In March 2018, I collaborated with Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (ADEH) in India. In 1990, Dr. Sethi and his wife founded Arunodaya Charitable Trust (ACT). Since then, they have treated over 1.4 millions who can’t afford a visit to the doctor. Over 40,400 sight restoring surgeries have been successfully undertaken. With an amazing team, they visit schools 5-6 days a week and 2-3 villages a week. I got to visit one of the schools in Gurugram, Haryana named Badshahpur Rajakia Kanya Vidhyalaya. This is an all girls school. Not only are the students given free treatment, but also the teachers and any adult working at the school. 

I met the students during their check- ups with the doctors and when they were having their recess. They were so ALIVE. I loved how they would not let me take their picture to want me to take their picture. They are so sweet and polite. I was told how many walk many miles to go to school because they cannot afford any other form of transportation. Still, the energy they have is incredible. They have so much life in them. One fact that is such a tragic is that only 12 % of these girls finish 12th grade. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s movement: “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (protect girl, educate girl) is such an important statement and mission to protect and promote girls in our world. Here is a selection of the commissioned work I did for ADEH.