I grew up in an atmosphere of photography. My father is a camera collector and a photographer too.
My father had photography as a hobby, later progressing into his profession. He has a good collection of cameras and photos but he wouldn’t let anybody touch his camera. So as a young child, when my father was out, I would get my hands on the camera and occasionally snap some pictures.
My first news photography assignment was to cover the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad for a Gujarati news magazine.
Covering the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was the assignment that left the biggest mark on me. It was the first natural disaster of its kind to hit India and I saw and felt the devastation at first hand in Tamil Nadu, South India.
The assignments that excite me most are sporting events. I get to witness new records being set, veteran athletes performing at their peak and new talent making their mark.
My biggest lesson has been to have a vision then pursue it vigorously; also always be helpful to anyone who needs your support.
Photojournalism is important because you can always convey incidents and events in a very impressive manner. As that saying has it, a picture is more powerful than a thousand words.
My father is the person I respect most. I am a photojournalist thanks to his hobby, guidance and unwavering encouragement.
