‘Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal inaugurates three-day photojournalist fest on World Photography Day; exhibition captures nature, culture and public issues
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 19, 2026: Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal on Wednesday inaugurated ‘Drishya Samvad 2026’, a three-day photojournalist festival organised by the Raipur Press Club to mark World Photography Day.
The exhibition brings together photographs captured by press photojournalists from Raipur as well as professional and amateur photographers, offering visitors a visual glimpse into Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, traditions and important social and public-interest issues.
The photographs have been displayed under three major themes—Nature and Environment, Culture and Tradition, and News and Public Interest. The exhibition captures the state’s landscapes, folk traditions and cultural practices while documenting significant events and social issues through the eyes of photojournalists.
Open category expands participation
This year, the Raipur Press Club has expanded the festival by introducing an Open Category for professional and amateur photographers who are not members of the Press Club. Photographs submitted by more than 35 participants in this category are being displayed, providing emerging photographers an opportunity to showcase their creative work.
‘Photography is both an art and a responsibility’
After visiting the exhibition, Minister Jaiswal praised the contribution of photojournalists and said photography was much more than simply capturing images.
He said photojournalism was an art as well as a responsibility to preserve important moments for history. A photojournalist often has to work in challenging circumstances and make a split-second decision about the right moment, angle and composition.
Jaiswal said a compelling photograph requires technical expertise, quick decision-making and the ability to understand the significance of a situation. While a journalist may explain an event through several paragraphs, a single powerful photograph can communicate its essence to the public instantly, he added.
The minister described the organisation of the exhibition on World Photography Day as a commendable initiative, saying it provides an opportunity for the experience of senior photojournalists to reach younger generations while giving emerging photographers a platform to display their talent.
‘Photographs complete the story of journalism’
Raipur Press Club President Mohan Tiwari said ‘Drishya Samvad’ was not merely a photo exhibition but an effort to engage with society and contemporary issues through visual storytelling.
He said journalism remained incomplete without photojournalists, as photographs give news reports greater impact and bring events to life.
According to Tiwari, a powerful photograph can often communicate an entire story without requiring an elaborate caption. The moment captured by a photojournalist can also become an important historical record for future generations.
He said the Raipur Press Club would continue organising photo exhibitions and other activities related to photojournalism on World Photography Day in the coming years.
Three-day visual journey through Chhattisgarh
A large number of journalists and photojournalists attended the inaugural programme. Among those present were Raipur Press Club General Secretary Gaurav Sharma, Vice President Dilip Sahu, Treasurer Dinesh Yadu, Joint Secretary Nivedita Sahu, Photojournalist Wing Convener Deepak Pandey, and several senior journalists and photographers.
The three-day ‘Drishya Samvad 2026’ exhibition will offer visitors an opportunity to view Chhattisgarh from different perspectives, with photographs documenting its nature, culture, traditions, society and major events.
