Date:29/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/29/stories/2008042959010200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Works of Indian, Russian photographers on display

Staff Reporter

— Photo: R. Ravindran

SLICE OF LIFE: Visitors enjoy viewing the photographs on display at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture on Monday.

Chennai: A collection of photographs on India taken by Indian and Russian photographers is on display at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture.

The photographs are divided into various categories such as still life, portraits, landscapes, festivals, art and culture.

Inaugurating the exhibition on Monday, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, said that Russia is, by far, India’s best friend among all the countries in the world. Indo-Russian trade valued at $3 billon could be improved as both the countries have a potential for dynamic growth, especially in terms of economic ties, he said.

Mr. Ram commended the independent foreign policy adopted by Russia. The country had made huge strides under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin and with President-Elect Dmitry Medvedev, the nation was assured of stability and rejuvenation, he said.

Terming Russia “India’s most trusted and reliable friend,” Mr. Ram said the countries shared a conflict-free, contradiction-free relationship. Events such as the photo exhibition would improve people-to-people contact, he said.

India’s rich colours – be it the earthy tones of terracotta pots or the brilliant hues of a peacock’s feathers – are seen in the photographs. Some of the unusual photos are a picture of a stainless steel store and that of some stray dogs resting under a fishing boat donated by the Rotary Club of Madras.

A tall statue of Lord Hanuman with a TV tower in the background goes with a creative caption: “In God we trust, in technology we rely.”

The exhibition was organised in association with the Chennai Video and Photographers Association. It will be open till Wednesday (10 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.)