We called all storytellers to share pictures from across the country and the response has been fantastic!
The story of a ‘Better India’ is written in so many places and has so many moments that no one can capture them all. But we can try!
That’s how we came up with the call to ‘PicTheBetterIndia’ in May this year, launching our community photo project. We called all storytellers to share pictures from across the country and the response has been fantastic!
We have seen some beautiful facets of life in India through the many lenses of our readers. We received terrific pictures of animals living in the country; enjoyed looking at some of India’s architectural marvels; and got a peek into some inspiring moments from the lives of many different people.
Announcing the Winner of The Contest:
Our team had a tough time picking one winner. After several meetings and debates on aesthetics and theme, we settled on one.
The winning entry is this shot taken by @nihalparashar, showing two soldiers crossing a bridge on the Dawki River, in Meghalaya, which connects India and Bangladesh.
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Apart from its aesthetics (which professional photographers will be able to tell you more about!), we loved the humanity visible in the picture.
In spite of the different clothes we wear, the different jobs we do, and the vastly contrasting ideas we have, at the end of the day, we are all human beings. And this feeling is exemplified by these two army men in a remote area of the country — they may as well be you and a friend walking home with groceries after a day at work.
Congrats to the photographer, Nihal Parashar! Enjoy your GoPro, and we hope you take more and more amazing photographs!
The Project Continues
Firstly, a big ‘Thank You’ from us at The Better India to everyone who contributed to this project.
Now the contest may be over, but this community-driven project will continue!
This is everyone’s personal photo album of India, shared by all of us. So, keep clicking and tagging your awesome pics with #picthebetterindia, and the best ones will be featured on The Better India Instagram page!
We can’t wait to see what else is in store!
Honourable Mentions
Because of the arguments (we mean debates) in the editorial room, we felt compelled to list the following submissions as honourable mentions. Fantastic photos, and beautiful stories.
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Photographer: @tibadixit
Category: Social Impact
A little girl peeks through the window of a classroom in a village in the Hoskote region on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Christ University has adopted a group of villages in this region and students from the university visit them every year to implement various initiatives.
Thanks to the students, this village has witnessed a transformation. As an example, women here were encouraged to participate in self-help groups. While the men did not appreciate this initially, over time the prevalent mindset has changed and now they encourage women to take part in these groups.
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Photographer: @soniyakanchan
Category: Wildlife and Travel
This still of a gentle Changthangi in the lap of its fantastic surroundings takes a moment to sink in. The background seems to go on receding endlessly and the picture depicts the fierce beauty of Ladakh.
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Photographer: @__s_h_u_t_t_e_r_b_u_g__
Category: Wildlife
This perfectly timed capture shows how this brilliant, tiny Kingfisher got its name. The sharp colour contrast in the surrounding is the icing on the cake.
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Photographer: @harshalnikale
Category: Culture
The struggle we all face and ultimately the compassion that comes with it is captured in this one image. Without saying a word, this picture conveys so much. Sometimes we feel like everyone gets in our way, but ultimately, we know we cannot do without each other. Let it serve as a reminder that we have the ingenuity, the know-how, and most importantly the love to work together to make a better India for everyone.
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
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