The art of photography is a silent narrator of time, an eloquent witness of life’s truths and tales. In this spirit, the fourth annual CPB Photo Awards has once again brought under the spotlight, stories that resonate through the lenses of photographers across India. The Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation has tirelessly searched for images that not only captivate but also narrate meaningful stories, and in its latest 2024 iteration, the number of entries burgeoned to over 9,700 submissions from more than 300 cities, highlighting an ever-growing interest and participation in this visual dialogue.
Established in 2019, the CPB Photo Awards is not just an accolade for artistic excellence; it’s a tribute to the often overlooked regional photographers who enrich the tapestry of visual storytelling. The inclusive nature of the awards was augmented this year by opening up categories such as Daily Life, Culture, Street Photography, and Portraiture. Shuchi Kapoor, co-founder of CPB Foundation, reflected on the growth, “Inclusion is an important focus of ours…, This has allowed photographers from different backgrounds to participate.”
The five-member jury, standing out with well-known figures like photojournalist Daniella Zalcman, Nat Geo explorer Senthil Kumaran, and The Hindu’s photo editor Dinesh Krishnan, faced an arduous task selecting only 10 winners. The grand announcement took place at The Leela Palace Chennai, where an array of stories captured in a split second of time was celebrated.
Each category encapsulates a world of its own, mirroring society from various angles and through unique perspectives:
In the category named in honor of Danish Siddiqui for Socially Concerned Photography – Photo of the Year, Kakkat’s powerful black-and-white photograph of Arya and Akshaya, among the first female Kathakali students at Kerala Kalamandalam, stood out. These young aspirants mark the end of a nine-decade gender-restricted tradition, captured in a serene moment of eye exercises during their pre-dawn practice.
For News and Current Affairs – Single Image, a timely snapshot captured by Bhatnagar depicted the Uttar Pradesh chief minister atop a bulldozer during a pre-election roadshow for BJP candidate Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Here, the bulldozer’s representation as a political emblem was potentially as influential as the personalities aboard it.
As for Climate, Environment, and Conservation – Single Image, Solanki framed the struggle and adaptation of families amidst the flooded setting of Saini Nursery in Mayur Vihar, where the rising waters of Yamuna prompted mass evacuations. Solanki aims to uncover the evolving relationship between the people and the Yamuna, amidst the developing crisis along its banks.
The Daily Life and Culture – Single Image category saw Rahul’s candid portrayal of a temple festival’s tranquil interlude, where children in their festive best shared a moment of respite with their parents before the celebratory beats recommenced.
Furthermore, in the Portrait – Single Image category, Thyagarajan captured the bond of a newly-wed Irular couple during the Masi Magam festival. His image was a tender reflection of the human connection, witnessed during the sprawling cultural landscape of Mahabalipuram.
The Nature and Wildlife – Single Image welcomed Jain’s eye for dramatic encounters, as he immortalized a tussle between a Brahminy kite and a Black-headed Ibis in the biodiverse Chilika Lake, illustrating the relentless cycle of predation and survival.
The awards didn’t shy away from sequential narratives. The Photo Story of the Year showcased the paradox of Indian agriculture: a lifeline for millions and yet a harbinger of despair. Mukherjee’s series offered a close examination of the hardships and ironies that lace the fabric of rural agrarian life, invoking a contemplative dialogue about the future of farming amidst socio-political and environmental upheaval.
The foundation’s awe was palpable as Kapoor remarked, “We were spellbound when the open call closed… It is truly heartening to see photographers apply from non-metro cities as well, with important themes and moments.” With a mission to democratize the art form, CPB is carving a platform where the lens becomes a conduit for the narratives of the many, diverging from the stories of the few. The CPB Photo Awards of 2024 stand as a testament to the diverse visual language spoken across India, painting a picture as diverse as its people.
