The students' PRIDE AWARDS

Araley Abdaleye News- The two-day event was set to witness the esteemed presence of Ambassador Sarvajit Chakravarti, Ministry of External Affairs and an Alumnus of Delhi University. As the chief guest, he had graced the first day with his esteemed presence. Further enhancing the event's stature, the jury for the awards on 18th and 19th August, comprising of eminent personalities from the world of photography and beyond also made their august presence to felicitate the awardees. The jury included Abhizit Dutta - a freelance photographer and global market research consultant, Pabitra Das - the chief photographer of T2, Sailendra Mal - the chief photographer of The Statesman and Payel Varma - the ex-chairperson of the Best Friendz Society Club. This ensemble ensured that the event was not just a celebration, but a testament of the art and dedication of photographers in West Bengal.

On August 18, a grand ceremony was set to honour the "5 Bengal Jewels" of photography, and a fundraising for a noble cause was also announced. Enhancing the event's allure, Ustad Wasim Ahmed Khan and his ensemble delivered a riveting performance. He was supported by by Shatanik Chatterjee on the harmonium and Pandit Ashoke Mukherjee on the table, which further elevated the grandeur of the renditions by Ustadji.

Among the luminaries being honoured were Naren Goswami, who emerged as a premier wedding photographer in Calcutta. His specialty lies in serving the elite Gujarati and Marwari communities, and to name a few are Mittals’ wedding in Victoria.

Soumyajit Nandy, previously an architect, has carved a niche for himself as a wildlife photographer, co-founding GoingWild LLP. His notable contributions include devising methods to track the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger in the West Bengal Sundarbans and collaborating with documentary powerhouses like BBC and NatGeo.

Ruby Sarkar's journey, from using an analogue camera in 1996 to embracing the digital wave by 2008, is commendable. Based in Kolkata, her exceptional photojournalism has found a place in national media, and notably, in the International Museum of Photography in Madrid.

Raktim Mondal, an accomplished cinematographer and alumnus of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, has showcased his brilliance in films, ads, and documentaries. His association with cinematic stalwarts and his role as an educator further accentuate his credentials.

Lastly, Mayukh Sengupta, despite grappling with a debilitating illness, has dedicated over two decades to photojournalism. Following an impactful tenure with The Telegraph, he's now with the Times of India. His fervour for capturing news remains undiminished.

The event also marked the presence of esteemed Guests of Honor: S.K Singh – the CEO of M.P Birla HS Foundation School and noted social activist, Shahanshah Mirza – a GST Officer who is also the great-great-grandson of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh, Pritam Dutta – the visionary founder director of Asparagus Wedding Planner and Catering Services, and Rupkatha Sarkar – the esteemed Principal of La Martiniere for Girls and Mrs Rupa Chakravarti,an educator, an author and a TedEx speaker. Overseeing the evening's proceedings and ensuring smooth transitions was done by the talented Sulagna Mukhopadhyay, a recognized translator and educationist and the anchor for the evening.

On August 19, the exhibition reached another crescendo with a day dedicated to the exhibition and the Students’ Pride Award. This distinctive event unveiled the first-ever photo exhibition by amateur photographers, and amazing works by the inmates of Alipore Women’s Correctional Home. Alongside this captivating show, the Students’ Photography Contest served as a beacon for young, budding photographers from various schools, offering them a coveted platform to display their talents. Music played a key role each Day at the event of SHE.  Among the enriching line-up, the day was further graced by a Stotram performance by Aastame Sharmistha, a renowned Sanskrit chanter. To acknowledge the creativity of student photographers, the most outstanding photographs were rewarded by Shagufta Hanaphie Events, alias “SHE” a prize of 5000 rupees. This entire endeavour promises to inspire, recognize the artistic excellence of young students. 

The occasion on the 19 August was graced by distinguished guests, who have left an imprint in their respective fields through their works. The Guests of Honour were Bratati Bhattacharyya - the CEO and Secretary-General of the Shikshayatan Foundation, Imran Zaki - a dedicated educationist and the visionary founder of Kolkata WeCare, Seema Bahri - the Chairperson for 2023-2024 of Best Friendz Society Club, celebrated for her role as the founding principal of The Basic Funda.

Adding to the ambiance and ensuring that the evening's proceedings flow seamlessly, Subhasis Chatterjee, a renowned social media influencer and blogger steered as an anchor and held the audience’ attention till the end. 

Subhasis Chatterjee, a renowned social media influencer and blogger, steered as an anchor and held the audience’ attention till the end. 

The students' PRIDE AWARDS was received by 

Best of the Best - Recieved Rs 5000/' only . Amogst 113 photos submitted .. Aaqifa Ali from DPS, Ruby, was given the platinum trophy. Out of eight juries, 6 voted for her . 

1st Prize- Anabhraa M Das - Shikhshayatan School  

2nd Prize - Md Arshad  - St Stephen School, Bowbazar 

3rd Prize - Abraar Ahmed, - St . Augustine Day 

On August 4, 2023, led by Ms. Shagufta Hanaphie and with the support of Kolkata WeCare and Best Friendz Society, a unique workshop unfolded at Kolkata's Alipore Women's Correctional Home. Conducted by Sailendra Mal and the Shagufta Hanaphie Events team, inmates embraced the world of DSLR photography. This endeavor, championed by ADG Sanjay Singh and educationist Imran Zaki, culminated into an illustrated show at the August 19 Pride Awards. Furthermore, on this grand occasion, participating inmates received special gift hampers courtesy of Best Friendz Society and SHE that would be later handed over to them. As a social activist, Hanaphie’s work with inmates helps them pursue careers in photography and journalism, which is a powerful way to promote rehabilitation. Her dedication offers them new paths for personal and professional growth. This initiative helps many from backward classes, and those held back by the law find inspiration to fight back and live their lives independently. The program spanning the 18th and 19th of August has garnered the support and sponsorship of esteemed names such as 91.9 Friends FM, Unicorn, Anytime Cake , Shirin's , Zafar's Bakery and Kitchen, Amethyst PR, Advertising and Kolkata WeCare.