Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. Mother Teresa
According to Hindu tradition widows may not remarry. Instead they are to spend their remaining lives alone. Many have been abandoned by their families and find their way to Vrindavan, in northern India. They spend much of their day singing bhajans in exchange for a hot meal and a few rupees.

The Wanderlust Gene
5 Jun 2013We’ve spoken about the widows before – but this is a special shot, Ron – more poignant, I think because of your subject’s composure.
fotograffer
5 Jun 2013There is so much more to say about the plight of these women and so many more images….all in due tine. Thanks for your comment.
catbirdinoman
5 Jun 2013This is a wonderful photo, Ron, and such a sad state of affairs for these widows. You capture this woman’s poverty of spirit so perfectly.
fotograffer
5 Jun 2013Thanks Cathy. My short time in Vrindavan was very special. These women’s circumstances have improved in recent years but many receive inadequate care.
Tina Schell
5 Jun 2013Great choice of quote to work with wonderful capture. I think it’s the composition with the second widow out of focus that makes the first so powerful. Really well done Ron
fotograffer
5 Jun 2013Thanks Tina. When I saw the quote I knew I had to work with this image and post it. To me, it personifies the quote.
drawandshoot
5 Jun 2013This is quite stunning, Ron. An intense, meaningful gaze…
fotograffer
13 Jun 2013Thank you Karen. It was a very special time for me.
adinparadise
6 Jun 2013You’ve really captured the look of the terrible hardships they face, Ron. A very powerful and heartbreaking photo.
fotograffer
13 Jun 2013Thank you Sylvia. Just too much of this sort of thing going on to be ignored.
lighthouse75
7 Jun 2013Thank you, Ron, for using your wonderful skills to highlight the plight of these women. In this day and age, to think of this — horrible.
fotograffer
13 Jun 2013Thank you for your comment. It is horrible and so much of the Western World seems to be callous toward the poor and toward poor women in particular.
Mark Kertesz
12 Jun 2013Very intense photo, stunning work
fotograffer
13 Jun 2013Thank you Mark. A real compliment coming from you.
janalinesmalman
21 Jun 2013This is a stunning photo! Love the intensity you captured!
fotograffer
24 Jun 2013Thank you. I am delighted you enjoyed it.