Photo mosaic of entries inspired by “Buddhist Lantern Festival Celebration” by Mohammed Azgor Ali Riaz
Dear SeeingHappy Community,
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Hope in Action photo contest! With over 1,000 submissions from talented photographers worldwide, the incredible images we received have powerfully captured the essence of hope in action: showing that even the smallest moments can spark meaningful change.
CONTEST PROMPT: Can you take a photograph that encapsulates the essence of hope in action for yourself or others? Whether it’s capturing acts of kindness, grassroots activism, community engagement, or inspiring leadership, your photo could ignite the spark of change and motivate others to contribute to a better world.
Congratulations to Our Winners!
🏆 1st Place Winner: OLIVIER BENGUIGUI
KINTSUGI #3
BY OLIVIER BENGUIGUI
“In the darkness of the concrete tangles, between the austere pillars of an underground car park, emerges an ethereal figure, seeming to defy gravity itself. A classical dancer, graceful and elegant in her art, but what intrigues are her crutches that become extensions of her being. In a disjointed dance, she transcends physical limits, evoking the fragile beauty of resilience. In this inhospitable urban space, the dancer embodies struggle, perseverance and triumph over adversity.”
“Kintsugi #3” reminds us that beauty can be found even in the most unexpected places, celebrating the fragile strength that makes hope resilient.
🥈 2nd Place Winners: SANGHAMITRA SARKAR and AUNG KYAW ZAW
ADULT EDUCATION
BY SANGHAMITRA SARKAR
“In a timeless exchange of love and learning, these little village girls become the torchbearers of kindness. Their tiny hands guide their mothers through lessons of both heart and mind. In this captivating moment, we witness the magic of knowledge passed down with love, where empathy and understanding flow seamlessly from one generation to the next. The ripple of kindness started by these young teachers extends far beyond the classroom, painting a world where compassion is the lesson that truly matters. “Generations of Kindness” reminds us that the simplest acts of love can shape a brighter tomorrow.”
This image encapsulates the enduring power of love and knowledge, showing that simple acts of empathy can transcend generations and shape a brighter tomorrow.
EMBRACING THE WORLD
BY AUNG KYAW ZAW
“Embracing the world means recognizing our interconnectedness and taking responsibility for the planet’s well-being.The mother and daughter in the picture are planting trees to embrace the world.“
Aung captures how the act of planting symbolizes a commitment to the future, showing us that hope for a better world is grounded in our shared stewardship of the Earth.
Join Us in Celebrating Hope
These winning images, and other contest entries, will be showcased at the Hope Circuit conference, hosted by Instituto de Bienestar Integral and led by Dr. Martin Seligman. This event, held in Mexico City on November 23rd and 24th, will bring together thought leaders, artists, and advocates for a future fueled by hope and action. The winning photographs will serve as powerful reminders of the ways we can transform helplessness into hope, one small action at a time.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates and highlights from the conference, and feel free to visit the SeeingHappy exhibition in person if you’ll be attending!
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared your vision, and brought the spirit of hope to life through your photography. We can’t wait to see how these images continue to inspire positive change in the world. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and more of our favorite photos from the contest.
With gratitude,
The Team at SeeingHappy
