Celebrating World Photography Day 2024: A Spotlight on Photography’s Impact and Innovation at St. Xavier’s College

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EDUCAST, In an inspiring celebration of World Photography Day 2024, St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, hosted the MediaTalk series-xxxv, focusing on the transformative power of photography. The event, organized by the Faculty of Journalism, DoMA, brought together esteemed professionals from the world of photography and photojournalism to explore the theme, “The Power of Photography,” and discuss its impact on communication and human experience.

The event featured a distinguished panel including senior photojournalist Ram Prasad Humagai, who heads the Photography and Art Department at Gorkhapatra Sansthan, documentary photographer Kishor Sharma, and journalist and photographer Tulsi Rauniyar. Each speaker shared their unique perspectives on how photography transcends mere image capture to influence and enrich our understanding of the world.

Dr. Augustine Thomas, S.J., Principal of St. Xavier’s College, underscored the college’s commitment to holistic student development through diverse forms of learning. “St. Xavier’s College is committed to the holistic formation of its students, and when this is achieved through photography, their multiple intelligences, the result can be mesmerizing,” Dr. Thomas remarked. He emphasized the significance of the newly released photobook, “The First Frame,” as a testament to the creative potential unlocked through effective mentorship and opportunities. “On this World Photography Day, we recognize the transformative power of photography for students. The photo booklet we released today clearly shows that when given opportunities and effective mentoring, young minds can truly surprise us,” he added.

The photobook, “The First Frame,” is the result of meticulous work by the Journalism students of the batch of 2023. The project marks a significant milestone in the college’s efforts to blend practical skills with academic learning. During the unveiling ceremony, Miss Nepal World-2024 Ashma KC, an alumna of the college, joined Dr. Thomas in revealing the photobook to the audience. The photobook showcases a variety of photographic styles and thematic explorations, highlighting the students’ growth and creativity.

Chun Bahadur Gurung, Faculty Lead of Journalism and Mass Communication, further explored the broader implications of photography. He referenced a paper from the American Psychological Association which revealed that individuals who engage in photography experience greater life satisfaction. Gurung emphasized that photography is more than just a method of recording visual information; it is a powerful tool that enriches human psychology and enhances scientific communication. “The First Frame, a photobook, is the result of the hard work of the Journalism students from the batch of 2023. The college continues to adopt hands-on learning approaches that meet international standards,” Gurung said.

The MediaTalk series-xxxv not only celebrated the art of photography but also opened new avenues for aspiring communicators and journalists. By showcasing the impact of photography on both individual and societal levels, the event provided valuable insights into the evolving role of visual media in modern communication. The diverse perspectives shared by the panelists and the innovative work highlighted through “The First Frame” exemplified the profound influence of photography in capturing and shaping our understanding of the world.

Overall, the celebration of World Photography Day at St. Xavier’s College served as a poignant reminder of photography’s power to capture moments, convey messages, and inspire change. The event underscored the college’s dedication to fostering creativity and excellence among its students, ensuring that they are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions in the field of journalism and beyond.