Sajeesh Rajendran

For Tomorrow….

Framed in : These photos were part of a series titled “India 2020.” As Jawahar Lal Nehru said, “Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens.” To achieve the vision of our former president Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, we must start preparing our children today. With its vast and rich resources, India has the potential to become a global powerhouse. However, our energy and efforts need to be channeled in the right direction. It is crucial to provide today’s children, who are tomorrow’s citizens, with the proper vision and guidance to lead India to new horizons. Let us prepare for that future!

Framed out: When I was given the topic “India 2020,” I found myself in a dilemma about what to photograph. My thoughts turned to Dr. Abdul Kalam’s dream and vision, inspiring me to focus on preparing children for 2020. I must thank my classmates Rajma and Varna for helping me find the perfect location to photograph those adorable kids. However, this was the toughest assignment I’ve ever undertaken. It wasn’t as easy as it looks in the pictures! Getting them to sit still and listen was incredibly challenging. I have a newfound respect for filmmakers who work with children, and I understand why movies featuring kids often gain international acclaim. Despite the difficulties, the children were sweet and endearing. This experience was invaluable for me as a photographer, and the concept has received wide recognition.

Grey Frames: “A developed India by 2020, or even earlier, is not a dream. It need not be a mere vision in the minds of many Indians. It is a mission we can all take up – and succeed.” – A P J Abdul Kalam.

The Elixir….

Framed in: Dreams are the essence of life. Without them, life would be a monotonous chain of realities. They add spice, hope, and joy, and when you dream, you are reborn. In this sense, dreams are the elixir of life.

Dreams are deeply personal; you can’t expect someone else to dream for you. You must dream your own dreams and hold on to them tightly. As former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, famously said, “Dreams are not those you see during your sleep, but those that keep you sleepless.”

So, I am sleepless and still clinging to my dreams. Are you with me?

Framed out: It was one of those monotonous vacation days. After lunch, I usually feel a wave of lethargy that tempts me to nap, but I despise sleeping during daylight. To shake off the drowsiness, I grabbed my camera and wandered around the compound of my house with a macro lens attached, searching for something intriguing.

Nothing captivated my interest until, on a whim, I glanced at my fist and held it up against the sun. That sight sparked my creativity. I quickly removed the lens cap, set the shutters and apertures to the higher end, and clicked with one hand. The result was stunning!

This photo has drawn a lot of appreciation for me as a photographer. There was even a mention of this photograph in one of the issues of ‘The Hindu’ when it was exhibited in “Artographies,” an exhibition of photographs and paintings.

Grey Frames : Nothing happens unless first we dream” : CARL SANDBURG