Diplomatic Desk:
Bangladesh High Commission New Delhi bids farewell to renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai with deep respect and sorrow. Known as the “Friend of Bangladesh”, this legendary photographer has been referred to as a genuine friend of Bangladesh.
Raghu Rai, who holds a high position in the world of photography around the world, is considered by many to be the pioneer of Indian photography. In Bangladesh too, he is known as a unique inspiration of creativity, art and aesthetics for generations.
During the great Liberation War of 1971, at the age of just 29, he entered Bangladesh as a photojournalist for The Statesman in Kolkata. He captured the horrors of war, the misery of refugee camps and the torture of ordinary people on his camera. He continued to work bravely even in life-threatening situations, which later played an important role in highlighting the reality of Bangladesh’s Liberation War before the world.
Raghu Roy later said that the horrors witnessed during the Liberation War reminded him of his own family’s experience during the partition of 1947. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1972.
Later, on March 24, 2013, the Government of Bangladesh awarded him the “Friend of Bangladesh” Liberation War Award. The award mentioned that his photographs taken during the Liberation War presented the real picture of the battlefield and refugee camps to the world and his exhibitions aroused a huge response in the international arena.
On each of his visits to Bangladesh, people were impressed by his deep humanity, humility and sincere love for Bangladesh. His contribution and memory will forever be immortalized in the history of Bangladesh.
