Recognizing the pivotal role of "Education" in fostering equality and driving societal transformation, around 50 first-generation graduate youths from Chennai's Vyasarpadi region, along with working youths who were previously deprived of educational opportunities have come together with the noble aim of imparting rational education to the next generation of North Chennai. This dedicated group has been successfully operating a tuition center named "Dr. Ambedkar Pagutharivu Paadasalai" for the past seven years under the banner of 'Vyasai Tholargal.'

Through this organisation, they have mentored more than 200 students in education, arts, and sports, etc., improving their quality of life and working towards empowerment. As part of Vyasai Thozhargal’s ongoing work, from 2022, a photography workshop has been facilitated for 8 students, facilitated by Documentary  Photojournalist Mr. M. Palanikumar.

As part of this year-long workshop, these young photographers have captured the livelihoods, cultures, celebrations and protests of North Chennai uncompromisingly, realistically and elegantly. This visual documentation is an important tool to break the mainstream prejudices about North Chennai and its people. Hailing mostly from working-class backgrounds, Dalit and other marginalised communities, these students have begun using photography to narrate their own life stories.

Vyasai Thozhargal, Palani Studio, Chennai Climate Action Group (CCAG) and PARI are organizing a ‘Photo Exhibition’ with the aim of bringing these students' powerful narratives and photography skills to the public. The exhibition of the student’s work will be held at Vyasarpadi on December 8th, 9th and 10th, 2023 from 9 am to 8 pm.

This photo exhibition will make a huge and lasting impact on the students, besides inspiring many more young visual artists from the younger generation. This exhibition is poised to elevate the perception of North Chennai, turning negative images into a positive and vibrant one.

For specific donation amounts, we will send you signed prints. Refer below for details. Please email a screenshot of your donation to palanipari90ATgmail.com to receive your prints.
- donate Rs.10,000 and more for an A3 print
- donate Rs.5,000 and get a set of 10 postcards
- donate Rs. 2,000 and get a set of 4 postcards

Budget
We would require ₹2,50,000 to make this exhibition happen including the photo prints, frames, venue lighting, inauguration sound equipment, food, and travel costs.

Note: As it is an outdoor exhibition and only for 3 days, we will need to do lighting set up which would cost more than anticipated. So the additional  ₹50,000 is quoted.

Budget heads for photo exhibition
1. Prints & stationary 1,00,000
•Printing of Photos
•Mount printouts for photographers and Exhibition intro
•Invitation printouts
•Stationery- adhesives for venue setup, letter writing- envelopes, papers etc.

2. Frames: 50,000
•Mounting Frames for Photo exhibition

3. Installation: 30,000

4. light & sound: 50,000
•Chairs and tables – if needed
• Audio for inauguration
• Lighting for 3 days with generator

5. Transport: 15,000
•Transport- guests/ children/ cultural team
•Transportation of materials – photos etc.

6. Momentos: 5000*
•Photo Memento for guests

7. Food, water for 3 days: 10,000*
•Food and refreshment for volunteers and guests

8. Miscellaneous 10% of the overall budget