Journey Through the Eyes of Hope

Posted on November 30, 2009 by Seshu in Projects | 1 Comment

ASHA Canada Project In India

For the past decade, Canadian photographer Andrew Adams has worked extensively to capture Indian weddings both locally and abroad. After his first soul-searching trip to India, he returned to Toronto feeling transformed by the culture he encountered. A culture that is steeped in tradition and humanity. Soon afterward, Andrew decided to take his passion beyond capturing the wedding celebrations of Indian culture. With a focus on contributing to a humanitarian cause, Andrew decided to join ASHA Canada whose mission is to support the children of India living in the deep social disadvantage poverty.

Andrew recognizes that poorer people face many added challenges that prevent or slow the rate of socio-economic change in India. Through the power of early childhood education, his hope is that young people will be equipped with internal skills that will serve them throughout life. As part of his effort, Andrew traveled to Bangalore to visit a school for blind children and several daycare centers in Tamil Nadu. The images he captured along these travels are donated to the project. 100% of the proceeds from print sales also will be donated to ASHA Canada. Through his work, Andrew is seeking to raise international awareness about the potential for education to raise a generation of young people out of poverty.

1. Why do you think this project will affect positive change in the world?
I believe that this project will help bring more awareness to people through the power of an image. This opportunity will allow my work to get the exposure it deserves, this means we are connecting with more people world wide. My work and the images I produce will tell the story of the children and their needs for survival. I am hoping to make a great impression and capture their hearts. In return they would consider helping/supporting the children.

2. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement; I would say is being able to do what I love, photography, and using this medium to bring joy to peoples lives.

3. If you could improve 1 thing about yourself what would it be?
Time management; I have so many ideas, and things I want to do.

4. What role-model or historical figure do you connect with most? Why?
Amma – As Deepak Chopra put it “She is an embodiment of pure love, Her presence heals”

I had the great privilege to visit her ashram in Kerala, South India, and see first hand this community of love and selfless service she has built around her.

When asked to which religion she belongs, she says, “My religion is love and service.” We need more people like Amma in the world today!

5. What would you like to accomplish as a result of your work?
I would love to be able to touch someone’s life with my work. Using the images and skills I am able to bring attention to some burning social issues. At the end I hope that I am able to make a small contribution to the less fortunate.