Two professional photographers, Joachim Bergauer and René R. Wenzel, journeyed to Gujarat, a small state in northwest India with a population of over 60 million inhabitants. The trip began with the visit to a private school project in Mehsana, in the northern part of Gujarat, where young students who come from poor families are given the opportunity to study. The project is supported by public donations and by the Catholic Church and full education of primary and secondary school in Gujarati and English is offered. The children respond to the project with great pride and enthusiasm.

Many Indian children aren’t able to attend the free state schools because they are far from their homes and they are needed in the fields or as day laborers. The public schools are always crowded, employ few, poorly paid teachers and have, in general, a bad reputation. They are regarded as second-class schools but for many disadvantaged children it is the only way to receive a daily meal and some education.

Private and state schools differ markedly in quality: while private schools can often be compared in quality with European schools, the level in public schools falls dramatically. Those who can afford a private school opt to send their children there.
From Mehsana the two photographers traveled to Poshina where, thirty years ago, a Jesuit Father, Peter, established another school project for underprivileged children, in the most adverse circumstances. This school is also supported entirely by public donations.

On the last leg of their trip the two photographers braved the overwhelming chaos of the city of Rajkot where they recorded their impression of Indian life.

The book shows a wide selection of these impressions and emotions the photographers perpetuated with their cameras.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the two school projects of
Mehsana and Poshina.

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