Framed

“It is a volunteer network,meant to share photography (and sometimes videography) skills with campaigners,citizens,not-for-profits and anyone undertaking work for positive social change on the planet,” he says. “Initially only the metros took part but now the need for change has spread to the villages as well.”

The network,however,was set up in Mumbai,but now shifted base to Ahmedabad. “Although we have a core group of six members who help co-ordinate the initiative,this network reaches out to the entire country. They are mostly local filmmakers or those working at various media houses,who do not mind taking up projects in their free time.”

By positive social change and good causes,Meghna refers to those working on issues of environment,labour,conservation,education,development,IT-for-change or any other such issues. “We leave it open to each volunteer to define what they see as a ‘good cause’,and to offer their support to the same.” In their studio at Ahmedabad they also have camera equipments to lend to those who volunteer. “Causes can range from child labour to problems faced by hijras,” says Meghna who is keen to widen the network. “We also encourage general volunteers who are willing to help in spreading the word,administrative functions and publicity.”

Being a non-profit organisation how do they manage to recover funds? “We have a set up with a private bank that provides us funds for certain causes and most of the photographs and movies are shown at exhibitions or festivals,which helps build more funds,” he says.

The network also believes in sharable licensing for their work. “We encourage associated photographers to share their work with any suitable Creative Commons or other similar license.”

They reach out to the entire country through online committees like Facebook. “And mammovies.com where people from a particular area can post a need for a photographer or a videographer and someone can volunteer to take up the assignment,” says Madhusudan,“Our volunteers do not expect any pay for their work. It is their sheer will and determination towards a cause that makes them do this.”