Raghu Rai remembered in Guwahati

 Guwahati, May 4: A tribute programme titled ‘Raghu Rai: Memories & Words!’ was organised by Bakulbon and IMAGE HUT at Chatribari on Sunday evening, bringing together photographers to honour Raghu Rai, who passed away on April 26 at the age of 83.

Professional and amateur photographers attended the event, sharing memories and reflecting on the influence of Rai’s work. Some participants had met him personally, while others said his images had inspired them to take up photography.

The programme began with a minute of silence, followed by tributes to the veteran photojournalist.

Born in 1942 in pre-partition Punjab, Rai trained as a civil engineer before turning to photography in his early twenties. He began his career in 1966 as chief photographer at The Statesman in New Delhi and later worked with Sunday in Calcutta and India Today. His black-and-white photographs documented key moments in modern India, including the Bangladesh refugee crisis and the Bhopal gas tragedy, alongside everyday life across the country.

In 1977, Rai was nominated to join Magnum Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1971, among the earliest instances of a photographer receiving the honour.

At the Guwahati tribute, speakers focused on Rai’s influence rather than his accolades.

Samsul Huda Patgiri recalled his meeting with Rai, describing him as a simple photographer rooted in the lives of ordinary people. He said Rai’s ability to capture street life set him apart.

Vikramjit Kakati, a photojournalist and engineering professor, said Rai’s work and writings had shaped his own approach to photography. Anupam Nath of the Associated Press said he had never met Rai but felt guided by his work.

Suvendu Chatterjee, who directed the documentary “Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes” in 2016, sent a voice message for the occasion. Sanjib Gohain Baruah, a retired civil servant and photographer, shared a video note recalling Rai’s simplicity and personality.

Retired art teacher Anutosh Deb emphasised the need to introduce Rai’s work to younger photographers, noting that many may know his name but not the depth of his visual storytelling.

Among those present were Utpal Baruah of UB Photos, Rituraj Konwar of The Hindu Group, Subhamoy Bhattacharjee of Image Hut, Mitali Barua, Arpan Kalita, Atul Lahkar, Nahid Ahmed and Prabhakar Dey.