Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Feb 7: State health and family welfare minister U T Khadar on Saturday February 7 inaugurated the photography exhibition of senior photographer and journalist Ahmed Anwar, at Talent Research Foundation.

Khader inaugurated the exhibition, titled 'Street Life', by clicking a photograph of the guests having a glance at the exhibits.

The minister in his inaugural speech said, "After coming to know of Ahmed Anwar's illness, I have extended the Arogya Bhagya scheme for other journalists also. Retired people receiving pension will also be brought under this soon.

"Anwar's photographs reflect the problems of people and appeal for a solution. Anwar is a brave man who has challenged his ailment through strong will power. I will buy his pictures," he said.

DC A B Ibrahim in his keynote address said, "There are streets full of poor people, sickness, trash, and lack of cleanliness wherever one looks. We do not have interest or the patience to look at the lives on the streets in between our own struggle for life. Anwar has captured them on camera, shown and tried to bring in improvements in their lives."

Addressing the gathering Ahmed Anwar said that he has not let his terminal illness deter him in any way. "Life comes only once. An ailment can not deter one's spirit to live. As black and white images give more depth to the moment, I have displayed the photos in the same way."

President of Press Club Ramakrishna unveiled the booklet containing the photographs by Ahmed Anwar.

Retired police officer G A Bawa also spoke on the occasion.

A writer, poet, journalist, photogapher, Ahmed Anwar has, through his lens, tried to make people think about the problems in the lives of those who live on the streets. Most of the brilliantly captured, candid black and white photographs put a spotlight on the lives of the people from the weakest sections of the society.

The exhibition is open till February 11.