Candid shots of despair and hope

Moving and thought-provoking yet gory... the photographs document one of the worst tragedies to affect mankind... the earthquake that devastated the villages of Bhuj, Anjar and others in Gujarat.

The photography exhibition titled, ``Lessons from an earthquake - disaster zone from a different angle,'' on at the Lalit Kala Akademi (till June 30) captures the agony and hardship in the wake of the quake. The lensman, Shihan Hussaini, better known for his expertise in karate and his controversial paintings, says that he learnt ``several strange lessons'' during his four-day trip to the affected parts. He hopes to take the exhibition to every part of the country and all schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu, and teach people simple methods of preparing for such natural calamities.

The 100 photographs on display tell a sad story... of homes that turned into a battleground and a burial place. The rubble, the rescue operations, relatives in search of their loved ones, animals caught in the maelstrom, the community kitchens and water supply... different aspects caught candidly.

There is a series of three photographs that tell the story of two dogs that are guarding their mistress's body. When other dogs start attacking the body, the dogs fight hard. In the end, they start chewing her body... their way of protecting her! Another series speaks of a dead man trapped beneath his home.

The rescuers discover that his wife is with him, and is alive. But the moment his body is extricated, the wife dies. There's another where a man with a photo album in his hand, looks expectantly at the rubble that was once his home. He is waiting for the workers to save his wife after four days! Unfortunately, she cannot be save.

The little boy has no idea what is happening around him. All he knows is that he wants his mother. He waits, only to be told that his mother will never come back. It is heart wrenching!

Shakeena, a young girl of 15 is caught ruminating outside her home. She has lost her entire family. But all she wants are her certificates and some jewels. She wants to be a pilot. And Hussaini has taken it upon himself to educate the girl and ensure that her dream is fulfilled.Yes, there is despair all around, but there is also hope. The bulldozers clearing the mess, food being served by the sadhus, the piles of clothes... this is proof that human beings come together in the time of crisis.

Also, the rest of the world rose to the occasion, and help poured in from different parts of the globe.

These photographs send out a message... don't mess with Nature. If you do, she knows how to get back at Man, and he is powerless against her forces.

The photographs are for sale (small Rs. 1,500 and large Rs. 3,000) and the proceeds will go towards the Shakeena Pilot Dream Project.

SAVITHA GAUTAM

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