indian summer approaches.

We have arranged for our local contact, Bablù, to buy essential foods and medical supplies for the families that we are in touch with. For £10 he can supply them with 1x emergency pack, which will feed a family of 4x people for 3x days. This includes; wheat powder, rice, daal mixture, masala spices, salt, toiletries, vegetables and any other medicines or food that they specifically request as urgent.

Whilst everyone in India is suffering due to the current crisis, the Kalbeliya remain one of the few marginalised communities who are particularly isolated during this time. We have the good fortune of being able to contact them and supply them with essentials to help them make it through the remaining weeks of isolation.

Anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!