"Rise" and "Rise II" : Visual Storytelling for Social Impact
The Legatum Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting human dignity and prosperity, launched two landmark photo book projects, Rise (2011) and Rise II (2016), to document the powerful stories of transformation enabled by grassroots entrepreneurship, healthcare, and education across the developing world.
Services
Photography & Book
Clients
Legatum Foundation
Published
2011 (Rise), 2016 (Rise II)
The Aim
Amplify voices often unheard and make the case for holistic, locally-driven development through compelling visual narratives.
Sanjit Das, a documentary photographer with a deep sensitivity to socio-economic narratives, was selected, alongside other photographers, for his ability to capture human resilience with honesty and dignity. His contribution brought an intimate lens to the project, weaving visual threads of struggle, hope, and progress.
Key Contributions
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Fieldwork Across Diverse Geographies:
Sanjit traveled to remote and often underserved areas in rural India, immersing himself in communities to build trust and capture authentic moments. -
Visual Language Rooted in Dignity:
Sanjit's photographic approach avoided tropes of victimhood, instead portraying individuals as protagonists of their own progress. From entrepreneurs rebuilding their lives beyond slavery to women gaining financial independence, Sanjit’s images radiate agency and strength. -
Narrative Cohesion:
Sanjit collaborated closely with the editors to ensure the photographs aligned seamlessly with his text, enhancing the books’ emotional and visual impact.
Policy & Advocacy Tool
Rise and Rise II were used as advocacy tools by Legatum to influence policy conversations, donors, and investors. The books provided visual validation of the foundation’s mission and projects on the ground.
Rise and Rise II demonstrate the power of photography in shaping narratives of development and empowerment. The powerful visual storytelling brought emotional weight and clarity to the Legatum Foundation’s mission, turning data into empathy, and stories into change.
