Photography was not at all a common place in Kolkata’s jails. However an initiative taken by Social Activist & event curator Shagufta Hanaphie came into limelight when the inmates were allowed to hold a DSLR for the first time on August 4th in Alipore Women’s Correctional Home.
This initiative was a joint collaboration of Kolkata We Care founded and headed by Educationist Mr.Imran Zaki , Mr. Sanjay Singh, IPS ADG & IG of Correctional Services , Social Activist , Author & out of box event curator Ms.Shagufta Hanaphie founder of SHE and a kolkata based NGO Best Friendz Society .
” The whole idea behind is to provide Photography classes/ workshops and to educate the inmates in technical skills and business skills as well to face the real world. You could even argue that business skills provide the more crucial foundation of a photographer’s livelihood” belives Shagufta Hanaphie .
The 15 inmates were thrilled to hold a Camera for the first time in hand . The motive behind was to take in thier best clicked shots and exhibit at the Pride Awards – Exhibition & award to celebrate Photographers from Bengal an annual program curated by Shagufta Hanaphie and her team on 19th August Celebrating the The World Photography Day since last two years consecutively .This year the 3rd Pride Awards is hosted in collaboration with The Harrington Street Art Center, Kolkata. Pride Awards will be a gift of a lifetime for the inmates .
The winner of Pride Awards 2022 and Chief Photographer of The Statesman, Kolkata Mr. Sailendara Mal conducted the first workshop inside the jail premises in alipore
It’s always challenging to weigh correctional costs against social benefits, but this investment in photography education for inmates seems to be potentially a worthwhile one. We are looking forward to make a better tomorrow for them . Its just not this Hanaphie’s team is in great follow-through to the program and is working to provide released inmates with basic cameras and editing tools. In reality its a little difficult for ex-cons to find work, let alone afford the equipment needed to start their own business. Hanaphie is fully dedicated to work for the inmates and is trying her best if the inmates show good grades in their courses she will genuinely be commited to provide them pursue a photography business, or to approach online news media as photojournalist or freelance photographers and to give them a provisional chance .
Having a creative outlet has the potential to be therapeutic and constructive for people, especially people trying to get their lives straightened out. From the feedback of the students it appears that many of them have found inspiration in a new passion, which of course is a positive path for those who’ve had trouble with the law.
We plan to hold such workshops not only in kolkata but would like to cover the whole of Bengal . Be it men or women the support they need we will be happy to help .
Shagufta Hanaphie Events has already given consent to appoint few in thier company who want to take the leap and start a new life .
The photographes of the inmates and selected other will be for sale as well . Do come and support them . The amount collected will go to charity to Best Friendz Society for the welfare of the city .
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
