In a remarkable display of talent and empathy, a group of 40 students from government-run schools in Tamil Nadu have taken to photography to document the daily lives of labourers in their communities. Their project, titled "The Unseen Perspective," recently graced the walls of the Egmore Museum in Chennai, showcasing powerful portraits that encapsulate the challenges faced by these workers.
Rashmitha T, one of the aspiring photographers, captured the image of an elderly woman diligently rolling beedis—the traditional Indian cigarettes. "No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told," Rashmitha conveyed, emphasizing the urgent need to present the often-overlooked narratives of these workers.
The exhibit shines a light on a wide array of labourers, from beedi rollers to brick makers, weavers to vendors, all of whom form part of a staggering workforce of approximately 400 million in India, many of whom toil under harsh conditions. For instance, Jayaraj S documented the labor of his mother, Pazhaniammal, at a brick kiln, where she begins her grueling hours in the early morning to escape the sweltering afternoon heat. "My mother frequently complains of headaches and leg pain," he shared, deepening the viewer's understanding of the physical toll her work demands.
In the Madurai district, Gopika Lakshmi M portrayed her father's struggle to maintain his grocery business while undergoing dialysis twice a week. Despite his serious health condition, he perseveres, embodying resilience in the face of adversity. "We don't have the luxury of resting at home," Lakshmi noted, expressing admiration for her father’s relentless spirit.
Each photograph reflects the personal and collective challenges of these cycle of hard labor. Students like Keerthi have delved into their own family dynamics, showcasing their mothers’ unwavering dedication to sustaining the household amidst socio-economic difficulties.
Through this initiative, orchestrated by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department and the Neelam Foundation, students are not only honing their photography skills but also fostering a sense of social responsibility by forging deeper connections with the lives of those around them. Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, the state lead of the Holistic Development programme, emphasized that such projects aim at instilling awareness and prompting social change among the youth.
As these young storytellers display their art, they lift the veil on the harsh realities of labourers, igniting conversations around their contributions and sacrifices, while also paving the way for a deeper understanding of social equity in India.
Rashmitha T, one of the aspiring photographers, captured the image of an elderly woman diligently rolling beedis—the traditional Indian cigarettes. "No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told," Rashmitha conveyed, emphasizing the urgent need to present the often-overlooked narratives of these workers.
The exhibit shines a light on a wide array of labourers, from beedi rollers to brick makers, weavers to vendors, all of whom form part of a staggering workforce of approximately 400 million in India, many of whom toil under harsh conditions. For instance, Jayaraj S documented the labor of his mother, Pazhaniammal, at a brick kiln, where she begins her grueling hours in the early morning to escape the sweltering afternoon heat. "My mother frequently complains of headaches and leg pain," he shared, deepening the viewer's understanding of the physical toll her work demands.
In the Madurai district, Gopika Lakshmi M portrayed her father's struggle to maintain his grocery business while undergoing dialysis twice a week. Despite his serious health condition, he perseveres, embodying resilience in the face of adversity. "We don't have the luxury of resting at home," Lakshmi noted, expressing admiration for her father’s relentless spirit.
Each photograph reflects the personal and collective challenges of these cycle of hard labor. Students like Keerthi have delved into their own family dynamics, showcasing their mothers’ unwavering dedication to sustaining the household amidst socio-economic difficulties.
Through this initiative, orchestrated by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department and the Neelam Foundation, students are not only honing their photography skills but also fostering a sense of social responsibility by forging deeper connections with the lives of those around them. Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, the state lead of the Holistic Development programme, emphasized that such projects aim at instilling awareness and prompting social change among the youth.
As these young storytellers display their art, they lift the veil on the harsh realities of labourers, igniting conversations around their contributions and sacrifices, while also paving the way for a deeper understanding of social equity in India.
