A journey worth looking back, is a story worth telling
COVIDActionCollab’s journey started with one of the most devastating public health emergencies the world has ever seen. In order to address a formidable challenge, we needed a coordinated response with partners such as USAID and the Skoll Foundation while at the heart of our initiative were people from some of the most marginalised communities. Onward Together, is a retrospective look at our journey with incredible individuals and communities, who demonstrated immense fortitude and resilience during these extraordinary times.
Our attempt is to stand in solidarity with them and offer support in every possible way. Vaccination programs, livelihood rebuilding opportunities, early warning systems and agile healthcare facilities were a few initiatives, through which we tried to safeguard the interests of the vulnerable. The stories of struggle and strength are unparalleled! It is through this presentation that we hope to illustrate tales of courage, indomitable spirit and our strategic partnerships that ensured that the communities we work with are able to not only survive but thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The Photographers
Satish VM
Satish VM began his career making advertising and commercial films in 2000s, shifting gears to documentary filmmaking and portrait and street photography. Kamerakirriks (Camera Mischief), his production company handles photos, video and audio productions across all industry sectors. His personal goal is to tell as many stories of the vulnerable as he can in his lifetime, and for the last three years, he has been documenting narratives of the collaborative, its partners and the beneficiaries with COVIDActionCollab.
Jaisingh Nageswaran
Jaisingh is a self-taught photographer from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Born to working-class parents, he was taught by his grandmother at home. Jaisingh’s practice revolves around documenting the socially vulnerable communities and the issues of rural life. He is an active member of an artist collective, 13Jara and also works as a photographer doing stills for films. In 2021, he became a Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellow. For COVIDActionCollab, Jaisingh has travelled extensively to capture souls through the art of photography from the field all over the country.
The Photographers
Satish VM
Satish VM began his career making advertising and commercial films in 2000s, shifting gears to documentary filmmaking and portrait and street photography. Kamerakirriks (Camera Mischief), his production company handles photos, video and audio productions across all industry sectors. His personal goal is to tell as many stories of the vulnerable as he can in his lifetime, and for the last three years, he has been documenting narratives of the collaborative, its partners and the beneficiaries with COVIDActionCollab.
Jaisingh Nageswaran
Jaisingh is a self-taught photographer from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Born to working-class parents, he was taught by his grandmother at home. Jaisingh’s practice revolves around documenting the socially vulnerable communities and the issues of rural life. He is an active member of an artist collective, 13Jara and also works as a photographer doing stills for films. In 2021, he became a Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellow. For COVIDActionCollab, Jaisingh has travelled extensively to capture souls through the art of photography from the field all over the country.
The Curators
Chandrika Grover
Cultural Strategist,
Exhibit Curation for Onward Together
Kristine Michael
Curatorial Advisor,
Visual curation for Onward Together
Damini Ralleigh
Journalist,
Crafted the stories for Onward Together
