To Lebanon (21/10/19)

The Lebanese people were demanding an end to economic woes and perceived government corruption in Lebanon. Protests worsened as there was a proposed tax on WhatsApp calls and other messaging services. It was my first (distant) brush with what I always aspired to take. Do take note that this protest was peaceful and people were just asking for their basic rights. It was overwhelming, it was happy, it was sad, it was melancholic. I can't really express with words with what I went through as I was photographing for 2 hours. My mind was blank but my soul was awake. I was vicariously feeling the emotions of these people. I'm not very good with words but what I would like everyone to see is the emotions in the photos and their story. This is what I learnt as I was sieving through the pile of photos: Is that I come from a very privileged home, I have 2 wonderful parents who bought me up to be the person I am today, I have very good friends and extended family. I used to take them for granted till I started traveling around the world. I saw every spectrum of emotion there is to be felt (or most of it). These would be one of my favourite body of work - and it taught me one thing and that is to never feel entitled or take things for granted because what we have today may be taken away from us tomorrow. To Lebanon and the many other countries facing problems, I hope your voices get heard and you get your rights sooner than later. And I'll continue praying and taking photos to not only inform but also to raise awareness. And till then I'll keep you in prayers.