7 months ago
Tarun Bhartiya's Book Captures Resistance in Meghalaya
Tarun Bhartiya was a photographer who took pictures and wrote about people in Meghalaya, India, who were fighting against mining and dams.
One important person he wrote about was Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin, who said no to a big company that wanted to mine uranium on her land.
Tarun's book, 'Em, No, Nahi,' shows pictures of these protests and the beautiful land that people are trying to protect.
He wanted to show that land is not just for making money, but for living and being free.
The book also talks about how the government and companies try to convince people to give up their land for development, but many people say no.
Tarun's friends finished the book after he passed away, and it is a way to remember his work and keep the conversation about protecting the land going.
Tarun Bhartiya's photo book 'Em, No, Nahi' documents resistance against uranium mining and environmental destruction in Meghalaya.
Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin, a 90-year-old matriarch, refused Rs 45 crores for a 30-year lease to mine uranium on her land, becoming a symbol of resistance.
The book includes powerful images, poetry, and prose, and is available in both Khasi and English.
Bhartiya's work explores the cultural and political landscape of Meghalaya, focusing on the idea of 'juste resistante' or just resistance.
The book highlights the beauty of the land and the scars left by mining, aiming to unsettle the viewer and provoke thought about development and autonomy.
- Who
- Tarun Bhartiya, a documentary maker, photographer, and activist, and Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin, a matriarch who resisted uranium mining.
- What
- A photo book titled 'Em, No, Nahi' documenting resistance against uranium mining and other environmental issues in Meghalaya.
- Where
- The events and photographs are set in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya, India.
- When
- The book was completed and published in 2025, with exhibitions in December 2024.
- Why
- To document and honor the resistance movements against uranium mining and environmental destruction, and to explore the cultural and political landscape of Meghalaya.
Key facts
- Book Title
- Em, No, Nahi
- Author
- Tarun Bhartiya
- Publisher
- Yaarbal Books
- Subject
- Uranium mining resistance in Meghalaya
- Key Figure
- Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin
- Location
- Khasi hills, Meghalaya
- Year of Publication
- 2025
- Language
- Khasi and English
Quotes
Tarun Bhartiya
Documentary maker, photographer, Hindi poet, and activist
“The challenge is not so much in the making of the images but the politics and history they have to carry. I care about the aesthetic and technique but want not to get lost in that like some art photographer. That’s why I take so bloody long to think through the images, see their reception amongst the people, destabilise their beauty.”
scroll.in
“Image-making for me normally doesn’t start with big questions or ideas or events but as private curiosity…wanting to know more, make friends, gossip or even participate in resistance movements… It’s mostly this.”
scroll.in
Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin
90-year-old matriarch and anti-mining protester from Meghalaya
“Could the money buy this river, this land? This freedom?”
scroll.in
Technocrat (Uranium Corporation of India)
Technocrat from the Uranium Corporation of India
“They will become 'reachable'. They will know the value of their land.”
scroll.in
Angela Rangad
Partner and comrade of Tarun Bhartiya
“Citizens have to be ready to 'resurrect the ode and the movement'. The conversation has started, she notes, adding, 'Tarun will always be part of it.'”
scroll.in
Sources
Related news
Assam Police Vehicle Gutted in Fire Near Disputed Border
Meghalaya launches bamboo carbon project to restore land, boost incomes
Freedom Movement in Assam and Other Northeastern States
India nominates Meghalaya’s living root bridges for UNESCO World Heritage
