Haran Kumar, New Delhi
Member Since November 2012
Artist Statement I was 11 years old when I ran away from home. School and studies were never meant for me and the thought of being forced to study by my parents was unacceptable. With Rs 20 in my pocket and not a care in the world, I set off. Soon enough, I became a permanent resident of New Delhi Railway Station. Life between the fast tracks was challenging. One day I would be selling bottles of water to passengers, the next day I would carry their luggage. There were times when my spirit would be shaken by the cruel behaviour of coolies, policemen and anti-social elements. But the smiles on the faces of passengers and their excitement at the prospect of travel gave me hope. I believed there was joy for everyone in the world and I was determined to have my share.
I will never forget the day I was spotted by the Salaam Baalak Trust. They asked me if I wanted to study. I cringed at the thought. They promised me food. I thought it was worth taking a chance. If I didn't like the place, I would have a hearty meal and run away. After lunch and a refreshing bath at the Pahar ganj premises, I began planning my escape. Something inside my heart held me back. Instinctively, I decided to stay for a while. Overnight, my fortunes changed. I was given regular meals, a place to stay and, most importantly, an education. A class 5 student, I was put into class 3 by the Trust. Suddenly, I began enjoying my studies and looked forward to school.
Five years after I left home, I felt the urge to go back and meet my family. I was born at a remote village, Madanmohanpur in 24pgs(s), West Bengal.I spent my early childhood in the abundance of greeneries and natural beauties and obviously with the sorrow of village folks in West Bengal. Those days are the most precious memories in my life. Somebody from the Trust accompanied me. My parents, who had given up all hope of finding me, were skeptical when they saw this slim, confident boy. They began quizzing me about my childhood, showed me pictures of relatives and finally realised I was actually their son. We had a very emotional family reunion. Two months later, I told them I wanted to go back and continue my studies. By then I was used to my independence and didn't want to be bound by any ties.
An 2001 international photography workshop Home Life* changed my life. Each of us was given a roll of film and a camera and asked to shoot whatever we liked. I choose Street Life*. I wanted to portray, through my photographs, the dreams, desires and aspirations of people who lived on the streets. It was a life I had led. A life that made me tough. A life that changed my inner personality and my outer perspective. In December 2004 an exhibition of my photographs was held at India Habitat center in Delhi. A lady from Poland who came to see my exhibition was so impressed that she suggested me to hold a solo exhibition. Then I started thinking of the theme of my exhibition and started shooting seriously on street life. From January to July I completed my shooting of 28 rolls of films. My exhibition on street life was held at India Habitat Centre on 15th July, 2005. After this exhibition my life was changed. Awarded with NIRMAN EXCELLENCE in photography in September 2005. I joined Times Of India, a leading daily newspaper in India on August 2005. The job of a press photographer who can meet people of different spheres, and have experiences of many unpredictable incidents and stories. November 2005 visited Amsterdam to distribute awards to photographers and media persons. It was a dream journey to me who have never visited a foreign country. May 2006 visited Italy for UNITED COLOUR OF BENETTON Photography Scholarship. April 2007 visited Manchester (UK) for International Photographer seminar. August 2008 Visited South Africa for “Inner Voices” Holi, solo photo Exhibition in Durban & Johannesburg. Now I’m working as a freelance photographer with National-International Advertising agencies, Magazine-News Paper etc. now i run my “
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