Thought-provoking photo expo on refugee lives concludes in Vizag

Experience '7 Decades: A Silent Refugee Crisis' photo exhibition, shedding light on refugee stories and empowering marginalized communities.

A two-day thought-provoking photo exhibition, ‘7 Decades: A Silent Refugee Crisis’, at Tanishq near VIP Road here, concluded on Sunday. The expo made its debut in India after receiving international acclaim in Sydney, Australia. The exhibition, part of its nationwide tour for 2024-25, was curated and captured by noted human rights advocate and photographer Kiran Chukkapalli.

The exhibition brings to light the hidden narratives of refugee communities across India, showcasing intimate, raw, and poignant images documenting the lives of those displaced by conflict and socio-political upheavals. These stories, captured through the lens of Mr. Chukkapalli, offer an unprecedented view into the resilience and fortitude of individuals living in refugee camps across the country. The exhibition highlights the enduring struggle and strength of these silent communities, shedding light on their challenges and triumphs over seven decades of displacement.

In addition to the photo exhibition, a special clothing exhibit titled ‘Stateless’ was also featured. This collection of garments, stitched by refugee women, was created to empower these women and showcase their remarkable stitching talent. The “Stateless” brand, designed by Mr. Kiran Chukkapalli, aims to provide economic independence to women living in refugee camps, allowing them to support themselves and their families while also highlighting their invaluable skills.

Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi, and business tycoons such as Prabhu Kishore of Varun Motors, Kankatala Mallikharjuna Rao, philanthropists Jayshree Hatangadi and Rana Uppalapati were among those who attended. The participants discussed the importance of addressing refugee crises and the need for collective action to support marginalized communities.

In his address, Mr. Kiran Chukkapalli shared his personal journey of documenting these stories while living in the refugee camps, emphasising the profound impact that the experience had on his understanding of resilience and human rights. He hoped this exhibition would inspire greater empathy and advocacy for the displaced.

The exhibition will continue its tour across India. Mr. Kiran plans to conclude his tour in Delhi, sometime in mid-March, 2025.

‘7 Decades: A Silent Refugee Crisis’ is more than just an art exhibit—it is a call to action, encouraging viewers to reflect on the stories that remain largely untold and to join in the effort to support and empower those affected by displacement,” he adds.