The news that India’s eastern state, Bihar, is introducing its first metro rail service in its capital, Patna has brought waves of joy to its residents. Conversations about gliding across the city are filled with excitement, as people imagine riding it for the first time. These are the small joys of growing up in a city where such milestones feel personal.
Yet, as my city races toward modernity, another part remains invisible. The Ganga flows along Patna, and across the river lies Diyara, a vast island home to nearly half a million people, including farmers, cattle owners, and daily wage labourers from marginalised communities. A five minute boat ride separates them from the city, yet their worlds are far apart. Every necessity, from school to medical care, depends on crossing the river. Heatwaves, harsh winters, and floods turn this journey into a constant test, often forcing families to abandon and rebuild their homes.
For over two years, I have documented Diyara across seasons. The Other Side captures a reality where one Patna celebrates progress, while the other survives at the mercy of the river.
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