JOIN USThere is something magical about Ladakh that immediately captures one, be it the rocky terrains, golden sands or crystal clear blue waters. But now having suffered the recent floods, Ladhak has incurred heavy losses and destruction.
The region is in need of aid and reconstruction. SOS Ladakh, a fund-raising initiative is making its way around the country to not only raise funds but also to remind people about the beauty and the vibrancy of the place.
In this regard, a photography exhibition was held recently at the Sublime Gallery, UB City. Ladakh being one of the most popular places for amateur photographers, SOS Ladakh went a step ahead and brought in actors like Arshad Warsi, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepti Naval and photographers Vikram Bawa, Daboo Ratnani, Purkayastha Pabir, Amit Pasricha, Samar Jodha to contribute one photograph each for the charity exhibition.
“And the funds from the exhibition will be donated to help rehabilitate the families of the victims and the survivors of the cloud burst,” said one of the organisers. Each of the photographs spoke of the way of life in Ladakh, be it the group of monks who are lost in prayer, a nomadic shepherd with mules, a kettle brewing warm tea or the frown lines on an elderly woman’s face. The photographs impressed the visitors.
While Arshad’s black and white self-portrait was very captivating, it was actor Neil Nitin Mukesh’s photograph of the Flame of Forest that grabbed eyeballs. Soumya, a visitor, said that when actors contribute their work of art, it not only raises the bar of the charity but also inspires others.
“Be it any cause, when there is an actor roped in to promote it, heads will surely turn towards it. I never knew such actors had an eye for photography and it’s great to see their talent on another level,” she adds. However, Rahul, another guest, said that the name behind the photograph did not matter.
“The photos are so beautiful that it does not matter who took them. It’s for a good cause and with such lovely candid shots who wouldn’t want to own one of them,” he added. The funds will be used for building shelters and providing people with basic necessities like food and medicine.