For all the Nanhi Kalis

In recognition of the converging roles of mothers and fathers in raising a child, the sixth edition of 'Proud Fathers For Daughters' had for the first time ever, extended an invitation to mothers to get photographs clicked with their daughters.

The 'Proud Fathers for Daughters' 2019 weekend raised funds to help educate 750 Nanhi Kalis, a 66 per cent increase in fund raising over the 2018 edition.

With a new #Mission5000 theme, targeting the education of 5000 underprivileged girls, 'Proud Fathers for Daughters' 2019 was larger than ever with over 300 portraits clicked of Fathers and Mothers with their daughters.

As a continuation of the endeavour, Project Nanhi Kali will be reaching out to all fathers and mothers of daughters through social media platforms extending an appeal to click a picture of themselves (at home, and more of a selfie) and post it on their handles tagging Nanhi Kali, to spread awareness about girl child education and help achieve #Mission5000.

Conceptualised in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya incident by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar and Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra, in an endeavor to change mindsets and prejudices against the girl child, the first edition of 'Proud Fathers For Daughters' was held in 2014.

Since then this annual event features a list of India's marquee photographers, who shoot some of the most endearing photographs on the special bond between a father and a daughter.

Over a six year timeframe, 'Proud Fathers for Daughters' has seen 1200 photographs of Father Daughter pairs being clicked and raised funds to educate 2500 underprivileged young girls.

This year the eight master photographers who devoted their time and talent over two days to capture some very special father-daughter moments on camera, were Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Prasad Naik, Tarun Khiwal, Tarun Vishwa,Tejal Patni and Sunhil Sippy.

Having drawn encouraging support from the community, Project Nanhi Kali intends to continue the spirit of 'Proud Fathers For Daughters' by dedicating a day every month for 'Fathers and Daughters' to put up their portraits online to promote the cause and invite others to support the education of many more Nanhi Kalis.