Jamia Journal Independent Student-run News Website of Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University)
The Center for North-East Studies organized a photo exhibition titled ‘Unheard Voices’ by Kausiki Sarma at the M.F. Hussain Art Gallery, on Monday, August 1, 2011.
At the inauguration of the exhibition, Prof. Sanjoy Hazarika, director for the Center for North-East Studies, introduced the artist and her work, and also wished her more success in life.
It was followed by a speech by the artist, Kausiki Sarma.
About the Work
Sarma’s work highlights the impact of the Armed Conflict in Assam and Nagaland, and attempts to capture the melancholy suffered by the victims of the conflict.
The photographs displayed in the exhibition were part of the reality that the artist has tried to capture in her photographs.
“Each family, each woman had stories of personal loss and bereavement, of physical and emotional trauma to narrate,” Kausiki said.
She spoke about the sense of alienation that creeped into her life slowly while she was away from her home for higher studies in Delhi. It inspired her to work on the traumatic tales of the women and their bereavement.
“Working on this project was the toughest, yet the most fulfilling experience of my life.” “Through this project I have used my skills to contribute to the society,” she said.
She added, “These are stories that the world does not know and has never cared to know. I just make an attempt to make an honest portrayal of their stories through my lens.”
Her speech was followed by a short address by the Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung.
Jung welcomed Sarma and hoped the exhibition to be a great experience. The exhibition was then inaugurated by him.
About the Artist
Sarma was born and raised in Assam. She completed her Bachelors in Statistics, and Masters in Operational Research from the University of Delhi. She started photography as a hobby and learned it more through observation and experience. This project helped her in experiencing a whole new world of suffering, anguish, courage, and of hope.
Message
Through her pictures, Sarma has made a plea to both sides of the conflict, not to repeat such senseless acts of violence which destroy families and break up the very fabric of society.
This was her first solo exhibit. And in the future she wants to work more and contribute to society in a more productive way.
The exhibition witnessed an active participation by students, particularly by the B.A.English (H) II year students who were at the exhibit as an entire class.
Students thoroughly enjoyed viewing the photographs and it was a learning experience for them all.
Scenes From the Event
*click on an image to enlarge
“Through her pictures, Sarma has made a plea to both sides of the conflict, not to repeat such senseless acts of violence which destroy families and break up the very fabric of society.” i dont think so,only those pic were there of whom family member were killed by indian armed forces,but i dint saw any pic of a widow who’s husband was killed by militant….very sorry u have not put the correct report on the issue…
Realy kausiki mam u hav showed the real pics of our region and state .What attrocities the indian army do on the assamese people is cleary shown by your pics about which the mainland people is totaly unaware