But the lady, who has presented a comprehensive collection of pictures of India’s transition into an independent nation, missed the first tragedy of post independence India that saw the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Such engaging annotations mark the truly remarkable collection of photographs of Homai Vyarawalla which is on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art till July 8.

Inaugurating the exhibition ‘Homai Vyarawalla: A Retrospective’ on Saturday, film director M S Sathyu remarked that it was not just political history but human history that has been captured.

“Considering the technology that was available, what she was able to capture was amazing. Today’s photographs do not mean creativity, but technology that has overpowered creativity,” he said.

Not a woman of too many words, the 97-year-old Homai had very little to say “Each one of you will find something interesting. My principle was always to keep my mouth shut and keep my eyes and ears open. I was alone even in the midst of a crowd,” she remarked.

The exhibition showcases approximately 276 images including original silver gelatine prints, many printed by Homai herself.

Other items on display are her photographic equipment, old cameras and other memorabilia.