In a remarkable initiative, 40 students from Tamil Nadu are using photography to document the challenging lives of local labourers, drawing attention to their resilience and daily struggles.
Teens in Tamil Nadu Use Photography to Highlight the Lives of Labourers
Teens in Tamil Nadu Use Photography to Highlight the Lives of Labourers
High school students capture the struggles of local workers in an effort to shed light on their untold stories.
In a small village in Tamil Nadu, the hope of illuminating the hidden narratives of the labour force has found a powerful voice in the lens of young photographers. The project, which culminated in an exhibition titled "The Unseen Perspective" at the Egmore Museum in Chennai, features the heartfelt work of 40 students from government-run schools who turned their cameras towards their own communities, focusing on the often-overlooked lives of labourers.
Rashmitha T, one of the participating students, captured her elderly neighbor—a beedi roller—lost in thought beside a basket of tobacco, underscoring the harsh working conditions many of these workers endure. "No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told," Rashmitha stated, emphasizing the theme behind the exhibition.
From brick kilns to grocery selling, the photographs reveal the diverse array of jobs performed by around 400 million labourers across India. Jayaraj S, who photographed his mother at work in a brick factory, shared how witnessing her determined labor at the early hour of 2 am opened his eyes to her struggles, including frequent headaches and physical discomfort from the grueling work.
Similarly, Gopika Lakshmi M showcased her father's resilience as he continued to sell groceries from his old van despite undergoing dialysis treatments twice a week. "We don't have the luxury of resting at home," she reflected, further highlighting the perseverance that defines these workers.
Another student, Keerthi, documented her mother's tireless efforts as the family’s sole breadwinner. After months of training in photography, she aimed to portray her mother’s daily challenges, from morning to night, as she managed both a shop and home responsibilities.
Despite initial difficulties with the equipment, these students honed their photography skills and learned to tell impactful stories through their work, revealing the often invisible struggles faced by families like theirs. The initiative is part of a broader educational program by the Tamil Nadu school department, designed to foster social awareness and responsibility among youth. Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, the program's lead, expressed that understanding the lives of these workers is crucial for inspiring social change.
As the exhibition continues to garner attention, it serves not only as an artistic endeavor but also a call to recognize and uplift the narratives of India’s labourers, reflecting the vital contributions they make to society.
Rashmitha T, one of the participating students, captured her elderly neighbor—a beedi roller—lost in thought beside a basket of tobacco, underscoring the harsh working conditions many of these workers endure. "No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told," Rashmitha stated, emphasizing the theme behind the exhibition.
From brick kilns to grocery selling, the photographs reveal the diverse array of jobs performed by around 400 million labourers across India. Jayaraj S, who photographed his mother at work in a brick factory, shared how witnessing her determined labor at the early hour of 2 am opened his eyes to her struggles, including frequent headaches and physical discomfort from the grueling work.
Similarly, Gopika Lakshmi M showcased her father's resilience as he continued to sell groceries from his old van despite undergoing dialysis treatments twice a week. "We don't have the luxury of resting at home," she reflected, further highlighting the perseverance that defines these workers.
Another student, Keerthi, documented her mother's tireless efforts as the family’s sole breadwinner. After months of training in photography, she aimed to portray her mother’s daily challenges, from morning to night, as she managed both a shop and home responsibilities.
Despite initial difficulties with the equipment, these students honed their photography skills and learned to tell impactful stories through their work, revealing the often invisible struggles faced by families like theirs. The initiative is part of a broader educational program by the Tamil Nadu school department, designed to foster social awareness and responsibility among youth. Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, the program's lead, expressed that understanding the lives of these workers is crucial for inspiring social change.
As the exhibition continues to garner attention, it serves not only as an artistic endeavor but also a call to recognize and uplift the narratives of India’s labourers, reflecting the vital contributions they make to society.
