Javed Sultan, a third-year PhD student at the Photographic History Research Centre (Arts, Design & Humanities), De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, was a special guest at the Press Institute of India (PII) during the fourth week of January. Javed’s research focuses on the development of photojournalism in India between the 1950s and 1970s, on the evolution of photojournalism and its critical role in shaping Indian society.
Much before arriving, Javed had sent emails stating that he learnt that PII had played a significant role in promoting photojournalistic practices during that period, particularly by organising annual press photography awards and exhibitions. He found that PII had initiated the National Press Photography Award in 1967, recognising notable photographers like Satyendra Kumar Sen (ABP), Kishore Parekh (HT), and Raghu Rai (The Statesman) in categories such as sports and human interest.
Javed later sent the PII director an email: “It was a truly enriching experience meeting you and working at your institute. I sincerely appreciate the kindness and professionalism extended by you and your staff, and I am highly impressed by the way you have organised the PII.” He says he is keen to be associated with the PII-ICRC Awards.