Sakthivel

Sakthivel, from Vyasarpadi in North Chennai, is a dedicated advocate for climate justice and community empowerment. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood surrounded by over 35 harmful industries, he witnessed firsthand the environmental and social injustices inflicted on his community. Determined to shed light on these challenges, Sakthivel has been engaged in community organizing since 2011, combining his passion for photography with his commitment to activism.

His work involves photo-documenting the livelihoods and lives of North Chennai residents, who face increasing marginalization due to rapid development and climate change. Through his lens, Sakthivel captures the untold stories of his neighborhood, striving to amplify the voices of its residents and inspire collective action.

With the support of the JWH grant, Sakthivel is pursuing four key objectives:

1. Journalism and Digital Communication: Through an internship with Vikatan, a leading Tamil magazine, he aims to enhance his photojournalism skills to communicate climate justice issues effectively.
2. Environmental Advocacy and Community Engagement: Collaborating with Chennai Climate Action Group, he seeks to deepen his understanding of environmental issues and engage communities in meaningful action.
3. Environmental Law and Human Rights: By learning legal frameworks, he intends to address ongoing challenges in his neighborhood with confidence and expertise.
4. Advancing English Proficiency: Focused on improving his communication skills, he is undertaking an English course tailored for journalism.

He aspires to become a leader who truly represents the people. His goal is to stand in solidarity with community members, amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights. He is committed to addressing environmental injustices and working to build a city where environmental challenges are no longer a burden on its residents.