New Delhi, Feb 19: “Photography is not just about camera & gadgets. It's about the person behind the lens & a testament to their tenacity” Said Union Minister Rajyavardha Rathore on 7th National Photography Awards function in New Delhi.
A total of 13 awards were given comprising of one Lifetime Achievement Award. One award each in Professional Photographer of the Year category and Amateur Photographer of the Year category with a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000 and Rs.75,000 respectively, and 5 Special Mention Awards in both Professional and Amateur categories with a cash prize of Rs.50,000/- and Rs.30,000/- each.
Mr. Ashok Dilwali conferred 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for his contribution in the field of Photography.
Special Mention Awards (Professional) – Shri Arun Sreedhar, Shri P.V. Sunderrao, Shri Kailash Mittal, Shri Mihir Singh, Ms. Ranita Roy.
Special Mention Awards (Amateur) – Shri V. Ravi Kumar, Ms. S. Neelima, Shri Manish Jaisi, Shri Mahesh Balasaheb Lonkar, Shri Avijit Datta.
The theme for the Professional category was “Women-led Development”, while the theme for Amateur category was “Fairs and Festivals of India”.
Col. Rathore also visited the Photo Exhibition set up at National Media Centre.
Addressing the occasion, Col. Rathore appreciated the photographers saying that they not only capture moments but also fill them with a soul.
He highlighted the significance of photographs as a storehouse of memories. He also eulogized the virtues of perseverance, patience, discipline, and passion which go behind the hours spent by photographers waiting for the perfect shot.
He stated, every picture has a story to tell, he appreciated photojournalists, whose labor behind shooting the perfect frames often goes unnoticed.
Col. Rathore also suggested I&B Ministry circulate the photographs displayed in the Exhibition in schools and colleges across India in order to let youngsters see these pictures and learn from these inspiring images.
Mr. Sitanshu Kar, Principal Director General, PIB expressed views about the democratization of the art of photography through technological developments.
He emphasized the significance attained by the National Photography Awards since the inception of the Awards in 2010.
National Photography Awards are organized by Photo Division under Ministry of I&B. While previously Photo Division existed as a separate Unit under the Ministry, it has now been brought under the aegis of PIB. The event is organized to promote art and technique of photography and also to encourage professional and amateur photographers from all corners of the country.