From Displacement to Dreams: Gowri's journey through the lens
From Displacement to Dreams: Gowri's journey through the lens
“Even at my worst, I never gave up. My interest and perseverance to learn more kept me going,” recalled Gowreeswaran, a Sri Lankan refugee living in Tamil Nadu, India, as he narrated his story from looking at a camera icon on a computer to becoming a photographer.
Gowreeswaran, or Gowri as he introduces himself, fled the civil war in Sri Lanka with his family in 2006. When he arrived in India, he was only 16 years old. The decision to leave was made quickly once his brother came under the scanner of law enforcement agencies for participating in silent protests. The family left everything they had, to embark on a perilous journey by boat from Mannar, Sri Lanka to Ramanathapuram, India.
“Refugee camp life was difficult, and it wasn’t as easy as we thought. I had to discontinue my education because the schools were very different, and I couldn’t keep up with the change. So, I started doing daily wage jobs to support my brother’s college education.”
Upon arriving in India’s Mandapam camp, Gowri faced numerous challenges. “Life as a refugee at camp was difficult. Most difficult was our inability to enrol in schools,” he recalled.
The different education system and lack of certificates meant he had to study in a lower grade. Fortunately for the family, his second brother was able to carry with him his school completion certificate, enabling him to further continue his education.
“We prioritised his education. It came at a steep price – we sold our mother’s jewellery to be able to pay for his fees, while my elder brother and I worked daily wage jobs to support the family,” he remembered.
Despite the hardships, Gowri decided not to give up hope. His early education in Sri Lanka on computer skills and Tamil typing came handy. “I still recall vividly my visit to a photo studio here at Mandapam refugee camp when I was first introduced to Adobe Photoshop. The photographer allowed me to try the computer for photo editing,” Gowri said this was the beginning of his journey towards realisation of his dreams.
He worked hard at his job and taught himself he saved money from his daily wage jobs to visit internet centres and taught himself Adobe Photoshop through YouTube tutorials.
He eventually bought himself a computer and then a camera with support from relatives and other Sri Lankan refugees. Gowri’s journey from an enthusiast to becoming a master photographer was entirely self-taught.
Currently, he works in Chennai as a freelance photographer covering varied events, including behind the scenes of films, fashion shoots. Recently, he got an opportunity to shoot the behind-the-scenes of a featured Tamil film.
“I have a daughter now; she is just a year old. I want to establish my business and expand my photography work to support my family. I am still learning new skills. Recently, I got an opportunity to shoot the making of a Tamil film ‘Seyon’.”
Today, Gowri dreams of achieving more in photography, not just to earn a living but to fulfil his passion. He remembers the support from community-based organisations that helped him realise his dreams and his determination that paved the way for a brighter future for his family.
His journey inspires many young refugees at his camp to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
