RIDERS OF THE INDIAN RAILWAYS - First established in the mid-nineteenth century, passenger trains of the government-run Indian Railways continue to be the primary mode of transportation in India. Run as a public good, the government-run Indian Railways refers to itself as the lifeline of the nation, and it is. Transporting approximately 23 million passengers daily, the trains display the vast economic, cultural and religious diversity of the country. The importance of this system to those who ride it, maintain it, and benefit from its commerce cannot be overstated. I have sought to portray the railway’s rich human dimension, from lone travelers to entire families, from crowded platforms to quiet solitude, from conversation to silent prayer.

TRIBAL ODISHA - India’s eastern state of Odisha is bounded by the Bay of Bengal. A large portion of Odisha's population is indigenous, made up of sixty-two Scheduled Tribes as defined in the Indian constitution. While each tribal community has a unique heritage, the members of these defined tribes share certain cultural features that signify a primitive level of existence that distinguish them from general Indian society. In the past, the practice of tribal customs and traditions was naturally shielded by the remote locations of their villages. However, due to social outreach programs and expanding telecommunication capabilities, the process of acculturation has progressed rapidly. As a result, the tribes' traditional life styles and economic traits are disappearing.

WOMEN OF ODISHA - For the tribal women of Odisha, it is a hard life. In their culture, it is a woman's duty to get married, have children, and provide for her family; many times they are the primary bread winner. Despite difficult circumstances, tribal women take pride in themselves and their lives; retain their compassion for others; and maintain keen senses of humor. Theirs is an undiminished beauty in an unforgiving environment.