Boy + Student, Kanjar Community, Nirvanavan Foundation, Alwar, Rajasthan, India, November, 2013

I remember a conversation with Nirvana years ago as the men from these villages approached to have their portraits made. Photographing the girls was an easy task, for they in my mind were the victims of the profession in these communities, the trade of sex. The unease I felt in photographing the boys and men was put aside as Nirvana explained his thoughts to me: that we need to provide education to both the girls and boys, for they are both victims of this practice.

In this portrait stands one boy from this community, in front of the school administered by Nirvanavan Foundation. Artwork from the students is hung behind him, and he shines in front of the camera. My hope is that this young boy holds the future for the men in these communities, and that the thought of selling their daughters, sisters and nieces to strangers will fade away within his generation.

One may find more information through my website below, and a link to the foundation as well as a gallery of images for sale. Through the purchase of an image these schools can be funded, with 100% of the sale going to the foundation.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M3.