In brief
A group of 40 students from Tamil Nadu's government schools have brought to light the often overlooked lives of local labourers through a photography exhibition titled "The Unseen Perspective" at the Egmore Museum in Chennai. These teenagers have skillfully captured the daily struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of their parents and others in their communities, shedding light on the hard work of approximately 400 million labourers in India.
In one poignant image, student Rashmitha T captures an elderly woman deep in thought as she rolls beedis, the traditional Indian cigarettes, with her hands curled over a basket. "No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told," Rashmitha said, reflecting on the importance of sharing these narratives. The exhibition showcases a range of labouring professions, from quarry workers and weavers to tailors and brick makers, each accompanied by the poignant stories of those depicted. For instance, Jayaraj S photographed his mother, Pazhaniammal, who works tirelessly as a brick maker, often waking up at 2 am to escape the scorching heat. "My mother frequently complains of headaches and body pain," he noted, expressing newfound appreciation for her hardships.Gopika Lakshmi M shared an image of her father, Muthukrishnan, who continues to sell groceries despite being on dialysis twice a week. "We don't have the luxury of resting at home," she remarked, showcasing his determination amidst health challenges. Keerthi captured her mother Muthulakshmi balancing her role as the family's sole provider while managing a small shop. "I wanted to show what a woman does to improve her children's lives," she explained, emphasizing the sacrifices made for family wellbeing. Mukesh K documented his father's labor in a quarry, revealing the harsh living conditions as he works tirelessly for minimal pay and suffers from sun exposure. "He sleeps on cardboard boxes in the quarry," Mukesh revealed, highlighting the plight many workers endure.Their teacher, Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, explains that this initiative encourages students to learn various art forms, including photography, to foster social responsibility and understanding of the lives around them. "Understanding their lives is the beginning of social change," he affirmed.Through the lens of their cameras, these Tamil Nadu students are effectively raising awareness and advocating for dignified recognition of the hard work that goes unrecognized in society.Follow our coverage for more stories on local communities and global issues in every language.
