Mothers

Many young women in India still are "married off" at a very early age, sometimes as young as 13. Even when so young, mothers take their job quite seriously. Family is extremely important. These mothers did not easily allow me to photograph them. I promised that I would come back and give them a copy of their picture, which I always do.

While their living conditions are without running water or toilets, the children are often dressed in sparkly dresses and adorned with jewels.

This woman was so proud of her daughter, who attends an Indian public school. She asked me to take several photos. Her beauty deeply touched me. Perhaps "acceptance" comes with the Hindi belief that reincarnation will allow you to live a better life each time until reaching moksha (liberation) from suffering.