'Poonam's Tale of Hope in Bhopal' is far from over. Visit after visit, I intend to witness her blossoming
into a teenager, an emancipated woman, and later into a loving wife and mother.
into a teenager, an emancipated woman, and later into a loving wife and mother.
Poonam and Her Family |
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My name is Alex Masi, and I am an Italian documentary photographer committed to spreading awareness and supporting action towards children's rights and education.
In May 2011, 'The Photographers Giving Back Awards' assigned me a 5000 US$ grant to create and implement a specifically designed plan, benefiting one of my subjects, Poonam - and her family, after noticing one of my images of the young girl, then 6, revelling in the rain in Bhopal, near the abandoned Union Carbide complex.
Since then, I witnessed the passion that is moving Poonam and her family along, and how a single possibility for change has been able to spark in them such a vibrant enthusiasm for life.
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> Poonam, 15 in October 2017, is a lively girl from Bhopal, central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, a city that endured the infamous '1984 Gas Disaster'.
Born 'unlucky', with a tiny sixth toe on the left foot, her parents superstitiously believed she brought misfortune upon the entire family. With a sweet cheeky smile and sometimes mischievous attitude, her wide shiny eyes reveal hope and trust for the future. She shares her birthday with the historical Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, also born on October the 2nd. |
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> Ravi, 17 in 2017, is Poonam's older brother. An adventurous but responsible boy, he loves flying his kite, playing with marbles, and eating chocolate and sweets.
In 2011, when receiving the initial grant that sparked this entire project, Poonam and Jyoti's older brother, Ravi, also began attending lessons with his younger sisters, and passed all exams for Elementary Year 2, 3 and 4. However, at the age of fourteen, he has now decided not to continue with his studies, and to contribute supporting his family full-time, cooperating with his parent's activities such as selling home-cooked snacks, corn, vegetable and fruit. |
I am a little disappointed that Ravi changed his mind, but having grown up a little, he now feels that helping his family to earn more, and having some savings for himself, are both top priorities of his as a teenage boy. I fully understand and respect his choices, and I will continue offering sporadic support and advice in the future.
As it was originally intended, my efforts keep being focused on the long-term education of Poonam and her sister Jyoti.
As it was originally intended, my efforts keep being focused on the long-term education of Poonam and her sister Jyoti.
> Arti, 21 in 2017, is Poonam's eldest sister.
After consulting with the family, I have provided her with a brand-new sewing machine. Following six months of private lessons - Arti is now able to work in collaboration with her mother, Sangita. Too old for regular schooling, the family fully agrees that learning sewing skills - and practising at home - is the best option to provide Arti with the chance of supporting herself and her family. |
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> Sachin, 23 in 2017, Poonam's eldest brother, is a honest and intelligent young man affected by a lower-limb paralysis and a skeletal deformity preventing him from being able to stand up naturally and walk. Nevertheless, he loves to playing cricket with other youngsters near his family's newly-built home. Together with the family, I am considering a few options aimed towards a future employment to support himself and his family. |
> Sangita Jadev, 44 in 2017, is Poonam's loving mother. She is a passionate, well-intentioned and energetic woman with deep affection and dedication towards her children. |
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> Suresh Jadev, 48 in 2017, is Poonam's father.
From the beginning, he understood my intentions and long-term objectives for his family and children. He is deeply grateful for the help we offered, and he is contributing with hard work, commitment and attention towards his children's daily needs.
Overall, there has been a very noticeable change in the way Poonam's father regards his work, and how the family faces everyday life. After consultation with Suresh, we decided to purchase a small cart, which he is now using to sell vegetables, sometimes earning twice as much his previous salary as a daily-wage labourer.
From the beginning, he understood my intentions and long-term objectives for his family and children. He is deeply grateful for the help we offered, and he is contributing with hard work, commitment and attention towards his children's daily needs.
Overall, there has been a very noticeable change in the way Poonam's father regards his work, and how the family faces everyday life. After consultation with Suresh, we decided to purchase a small cart, which he is now using to sell vegetables, sometimes earning twice as much his previous salary as a daily-wage labourer.
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Selling on the streets and city markets also allows for extra free time to be spent with his family and children.
The cart can be employed to transport goods, or during local fairs and Hindu festivals, as it can be turned into a portable stall from where to sell anything, from toys to juice, from rice to fireworks, candies, boiled eggs and much more. However, change is slow in Bhopal's poorest colonies, and we are presently discussing the options that could work best in providing the family with more income as a whole. |