‘Slum’ it up in pictures: Delhi’s slum children go clicking
An exhibition of photographs taken by the slum children of Delhi is on at the Mandi House metro station. The next time you are commuting on the Violet Line (where the station lies), do stop and take a look.
An ongoing exhibition in the Capital has brought together photographs taken by children belonging to Delhi’s slums. The initiative, led by India Habitat Centre (IHC) along with Save the Children foundation, showcases the city as seen by its most vulnerable and marginalised residents. This exhibition has been launched as part of the foundation’s global campaign that ensures that the voice of every child is heard.
“Initiatives like these help the children to think differently and connect with their environment. Even when a young child sees an image through a camera lens, they look at it differently and it stays in their memory,” says Alka Pande, artistic director and curator, Habitat Photosphere, IHC.
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Along with academics, nurturing and encouraging vocational training among children is very important. By promoting photography as a passion, the exhibition is, in a way, encouraging these children to find a passion. “Vocational talent, if honed properly, can take a child in leading a satisfied and happy life”, adds Pande.
The featured child photographers are mostly from the slums of Jahangirpuri, Madanpur Khadar and Sriniwaspuri. The collection highlights environmental and social issues like lack of clean drinking water, safe play spaces for children and status of education and health.
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“This exhibition highlights that the environmental hazards affect everyone. However, the most vulnerable are those children and families who are living on the streets and unauthorised slums,” she says. This exhibition has been put up at the Mandi House metro station and will reach thousands of commuters who take the metro. “Visual representation is a powerful tool of communication. These set of photographs will catch the eye of those commuters who are receptive and sensitive to their environment,” she concludes.
Catch It Live:
What: My City Through My Eyes
Where: Mandi House Metro Station
On Till: September 30
Timings: 6am-10pm
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