The masked rickshaw pullers of Manipur Rickshaws plying on a Calcutta street.
Rickshaws are a popular means of transport in many states including Manipur.
But most of the rickshaw pullers in the northeastern state, unlike in other parts of the country, are educated, unemployed youth. But they are probably India's most academically-qualified rickshaw pullers. And they want to remain incognito. Rickshaw pullers in the northeastern state of Manipur present a unique sight with a majority of them covering their faces with bandannas and donning cowboy hats, be it summer or winter. Social stigma, rather than style, have made Manipur's rickshaw pullers remain faceless, as most of them were forced into taking up this vocation for a living, despite reasonably good academic qualifications.