MP Kids express ‘Listen to the Future’ theme of World Children’s Day through photographs

BHOPAL: A series of photographs clicked by children from Dhar and Shajapur districts expressed the World Children’s Day (November 20) 2024 theme ‘Listen to the Future’ very effectively.

An exhibition of a collection of such photographs was put up at the Swaraj Bhavan Art Gallery at the joint initiative of Sanjay Gandhi Sansthan, Madhya Pradesh government and UNICEF office of Madhya Pradesh.

The photographs put up in the exhibition mostly depicted the local rural setting and culture of the places where the children live. The kids aimed to show through the photos as to how the future could be safeguarded and what direction should be taken so that the future generations are grateful to us. They gave out the message of importance of conserving the nature and to leave pure air, pure water and pure food for the future generations.

Deputy Director of Swaraj Bhavan, Santosh Verma, Communication specialist and in-charge of UNICEF office of Madhya Pradesh, Anil Gulati and Arvind Shridhar of Sapre Sangrahalaya were present at the inauguration that was done by the children themselves.

Through her photographs, Urmila of Dhar gave a message of importance of making ‘seed balls’ for regeneration of green cover. The photos depicted the making of seed balls using mud and cow dung, spreading them on the banks of rivers and roads and how they grow into plants and trees that provide us with oxygen. This activity can ensure constant source of oxygen for future generation and maintain ecological balance.

Jigar Ginawa’s photographs depicted the closeness of rural people to environment as they live in earthen houses. These houses are environment-friendly. Similarly, photos depicted the farming in villages and the love shown to animals.

Children participating in traditional rural games like tyre-racing, satoliya (seven stones), marbles, catching goats, swinging of tree branches etc., that make them physically and mentally strong, also emerged as themes of photographers. Even as more and more children get into the grip of world of cell phone, the children gave message through the photos that traditional games can keep one healthy.

Photographs of traditional Bhagoriya festival of tribal people in western Madhya Pradesh clicked by Sonu Thakur were also an attraction at the exhibition. The festival is about life and love and the rural life and culture is well displayed during it. Music, dance and colours are an integral part of Bhagoriya festival.

Laxmi Singar’s photographs depicted the celebration of the festival of Diwali in rural areas. The beautifully decorated homes and courtyards, bursting of crackers, decorating cattle, purchase of earthen lamps and pots from the traditional potters etc., were depicted.

Uma’s photographs depicted the fact that rural women undertake more physical labour compared to men while taking care of home, farming and cattle. Photos also showed vegetables and fruits grown without any use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This gave message of importance of organic farming to safeguard health of people and soil.

The ideas of the children displayed in the photographs were summarized by UNICEF office in-charge Anil Gulati.