Sourav Karmakar resides in India. His work primarily focuses on street photography.
This photo shows schoolchildren from families below the poverty line participating in the “Midday Meal” government-sponsored program. According to the government, it is the world’s largest school feeding program, reaching out to about 120,000,000 children in over 1,265,000 schools and other education centres across the country. However, while successful in many respects, the program is tainted by corrupt practices and mismanagement, risking children’s lives.
The Allard Prize Photo Competition jury selected this photo as it reflects those who are at-risk as a result of corrupt practices.