Dimapur, September 21 (MExN): The Political Science Honours’ students of Patkai Christian College, Dimapur organised a special lecture on the theme, ‘Role of Photography in asserting our Rights: Politics of Imagery and Expression.’
From documenting human rights violation to poverty to abuses to natural calamities, photography has sketched a reality which we often miss out. The role of photography in the 21st Century is often applauded and acknowledged, but on the side, these visual interpretations are neglected and its dialectical power is often underestimated. In worst-case scenario, there has been an incidence where such expression has been surpassed which juxtaposes with the democratic and liberal fabric of a country.
Hence, breaking away from the conventional topics, the special lecture was conducted with focus on the role of photography as an apparatus for asserting rights through the medium of politics of imagery and expression.
Huthuka Sumi, a professional photographer, entrepreneur and a social activist was the resource person. He discussed about photography in the present context, and how much pre-conception with regard to photography is valid. He highlighted about photo manipulation, contextual manipulation, and propaganda ignited by the photography.
Semiotics and the power of photography as seen from the historical context were also discussed. Photography as a symbol framing it through Indian context in general and Naga context in particular was also resonated in his lecture.
He encouraged the students to be aware of the efforts to co-opt their allegiance through images all the time and also to be an active citizen journalist as silence is not a virtue any more.
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