National level Inter-university Photography Festival, IRIS, organized by Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
New Delhi: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) organized an National level Inter-university Photography Festival, IRIS, on October 16, in which amateur student-photographers from different colleges of the country participated. Over 150 entries were received, out of which 36 were shortlisted for showcasing at the festival.
The participants included students from Central University of Jammu, Bhartiya Vidhya Peeth, Pune, Christ University Chennai, Admas University, Kolkatta, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Govt. PG Collage Ambala, IMS Unison, Dehra Dun, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, Xavier School of Communication, Bhubneshwar, to name a few.
Welcoming them, Prof.(Dr.)Maithili Ganjoo, Dean, FMeH, thanked the participants for their overwhelming response to making this on-line event a big success. “The power of photography enables us to document the world around us. The images captured through a lens have potential to convey perspectives, ideologies and new ideas. IRIS encourages and promotes the youngsters to use this medium for expression and communication. I hope that the learning that you get at this online festival will hold you in good stead as you go along pursuing your passion for photograph.”
The jury for the contest comprised of ace photographer Mr. Pijush Dutta, who is a well known name in the Delhi Chapter of Advertising industry and is now also a Associate professor cum Program Director with Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication and Mr. Manoj Raut, head of the Department of J&MC.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dutta emphasized that photography is an art of storytelling. “A single photograph can speak a thousand words. It can tell us a story, stir our feelings and create empathy. It is all about communicating a visual narrative through creative skills,” he mused.
Mr Dutta also conducted a master class involving the participants during which he spoke of symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, compositions, creativity, abstract pictures and a lot more.
On his part, Mr Raut stressed on the importance of learning the basics before stepping out with a camera in hand. “Photography is not about clicking pictures at random. One must take into account the angle, the lighting and the effects—to create a work of art,” he said.
The submissions were judged on the basis of their creativity, technical excellence and the emotion behind each picture. Images of goddesses and temples, artistes performing different forms of cultural dance, scenic beauty or small moments of life in a creative way were among the entries that were received
Vikhyath Kadri from Mangalore Academy of Professional Studies, whose picture depicted atrocities against women, was named the winner of the first prize. While Sheikh Amman Usmani from Amity University and Sonam Dolma from Bharati College were adjudged winners of the second and third prizes respectively.
Consolation prizes were given to Anikait Sharma, Bhartiya Vidhya Peeth, Pune, Justy Chandy Oommen from Chitkara University, Hritik Majumdar from Apeejay Institute of Design, Abhiram A.S from Christ Nagar College, Jyoti from MRIIRS and Prakriti from Lady Shri Ram College.