A photograph could transform lives, like this one did!

Image courtesy: facebook.com/alexmasiphotography/photos

It began to rain, rain heavily, in Bhopal. As usual the children went crazy and one among them was a little girl who was soaking in the rain. However, realizing that she was being photographed, she ran away. This incident dates back to August 2009; the photojournalist Alex Masi was in India to chronicle the aftermath of the devastating 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

Today, that little girl Poonam and Masi are good friends. The lives of Poonam and her family members have changed completely.

Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev
Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev

And, this is how a photograph made it happen.  Alex Masi received a $5,000 grant when the photograph of Poonam won him the Photographers Giving Back Photo Award.  When Masi explored his options, he decided that rather than simply handing over the money to Poonam’s family, he would help them overcome poverty, even if it meant a long-term commitment.

So in the course of time, he helped them build a brick house to replace their shack, purchased a cart to enable the man of the family to sell vegetables rather than work as labourer, and then helped the children get into schools. Even though the grant has been spent, he still feels responsible for the family.

Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev
Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev

Masi crowdfunds the children’s education as well as his annual visit to India, and documents the family’s progress. Today, the photographs tell a story – the power of photography and goodwill!

A edited picture that show Poonam who as the subject of the photograph to how she is today. Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev
Capturing a family moment |   Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev
Capturing a family moment | Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev
Image courtesy: facebook.com/alexmasiphotography/photos
The picture has won numerous awards and mentions. Image courtesy: facebook.com/alexmasiphotography/photos
Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev
Poonam with Alex Masi | Image courtesy: facebook.com/poonam.jatev

More about the story here