Alma with the fish she has caught, at the indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Sindh's fishing communities are significantly involved in and heavily reliant on the river and its ecosystem for their livelihood. Their traditional lifestyle is based largely on sustainable living constructed around the natural resources available to them.
Man with his boat on the shore of river Indus, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in South Asia and played a crucial role in shaping the Indus Valley Civilization. Historically, it is believed that there were several nomadic fishing communities settled along the river, the remnants of which still exist in Sindh.
Alma's husband sitting next to the cranes, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
When cranes migrate to Pakistan from Siberia, fishermen often coax the birds to the side of their boats in order to catch fish.
Alma is a woman from a small fishing community by the Indus River. She has spent her entire life on a boat with her family, mastering the waters of the Indus. The knowledge of diverse freshwater fish species and migration patterns is essential to the community’s survival.
Passengers travelling over the river, at the Indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Alma's family also uses their boat to aid locals in their commute across the Indus River. Through this medium of transport, the long road journey from Khairpur to Larkana is shortened.
Alma on her way to catch some fish, at the indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Since her husband struggles with polio, Alma keeps up a rigorous daily routine, ensuring the maintenance of the boat, managing transport, catching fish and organizing the fishing equipment. She also looks after her family and children, all while conducting life on a small boat.
Alma rowing the boat, at the indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Alma performs the strenuous task of rowing the family boat to travel across the river.
Alma comes to grab her milk from the milkman, at the indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Alma rarely goes to the shore except to get necessary items such as milk. She has never lived on land.
Her method of cooking is oriented towards preparing a fish-based diet for her family. All her cooking is done on the family boat.
To prepare the family meal, Alma catches Dumra fish from the river using a fishing net.
Watch our film on a day in the life of Alma on the River Indus.
The Fisherwoman of Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Ingredients for Alma's dish, at the indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Dumra is a species of freshwater fish found in the Indus that Alma often prepares with local ingredients - onions, garlic and ginger, green chilli, and cilantro. Once the fish has been coated with this paste, she cooks it on medium heat in a pot with oil, onions and tomatoes.
Alma's process for cooking Dumra involves mixing garam masala, green chilies, onions, and tomatoes with the fish, after which she covers the pot and lets it cook on medium heat.
Alma also makes a rice flatbread (chawal ki roti). This is made with rice flour and water and cooked on a griddle pan.
Top view shot of fish and rice flatbread, at the Indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Sindhi Fish Curry with Rice Flatbread (Chawal ki Roti)
Alma standing, at the Indus River, in Naudero (2023)SOCH Outreach Foundation
Alma and fellow women in the fishing community have traditionally thrived within their natural surroundings. However, the dwindling river flow, overfishing, and the grave repercussions of climate change are now endangering the very existence of these communities.
SOC Films Team
Creative Director: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Producer: Sameer Khan, Huma Shah
Associate Producer: Sara Sharif
Research Associate: Sara Sharif
Project Manager: Quratulain Khalid
DOP: Murtaza Ali
Second Unit DP: Khurram Victor
Photography: Murtaza Ali
Photography Editor: Murtaza Ali
First Camera: Khurram Victor
Second Camera: Shayan Gill
Exhibit Writers: Samar Ather, Sameer Khan
Exhibits: Sameer Nazim
Video Editor: Jason Liao, Azeem Charania
Colour Grade: Jason Liao, Azeem Charania
Sound Design: Sameer Khan
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