Date:20/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/20/stories/2006082012320400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Chief Minister lauds contribution of press photographers

Special Correspondent

YSR inaugurates annual photography contest and exhibition

LENSVIEW: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy going round a photo exhibition after giving away prizes to winners in the news photo contest held in connection with World Photography Day in Hyderabad on Saturday. Information Minister Mohammed Ali Sh abbir is also seen. - PHOTO: K. Ramesh Babu .

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has lauded the contribution of press photographers in depicting reality in daily happenings for the benefit of society.

Speaking at the 5th annual news photo contest/exhibition organised by the Andhra Pradesh Press Photographers' Association in connection with the World Photography Day here on Saturday, he said press photography was of vital importance for people.

Cash prizes

Dr. Reddy praised the exhibits, saying the display was better than that put up during the last two or three years.

The Chief Minister gave away the first three cash prizes to the winners — (first) K. Ramesh babu, (second) Mohd.Yousuf, both of The Hindu and (third) A. Srinivas of Eenadu — Rs. 7,000, Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Information and Public Relations Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir announced that the Government planned to revive the annual award given by the department to press photographers. H. Satish, president of the association, spoke.

Later, Mr. Shabbir presented awards to winners of the State-level photography competition organised by the Information and PR Department. Speaking at the function, he emphasised the need for giving more encouragement to the press photography field in view of increasing role it played in society.

He earlier went round the photo exhibition jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Press Academy and Andhra Pradesh Photo Journalists' Association. Prizes to winners of the photo competition would be presented on August 22, according to K. N. Hari, president.