Ashwin Babu | Disability – Person with speech and hearing impairment | India

The Boy and the Streets of Mumbai

About the Picture

This image captures a fleeting yet powerful moment — a young boy, his clothes damp and expression pensive, stands clutching a plastic bottle amid the city’s bustle. Shot in black and white, the photograph strips away distraction, drawing focus to the boy’s gaze — one that reflects both hardship and quiet determination. It’s a moving portrayal of childhood resilience in an unforgiving urban landscape, revealing the human stories that unfold in the everyday rhythm of Mumbai’s streets.

About the Artist

Ashwin Babu, a deaf photographer from Mumbai, draws inspiration from Charlie Chaplin and the power of expressive silence. His art is rooted in realism, focusing on themes that make one pause and reflect. Once misunderstood due to his deafness, Ashwin now uses photography as his voice — inspiring others like him to embrace the medium and showcase their creative spirit.