Eight young photographers from Vyasarpadi challenge stereotypes and share unseen narratives in a compelling photo exhibition.
The photo exhibition will take place from 19 January to 21 January. (Palanikumar)
In November 2022, Priya, a 17-year-old resident of North Chennai, underwent surgery for a ligament tear in her knee. Tragically, due to negligence in postoperative care, she passed away. The untimely demise of the football player sent shockwaves across the state.
As the community mourned the loss of the spirited teenager, amid the grieving crowd, a pair of eyes refrained from shedding tears but instead harboured a determined resolve to share Priya’s story with the world — through the lens of a camera.
“Priya was a stranger to me; I learned of her demise only through a news bulletin. Yet, I couldn’t accept that her passing was reduced to a mere news headline! What if the same had happened to my own sister? So, Priya became my sister, and I wielded the camera to document and share her narrative with the world,” expressed 20-year-old Rasiya Banu, who has extensively documented Priya’s life.
Rasiya is one of the eight participants from Vyasarpadi, set to showcase compelling narratives from their neighbourhood in ‘Engal Therukkal Engal Kadhaigal’ (Our Streets Our Stories), a photo exhibition presented by Vyasai Thozhargal, Palani Studio, Chennai Climate Action Group (CCAG), and People’s Archival of Rural India (PARI).
All eight students are part of Vyasai Thozhargal’s Dr Ambedkar Pagutharivu Paadasalai, a free tuition centre.
Photographer Palanikumar, who has been mentoring the students for the past year and a half, notes that he has gleaned insights from their perspectives.
Rasiya Banu has extensively documented the late footballer Priya’s life. (A Rasiya)
“The goal of the photo exhibition is to challenge prevailing perceptions of Vyasarpadi. The students’ outlook on life, spaces, and the people they engage with is vastly different from external projections. Their approach is unique, and it promises to be vibrant, colourful, and authentic,” said Palani, known for consistently highlighting social issues through his photography.
The exhibition will present a variety of stories and series.
“Traditionally, our exposure has been limited to showcasing boys playing carrom. Yet, the students have depicted girls actively participating in this sport and other activities, shedding light on lesser-known aspects. They have meticulously documented Priya’s departure, her passion for football, and her personal journey. From one-bedroom rooms and small kitchens to the challenges faced by conservancy workers and single mothers, the stories are diverse and extensive,” he explained.
Having extensively covered deaths resulting from manual scavenging, Palani is familiar with this genre of photography.
However, he expressed surprise at the quality of Rasiya’s work.
“All the photos by the students have surprised me. The student could have been nervous while taking the picture; someone might have scolded her for taking pictures of a funeral. But still, she managed to capture a moment. Beyond framing, the attempt matters, and the effort matters,” shared Palani.
Rasiya recognised the difficulties she encountered while photographing, yet she remained undeterred.
“Certainly, capturing images during such moments is challenging. Some individuals, in an inebriated state, ridiculed me, and there were remarks directed at me. However, I didn’t let it affect me. My sole focus was to share Priya’s story with the world… despite the presence of many newspapers. For them, it might be just another story. But for me, it’s far more than that,” emphasised the BA graduate, who is currently a part-time teacher for students of class 8 at the Ambedkar Pagutharivu Paadasalai.
Another student has captured her mother engaged in a process known as Kattai adithal. (D Vigneshwari)
Another student has captured her mother engaged in a process known as Kattai adithal – where women cut wood chips used for holding nails on walls.
“This labour-intensive work is a major source of income for numerous women in the area. But it carries risks too, such as feet becoming skewed over time,” shared Palani.
The student has documented her mother’s dedication and the challenges faced by other women in similar roles.
Initially, all the students grappled with the camera, facing not only a lack of technical proficiency but a lack of confidence.
“But we assured them they could handle it. Them choosing to break their fears has now empowered them to challenge the prevailing perception of Vada Chennai (North Chennai),” Palani added.
The three-day exhibition is scheduled for 19-21 January, 2024, and will witness the participation of notable figures such as MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, veteran communist leader R Nallakannu, director Vetrimaran, director PA Ranjith, Carnatic singer TM Krishna, Singer Gana Muthu, political commentator Mathur Sathya, and Climate activist G Sundarrajan, among others.
Approximately 300 photographs will be showcased at the exhibition. (P Thirisha)
“We have significant individuals participating in this event. It’s both a celebration and political in nature. Here, the students will not only have the opportunity to listen to them but also to express their own views on politics and life,” shared Palani.
From the over 4,000 photos captured by the students, approximately 300 will be showcased not within the confines of a gallery, but on the walls of the neighbourhoods.
It was a photograph taken by Palani that initially ignited in Rasiya the desire to use photography for a cause. “Palani anna had captured a tragic scene of a death due to manual scavenging, where a child was longingly looking at their father. It stirred something unexplainable in me. Coincidentally, this photography training began soon after. It wasn’t planned; it was serendipitous,” shared Rasiya.
The goal of the photo exhibition is to challenge prevailing perceptions of Vyasarpadi. (S Nandhini)
Now, photography has added a beautiful dimension to her life. “From someone who didn’t even know how to take photos on a phone, I now use a DSLR! I may not be the perfect photographer, but capturing moments, emotions, and the essence beyond what one sees is my passion. I’m dedicated to learning more and aim to bring awareness to social causes and injustices through my images. It has become an integral part of me,” she shared.
Rasiya looks forward to advancing her studies. “I am eager to study journalism. If I become a journalist, I’m confident that I’ll write more about my area, the streets, spaces and the makkal (people). Elarum solramadhri inge irukravange thappanavanga illa, rowdy illa; indha edam azhukku illa (People here are not as others describe; not criminals or rowdies, and this place is not dirty),” she added.
In a video, the eight participating students — E Imman, S Nandhini, S Naveen, D Vigneshwari, P Thirisha, A Rasiya, S Vinodhini, and N Sakthivel — share a message: “Neenge pathadhu, ketadhu, unagluku therinjadhu, engaluku sonadhu. Idhu illa Vyasarpadi. Enge kadhaigala naange dhan solla mudiyum. Naange enge kadhaigala solrom. Vandhu parunge. (What you’ve seen, heard, know and what you’ve told us. This isn’t Vyasarpadi. Only we can share our stories and now, we are. Come and see our stories unfold).”
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With these words, they extend an invitation to challenge pre-existing notions about the neighbourhood, its streets, spaces, and people. Open your senses and witness their lives through their own experiences. After all, it’s their streets, their stories.
The photo exhibition will take place from 19-21 January from 9 am to 8 pm at Dr Ambedkar Pagutharivu Padasalai, 4th St, JJR Nagar, Vysarpadi. Instagram: @Chempkumar @Vyasai_thozhargal
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