Written: By Yash Bharti
Mansi Meghwal, a young visual storyteller from Udaipur, Rajasthan, has always believed in the power of real stories. Her journey began not in a classroom or photography studio, but on the streets capturing emotions, challenges, and everyday moments with her camera. With no formal training, she taught herself the art of photography simply by observing people and listening through her lens.
In the early years, she often faced criticism. Many people questioned her choice. “Photography isn’t for girls,” some said. Others dismissed it as just a hobby. But Mansi held on to her passion. She knew that powerful stories don’t always come from big platforms; they often begin with small, sincere efforts. Her goal was clear: to use photography as a form of Expression to highlight voices that are rarely heard.
In 2025, Mansi’s work received national recognition when she was selected for SHE REPRESENTS 2025, a flagship program led by the Indian School of Democracy, Delhi. Out of more than 150 applicants from across India, she was chosen as the program’s official visual storyteller. Her role was to document the journeys of 50 women leaders from different parts of the country women working at the grassroots to bring change in their communities.
As part of the program, Mansi had the opportunity to visit the Indian Parliament, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. For someone who started by photographing local streets in Udaipur, walking through the halls of Parliament was a proud and emotional moment. “It felt like my camera had brought me here to a place of real power and impact,” she shared.
Throughout the program, Mansi photographed women who are driving change in education, health, governance, and social justice. These women are not just leaders, they are role models, activists, and everyday changemakers. Mansi’s photos reflect their strength, determination, and vision. “It wasn’t just about taking pictures,” she said. “It was about capturing their spirit and their stories with honesty and respect.”
Looking back, Mansi feels proud of how far she has come. From facing doubts to standing in Parliament as a recognized storyteller, her journey is a reminder of what dedication and belief can achieve. She is especially grateful to her family and friends who supported her when the path was unclear, and to the Indian School of Democracy for giving her this platform.
Her message to young creators and dreamers is simple:
“Your story matters. Don’t be afraid to tell it. Dream big, work hard, and believe in your path even if it looks different from others.”
Mansi Meghwal’s story is not only about photography. It’s about purpose, resilience, and the courage to follow your passion even when the world doesn’t understand it at first.