The Ant (The Action Northeast Trust)

The Ant is a grassroots development organisation based in Chirang district in Assam’s Bodoland region. Founded in 2000, it works alongside rural communities across Northeast India on issues including education, women’s empowerment, community mental health, and youth leadership. Grounded in principles of voluntary action and long-term community engagement, the organisation focuses on strengthening local leadership and creating spaces where women, children, and young people can actively shape the future of their villages.

I spent time documenting the ant’s work in villages across Chirang district, focusing on the everyday lives of the communities connected to its programmes. Rather than centring institutional activities, the photographs explore how development work intersects with daily routines, cultural traditions, and local leadership. Portraits and observational images capture youth leaders, artisans, and community members within their own environments homes, schools, weaving spaces, and village gathering points. The work reflects the quieter moments of community life where social change takes shape: through mentorship, cultural revival, education, and collective action. By situating individuals within their landscapes and social networks, the photographs aim to reveal how long-term grassroots engagement can foster resilience, dignity, and agency within rural communities.