FRAMES OF STRENGTH AND SISTERHOOD

A closeup shot of a girl reflecting in front of a mirror, a time-freezing shot of girls jumping in a circle joining hands, another zoomed-in picture of a girl in a kitchen, a medium shot of one in the living room posing with her parents, a portrait of a girl wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt, hair braided, a silver chain, and a beaming smile.

- SONU M KOTHARI

These were a few photographs clicked by photographer Harshitha Parthasarathi for Nalanda Way Foundation. As many as 24 girls, who are part of the organisation's Project Sakhi, were captured for a few months over a year ago. This culminated in 'She Rises. Unseen to Unstoppable. A photo exhibition celebrating strength, courage and sisterhood'. On Saturday, it was opened to the public with more than 40 large and small frames and polaroid walls.

Sharing her experience of clicking these pictures, Harshitha explains, "The experience was hard to process. The girls aged 16-17 spoke to me about gender equality and mental and menstrual health. They had vision boards and affirmations stuck to the walls and cupboards at their homes. I could just imagine the future they will have. I was blown away by their mindfulness and confidence."