Source ForPressRelease.com

Students from Salaam Bombay Foundation's Media Academy who have been trained in photography and visual storytelling, have partnered with the Education Department of Mumbai to present a powerful visual narrative. Turning their lenses toward the city's government-run schools, they have captured the often-overlooked stories of transformation and progress within these educational institutions.



The photo exhibit titled 'Education & Us' was inaugurated by Municipal Commissioner, Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, at the historic Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Headquarters in Fort, where it will now stand as a permanent tribute to the spirit of learning.



The event was also graced by Dr. Amit Saini - Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), Dr. Prachi Jambhekar - Deputy Commissioner (Education), Mrs. Sujata Khare - Education Officer, Mr. Mukhtar Shah - Deputy Education Officer and Mr. Dinkar Pawar - Principal Arts Academy - BMC (Education).



The students' photographs highlight a wide range of facilities, including digital classrooms, an astronomy lab, computer and automobile training centres, sports training, and on-campus medical facilities, among others. Together, these images reflect the government's growing commitment to enhancing infrastructure and enriching the educational and life-skills experience for its students.



Guided by Salaam Bombay Foundation's Media Academy team and mentored by professional photographer Mr. Aslam Saiyad and independent photojournalist Mr. Prashant Nakwe, the students connected deeply with the theme, capturing the very government schools they study in, spaces filled with personal memories and meaning. Through the Media Academy students from resource-challenged backgrounds, are empowered to express their unique perspectives and explore potential career paths, ultimately helping them break the cycle of poverty. For many of these students, it was their first time holding a DSLR camera. Today, thanks to hands-on training, mentorship, and internship opportunities, they are equipped to take on professional assignments. Several students have already begun supplementing their education by photographing local events, birthdays, and portfolio shoots within their communities.



Ms. Padmini Sekhsaria, Founder & Director, Salaam Bombay Foundation, shares, "At Salaam Bombay Foundation's Media Academy, we take pride in equipping resource-challenged students with the tools and confidence to tell their own stories. Watching our students grow from hesitant beginners to skilled visual storytellers is deeply rewarding. For many of these young individuals, this isn't just about learning, but about breaking the cycle of self-doubt through opportunity and exposure. Many of them go on to take up photography as a career, gaining not only creative fulfilment but also financial independence.



We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Municipal Commissioner for offering our students this incredible platform to showcase their work at the BMC headquarters. We also sincerely thank the Education Department of Mumbai for their invaluable collaboration in bringing this unique initiative to life. Seeing our students' photographs displayed in such a prestigious setting is a moment of immense pride and inspiration for them, and for all of us at Salaam Bombay Foundation."



Salaam Bombay Foundation empowers adolescents from resource-challenged communities by providing vocational training, life skills, and experiential learning opportunities that open pathways to brighter futures. Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Foundation's initiatives such as its Media Academy promote holistic education by integrating skill development, creativity, and career readiness. Projects like these reflect our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering 21st-century skills, and amplifying student voices, while supporting the broader goal of making education more inclusive, practical, and aspirational.