Students Capture Lives of India’s Hidden Workers
In a powerful exhibition titled “The Unseen Perspective,” students from Tamil Nadu have brought to light the often-overlooked lives of laborers in their communities. Through photography, these young artists documented the daily struggles of their parents and neighbors, showcasing the hard work and resilience of India’s estimated 400 million laborers. The exhibition, held at the Egmore Museum in Chennai, highlights the urgent need to recognize and appreciate the contributions of these workers.
Documenting Untold Stories
The exhibition features photographs taken by 40 students from government-run schools in Tamil Nadu. Each student focused on capturing the lives of local laborers, including beedi rollers, brick makers, and grocery sellers. Rashmitha T, one of the participating students, expressed her desire to share the untold stories of these workers. “No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their contributions to society.
Among the poignant images is a photograph of an elderly woman rolling beedis, traditional Indian cigarettes. Rashmitha noted the health risks associated with this work, including lung damage and tuberculosis. “Their homes reek of tobacco; you cannot stay there long,” she explained. The students’ photographs serve as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by laborers, who often work long hours for minimal pay.
Highlighting Daily Struggles
Jayaraj S, another student, captured the hard work of his mother, Pazhaniammal, who makes bricks in Erode district. He woke up at 2 a.m. to photograph her labor, revealing the physical toll it takes on her body. “She frequently complains of headaches, leg pain, and sometimes faints,” he shared. This firsthand experience allowed Jayaraj to appreciate the challenges his mother faces daily.
Similarly, Gopika Lakshmi M documented her father’s relentless efforts to sell groceries despite undergoing dialysis twice a week. “We don’t have the luxury of resting at home,” she remarked, highlighting the family’s struggle to make ends meet. Her father’s determination to continue working, even in poor health, paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity.
Empowering Youth Through Art
The photography project is part of a broader initiative by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department aimed at fostering social responsibility among students. Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, the state lead of the Holistic Development program, emphasized the importance of understanding the lives of working people. “Documenting the working people around them is the beginning of social change,” he stated. This initiative not only empowers students to express themselves through art but also encourages them to engage with their communities meaningfully.
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