multimedia broadcast
In my mind, the best journalists utilize every outlet available to them when needing to disseminate news. Often, just print or just photography is not enough to bring information and ideas to the masses and maximize one’s impact as a journalist.
graffiti art protesting the wall’s existence hugs the towering structure
between Israel and the West Bank (shot in Israel).
The barrier between Israel and Palestine is the tallest cemented border structure I’ve seen to date. A Palestinian family was kind to host us for lunch after a long morning of photographing the neighborhood. One of the hired helpers in the house told me about her nephew, who was rounded up by the Israeli government during a peaceful protest and whose whereabouts are now unknown. In Hebron, Palestine, Palestinians traveling from a Palestine-controlled sector of the city to an Israeli controlled sector of the same city are forced to lift up their clothes for mandatory searches just to make the crossing. Not long after, an Israeli soldier explained why. He pointed out to me the poster of a 10 year old Israeli girl killed in a dance class just a few days ago. I earned a deeper understanding into why the institution of peace in the Middle East has remained so fruitless; I witnessed a vicious cycle of two wrongs not making a right, as the relationship between these two communities sinks further and further into despair.
public speaking
My experiences across world borders have cemented my belief that every perspective matters, every person is significant, and every story needs to be told. Most importantly, we need to give a voice to those who cannot speak up for themselves. We need to make ourselves a part of people’s lives by understanding their experiences, hardships, and beliefs.
Instantly, upon hearing hundreds of stories like this one, I felt compelled to lend my service. Quickly, I realized that sharing these stories was the best way to foster widespread change and awareness. Through public speaking, I encourage others to use their passions for the greater good of the community, to live with a sense of empathy and compassion, and to be the change that they wish to see in the world. In my talks, I couple powerful images with moving verbal storytelling, thus creating an impact in the way that people see this controversial topic as I present all perspectives.
To date, I’ve spoken at the following venues, among others:
TEDxTAMU (A&M): Ekansh Tambe: How Understanding Borders Helps us Facilitate Positive Change | TED Talk
STORY2019: https://vimeo.com/366311920/d78f290601
TEDxPlano: Ekansh Tambe: To Understand The Border, I Went To The Border | TED Talk
National Youth Leadership Council
TEDxSMU: Ekansh Tambe: Beyond Borders | TED Talk
Marquette University
University Interscholastic League (UIL)
National Storytelling Network
Dallas Business Leaders’ Roundtable
Toastmasters Inc.
Escuela Verde High School & other civic organizations
Upcoming: International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC)
Upcoming: MSC Spencer Leadership Conference
In essence, public speaking has served as a medium for me to creatively publish news that I’ve gathered.
Perspectives Podcast
In 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, I co-founded the Perspectives Podcast, through which I recorded interviews with leaders of various industries and professions and those affected most by COVID-19 to better understand the virus’s impact. I explored its psychological nuances, business implications, familial consequences, and biological effects. Then, I published these to the public via YouTube and www.thousandwords-photography.squarespace.com/perspectives. See highlighted below.
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Darrin Godin
COVID-19 survivor Darrin Godin discusses his near death experience and COVID’s impact on his health, family, and outlook on life.
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Mark Cuban
Self-made businessman and entrepreneur Mark Cuban shares his thoughts on how a global pandemic affects the economy, small and large businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs
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Jephtha Tausig
Psychologist Dr. Jephtha Tausig evaluates the mental toll and repercussions brought about by COVID-19 in familial, communal, and global contexts.