Moodbidri: While creativity, innovation, specialisation, enthusiasm and publicity are all important for professional growth, humanity should always take precedence, said Daijiworld managing director Walter Nandalike.
He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Bandhavya 2026’, a programme organised by the South Kanara Photographers Association (SKPA), Moodbidri zone, to mark World Photography Day at the Kalpavriksha auditorium on Wednesday.
Addressing photographers and their families, Nandalike stressed the importance of balancing professional ambition with compassion, family responsibilities and personal well-being. He said success in any profession should not come at the cost of humanity.
Recalling the tragic story of photojournalist Kevin Carter, who won the Pulitzer Prize for his famous photograph showing a starving child and a vulture during the Sudan famine, Nandalike said the incident served as a powerful reminder of the need to place human values above professional pursuits.
Humanity should remain the top priority
Nandalike said photographers often work in challenging situations, capturing moments that may later become important records of society, history and human life. However, he urged them to remember their responsibility as human beings while carrying out their professional duties.
Referring to Kevin Carter’s experience, he said the photographer captured an image that went on to receive global recognition, but the story also raised questions about the role of humanity and compassion while documenting human suffering.
He urged photographers to give importance not only to their creativity and professional development but also to their families and their own health.
“While creativity, innovation, specialisation, enthusiasm and publicity are essential in a profession, humanity should always take precedence,” Nandalike said.
He also highlighted the important role photographers play in the growth and success of journalists and the media industry. Photographs, he said, often add depth, authenticity and emotional impact to news reports, making the contribution of photographers indispensable.
Photographers urged to adopt new technology
SKPA Moodbidri zone president Nithin Beluvayi, who presided over the programme, called upon photographers to embrace new technology and constantly upgrade their skills to remain relevant in the profession.
He said the photography industry is undergoing rapid changes, with technological advancements continuously introducing new tools and techniques. Professionals must therefore be willing to learn and adapt to changing trends.
“Learning should be a continuous process,” he said, urging photographers not to limit themselves to their existing knowledge and skills.
The event brought together photographers and their families for a day of recognition, learning, interaction and celebrations. Various programmes were organised to honour senior professionals, recognise achievements and encourage members of the photography community.
Senior photographer honoured with Chhaya Bhushan award
A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the ‘Chhaya Bhushan’ award to senior photographer Gunapala of Kalyani Studio, Kuppepadavu, in recognition of his contribution to the field of photography.
District ‘Chhaya Rathna’ awardee B Abhayakumar was also felicitated during the programme.
Newly married members of the association, members who had expanded their businesses and individuals recognised for their contributions to social service were also honoured on the occasion.
The recognitions reflected the association’s efforts to celebrate both professional achievements and important personal milestones of its members.
Photography competition winners felicitated
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the photography competition organised in connection with Independence Day.
Ravi Kotian secured the first prize in the competition. Mithun Poojary and Pradeep Kumar Nellikaru won the second and third prizes, respectively.
The competition provided an opportunity for photographers to showcase their creativity and skills while encouraging professional and artistic excellence.
Apart from the awards and felicitations, the programme also included activities focused on environmental awareness and social welfare.
Focus on environmental conservation and welfare
Sammilan Shetty from Beluvayi delivered a lecture on environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting nature and promoting sustainable practices.
Saplings were distributed to participants following the session as part of the environmental awareness initiative.
An exhibition featuring vintage cameras was also organised, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the evolution of photography equipment and appreciate the technological journey of the profession.
Various competitions were conducted for photographers and their family members, adding a recreational and family-oriented dimension to the programme.
In another gesture of support for members of the photography community, a scholarship was awarded to Suyog, a student from a photographer’s family.
Financial assistance towards medical treatment was also handed over to Dinesh.
These initiatives highlighted the association’s focus on supporting the professional, educational and social needs of its members and their families.
Association leaders attend programme
Prasad Beluvayi read out the citation during the programme.
District vice-president Devaraja Shetty, district secretary Ajay Kumar, district organising secretary Ravi S Kotian, zonal honorary president Uday Kumar Bhat, vice-president Ranjith Kotian and treasurer Padmanabha Mijar were present.
District building committee member Wilfred Mendonca delivered the introductory remarks and welcomed the gathering.
Zonal secretary Namith proposed the vote of thanks, while Sandeep Shetty Rayi compered the programme.
The celebration of World Photography Day through ‘Bandhavya 2026’ brought together photographers, their families and association members to recognise professional excellence while also underlining the importance of continuous learning, environmental awareness, social responsibility and, above all, humanity.