My World-My Vision

My World-My Vision
400 cameras. 400 kids. Endless stories…

- Addressing teenage depression through art and creativity
- MY WORLD-MY VISION third year in journey
- More than 200 families got engaged in the first two years directly or indirectly
- Seven schools participating in 3rd years

Sir Bob Harvey is the mentor of this unique international first initiative.
An initiative of Creative Commune Ltd., Hamilton (Not for profit organization)

The initiative, “My World My Vision” was started by world-renowned contemporary photographer Ashok Kochhar in September 2016 in Hamilton, New Zealand. Ashok thought of this idea when he was engaged in covering many stories across New Zealand for his series of six B/W Coffee Table Books.

During the travel he stumbled upon the serious issue of teenage suicides and stress, upon research he realized that this problem was becoming graver every year and needed everyone to do their bit to build a strong generation next. Clinical depression is still considered as taboo and often goes untreated. It’s a known fact that more than one-third of affected adults first experienced symptoms in childhood. Initiatives such as these help channelize kids energy at a very young age and show them avenues through which they can express what they are feeling. In today’s times words are not the best medium to express.

So, Ashok decided to use his skills to contribute to the larger cause and raise awareness in a most effective but subtle manner. The idea is centered towards addressing teenage depression through art and creativity.

In the year 2016/17 the movement has managed to engage with more than 200 families direct or indirect across Northern Island of New Zealand.

Now running in its third year the movement has taken a much bigger momentum, from 40 cameras each in 2016/17 to 400 cameras in 2018. These cameras have been distributed across New Zealand. Many brands like – Creative Waikato, Indian Newslink (English fortnightly), Snapshot, Hamilton (A ninety year old camera store), Photo & Video, Christchurch (A name synonymous amongst professional photographers), Fujifilm NZ, Claudelands Motel, Hamilton have come to support in multiple ways. Even the local council and it’s present Mayor Andrew King understood the importance and need of such initiatives where public join hands with the government to first realize then accept and action on phenomena’s which are severely impacting our upcoming generations.

Ashok Kochhar, the curator and founder of MY WORLD-MY VISION said, “In the third year of this movement, we have been able to make a significant impact in touching directly 400 kids but indirectly numbers are countless through their families, friends, neighbors etc.

In its third year we received enormous support from schools, parents, kids and corporates. This edition of “My world my vision” will culminate into multiple school exhibitions showcasing the best work by these kids. The concept is long drawn and deep rooted as after the completion of the exercise 2018 there’s going to be a book published of these wonderful images. Ashok is going to select one picture from each camera and place in a first of its kind book.

About MY WORLD-MY VISION

In it’s 3rd year ‘My World-My Vision’ has turn into a unique Social awareness project to see the world through the fresh untainted Vision of a child. It encourages creativity at a young age by giving 5-12 year olds cameras to see their world from their perspective and subsequently enrich elders.
- It gives an insight into the thought process of the pure young minds
- Still cameras to be provided free of cost to the young children
- Same children will be given camera repeatedly till they turn 12 years
- Every year 400 cameras will be added to the cause
- Freedom to take pictures of their liking without brief
- Images clicked by the children to be showcased in a yearly-published book
- A not for profit initiative by Creative Commune Ltd., Hamilton
- First ever-international soulful initiative takes off from the soil of New Zealand
- Dedicated website for exhibiting their work and much more
- Books on cost price for children
- Letter of appreciation to every participant
- An online forum where child can express their feelings about the initiative

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