AN OXFORD artist is publicising the plight of nomadic Indian tribes with a new photography exhibition at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Oxford Photographic Society member Bharat Patel, 65, took the pictures while travelling through India over the last seven years.

He has visited areas like Gujarat and Assam at least once a year to capture images for the Self Employed Women’s Association union, and Vicharta Samudaay Samarthan Manch (VSSM), a collective platform of members from Nomadic (Vicharata) and De-Notified (Vimukht) Tribes (Samudaay).

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Mr Patel, of East Field Close, in Headington, said: “The exhibition records the passing of a traditional way of life that has served generations.

“Communities under the general banner of nomadic tribes are some of the most marginalised people of India.

“But at one time these communities were well respected and recognised for their skills and services.

“They were the wandering communities and their skills and crafts were revered. Industrialisation and modernisation has proven to be a bane rather than a boon for these communities.

“They have no identification cards, no ration cards, no voter identification cards and are not even visible in the national consensus.”

The grandfather-of-two, a systems specialist for a cable operator, has produced images of women including those working for no pay at construction sites.

He said: “For me it is an important thing; I want to bring awareness not only outside India but within India.

“It takes me to places that not many people can go because I work with the two non-governmental organisations.”

He said: “It can be very difficult – quite often they are shy and don’t want to have their photograph taken, but with charities they are more relaxed.”

Mr Patel said the 30 photographs were in an ideal location, a corridor to the main hospital from the rear car parks, which had a high footfall.

His display of 30 photos will be in the Headington hospital’s Link Gallery until December 15.

For more information visit bharatpatelphotography.co.uk

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