Akash Pamarthy
Akash Pamarthy is a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker whose work focuses on underrepresented and marginalized communities. His acclaimed project, "Telugu Americans," won first place in the Feature Picture Story category at the 2022 Ohio News Photographers Association contest and was featured on NPR's Picture Show. Pamarthy has also explored issues like homelessness in his documentary "In or Out," which earned accolades at the Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival. His recent projects include contributions to the America Reimagined Project, the Medicaid Care Experience Simulation Project, and award-winning submissions to the NPPA Clips Regional Monthly Still Photojournalism Contest. In this interview, Pamarthy discusses his inspiration, themes he explores in his work, and his aspirations for the future.
Interviewer: Your project "Telugu Americans" gained significant recognition. What inspired you to focus on this community?
Pamarthy: The Indian community is the second-largest immigrant group in the United States, yet it remains underrepresented in media. I wanted to spotlight Telugu Americans specifically, as they are part of my own identity. I noticed a lack of representation and felt compelled to tell our stories. "Telugu Americans" explores four themes: family, keepsakes, festivals, and food-each essential for cultural preservation and integration into American society. For instance, families often hold onto items that remind them of life in India-a traditional saree, a recipe book, or religious items-while adapting to a new American identity. This project became a way to celebrate our traditions and challenges and help others understand them as well.
Interviewer: Your documentary "In or Out" tackles homelessness, a complex issue. How did this project come about?
Pamarthy: Living in Washington D.C., I saw the housing crisis up close. "In or Out" focuses on two individuals whose lives were deeply affected by homelessness, highlighting their daily struggles. By showing the human side of homelessness, I aimed to raise awareness of the complex relationship between housing policies and personal lives. The film's reception at festivals like the Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival has been incredibly rewarding, as it shows that audiences are connecting with the story in the way I intended.
Interviewer: You've been part of the America Reimagined Project. What did you learn from this experience, and how did it shape your perspective as a photojournalist?
Pamarthy: The America Reimagined Project allowed me to document the profound changes America experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an incredible opportunity to create a historical archive that captured shifts in daily life, from how we interacted to how we marked milestones or even mourned. Being part of this project reinforced the power of visual storytelling not just to record history but also to evoke shared memory and experience. One of the most fulfilling moments was having my work exhibited at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center in Cincinnati, where I could engage directly with the community. Seeing people connect with the images as they recognized their own experiences in them was incredibly meaningful.
Interviewer: You recently won first place in the Photo Story/Essay category and third in the Feature/Single category at the NPPA Clips Regional Monthly Still Photojournalism Contest. What does this recognition mean to you?
Pamarthy: It's a huge honor. The NPPA has high standards for visual journalism, so to be recognized by them feels incredibly validating. Competing alongside other talented journalists in the Mid-Atlantic region motivates me to keep raising the bar in my work. For me, these awards are about more than personal accolades-they confirm that people are connecting with the stories I'm trying to tell. It's fulfilling to know that these narratives, especially of underrepresented communities, resonate with others.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what kinds of stories or projects do you hope to pursue?
Pamarthy: I'm drawn to themes of migration, culture, identity, and social justice, and I want to keep exploring those, particularly through long-term projects that can hopefully drive change. I'm also interested in using new media technologies, like VR and interactive online formats, to tell stories in fresh ways. However, no matter what technology I use, I want to stay true to the human element at the core of every story. Ultimately, storytelling is about capturing real experiences in ways that resonate and inspire empathy, and that's what I aim to continue doing.
Pamarthy's journey as a visual storyteller reflects his dedication to highlighting underrepresented communities and exploring the human side of social issues. His work, from documenting Telugu Americans to shedding light on homelessness, is a testament to the power of visual storytelling to foster empathy and understanding across cultures and experiences. Through his lens, he continues to set a standard for impactful journalism, bridging connections between diverse stories and a broader audience.
