SLUM IT UP IN PICTURES

An exhibition of photographs taken by the children belonging to Delhi’s slums, aims to highlight the world through their eyes

An ongoing exhibition in the Capital has brought together photographs taken by children belonging to Delhi’s slum areas. 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.

“Initiatives like these help the children to think differently and connect with their environment,” says Alka Pande, artistic director and curator, Habitat Photosphere, IHC.

Alongside academics, nurturing and encouraging vocational training among these dejected children is pivotal too. By promoting photography as a passion, the exhibition is, in a way, encouraging these children to have a passion. “Vocational talent, if honed properly, can help 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, health. “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. “Visual representation is a powerful tool of communication,” she adds. This exhibition has been put up at the Mandi House metro station so that the message reaches out to commuters who take the metro.