It only took a couple of phone calls and a call out on social media for a group of city photographers to collect close to 200 photographs within just two days from their counterparts across the globe to raise funds for rebuilding Nepal. On the day of the show at Our Sacred Space in the city, the exhibition raised half a lakh by the afternoon.
The ‘Back to School’ fundraiser aims at rebuilding schools and education facilities for over one million children affected by the 7.8 strong earthquake in Nepal.
“We particularly wanted to raise funds for an initiative that wouldn’t be on the priority list of the government right now, but still ideally should be a priority — education,” says Rajesh Pamnani, an organiser and participating photographer.
Rajesh and his team of photographers decided to raise funds through their art only on Wednesday. “Within a span of two days, we were able to make calls, get enough contributors and put together all the logistics,” says a visibly tired yet satisfied Saurabh Chatterjee.
“Photographers from all over the world contributed to this show. We got frames from countries like Switzerland and US as well. It is a heartening feeling when you get this kind of response,” he adds.
Each frame was priced at just Rs 1,000; and with over 40 frames already sold, the sales are still going strong. “The idea was to also make it affordable for all those who want to help. No use pricing it too high in the name of a good cause and not being able to make any sales,” adds Chatterjee.
As the frames were being sold, more were put out on display. The team had sponsors coming forward to take care of the printing costs, while the venue was offered to them for free. Driven further by the response to this show, the team is gearing up for a bigger show in the coming week, with “reputed photographers from other states”.
Relief material for Nepal
Meanwhile, relief material for Nepal such as tents, etc., are being collected in Hyderabad. Rajesh Pamnani, who helped Hyderabadi Sushma Kongara reach Nepal for rescue and relief is constantly in touch with her. Sushma, who is trained and experienced in relief process when Hudhud hit Vizag, is currently working with a local NGO to help build tents with whatever material possible.
“While we have canvas tents ready, they are heavy and shipping would be difficult. Currently, we are in search of plastic or polyester based tents as rains are also a factor to consider besides the weight. But a bigger problem is that we do not have an airliner to help ship the relief material, and by road, it would take at least 15 days,” says Pamnani.
Photos sent by Kongara, Nepal, show the team building tents from whatever little materials they have amidst the rubble left behind by the earthquake.
