2013 Photo Contest, Contemporary Issues, Honorable Mention

School for Less Fortunate

Photographer

Altaf Qadri

The Associated Press

07 November, 2012

A free school in New Delhi was founded by Rajesh Kumar Sharma (40), who was unable to complete his own college education, because of financial difficulties. Every day he takes two hours out to teach children of local laborers, while his brother replaces him at his general store.

About the photographer

Altaf Qadri

Working across Asia and beyond, Altaf Qadri, born in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a photojournalist based in New Delhi, India. Qadri started his career covering news and feature stor...

Background story

Rajesh Kumar Sharma (40) adjusts the collar of Somnath, at a free school under a metro rail bridge, in New Delhi, India.

Sharma founded the school after he was unable to complete his own college education, because of financial difficulties. Every day he takes two hours out to teach children of local laborers, while his brother replaces him at his general store. Together with an assistant, Laxmi Chandra, Sharma gives lessons to around 45 children daily, having persuaded their families to free them from working to earn money. He aims to prepare his students for admission to government schools, and to equip them for overcoming poverty.

Technical information

Shutter Speed
1/500
Focal length
50 mm
F-Stop
1.4
ISO
100
Camera
Canon EOS 5D Mark II

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