Chandra Bodalia
Image of Giving
by Michelle Hopkins

The sun is shining down on a grinning little boy licking his ice cream, which is dripping down his chin. In another photo, sitar legend Ravi Shankar looks regal as he stands, arms crossed, in thoughtful contemplation.

In yet another shot, former United States president Bill Clinton smiles broadly as he looks right into the lens of Chandra Bodalia’s camera.

These photographs are among nearly three million images that Bodalia has captured over the last three decades. “I typically take 5,000 pictures a week,” says the 60-year-old Bodalia.

Whether it’s a little one’s first birthday, a 50th wedding anniversary, family reunion or a fundraiser such as the Diwali Festival, Bodalia can be found lugging his beloved camera to take snapshots that become lasting memories.

From photographing B.C.’s Attorney General Wally Oppal, to television anchor Pamela Martin, to freeze-framing the sweat dripping off a kabbaddi player, Bodalia has proven his talent for capturing the moment beautifully.

Even more astonishing is that he does this completely free of charge. In fact, Bodalia has spent tens of thousands of his own money to support his volunteerism.

When asked why he does it, Bodalia shrugs: “All of my life, I want to help my community in any way I can. Since I love photography, it makes sense to give back this way.”

This past April, Bodalia was honoured with a Seva Award for “his dedication to championing people through his photography.” After accepting his plaque at the Vaisakhi Gala, Bodalia found himself on the other side of the lens, posing with Premier Gordon Campbell and Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts.

Another proud moment for him came in 1996 when he received the Gujarati Society of B.C. award for inspiring future generations and for outstanding selfless contributions and dedication. After a little prompting, Bodalia admits he has received more than 20 awards over the years from the Sunset Indo-Canadian Seniors Society Vancouver for “valuable service.”

As he flips through some 70 of his photographs, he appears to be transported through time. “I took this photograph of NDP leader Carole James when she was campaigning in Surrey and shaking hands with her constituents,” he says. “I took this shot of the VPD chief of police, Jim Chu, when he was giving a press conference.”

Over the years, Bodalia has been given unprecedented access to many local and international dignitaries and celebrities, as well to many political functions.

“I photographed the opening of the Richmond Oval and that was exciting,” he says. “I attend hundreds of political, religious and festive events every year. My phone sometimes doesn’t stop ringing.” His donated photographs can be seen regularly in local South Asian newspapers. Bodalia likes to focus on capturing volunteers “performing good deeds around the South Asian community. That way, people can see the many good things our people are doing to make the community a better place for everyone.”

His interest in photography took root soon after he graduated from college in his native Gujarat. After earning three diplomas, in commerce, painting and sculpture, Bodalia landed a job as an advertising photographer for The Gujarat Samachar, a local newspaper.

“At that time, I travelled all over India photographing temples,” he says.

When he was in his late 20s, his future bride sponsored him to B.C. and Bodalia immigrated to Canada in 1976.“When I came to B.C., I began to volunteer for the Vishva Hindu Parishad temple as its photographer and editor of their magazine,” he says.

“Later, I started photographing Bollywood stars for the local papers when they came to town,” says Bodalia. “I still do that today; I’m considered the official photographer for Bollywood stars.”

As he packs up his precious images, Bodalia says he’s on his way to Surrey to yet another photo assignment. “I’m heading to a fundraiser for cancer,” he says. “Whatever fundraiser people ask me to photograph, I will always try to accommodate them. This is my hobby that has taken on a life of its own. This is my work. This is my passion.”