Monday, March 23, 2009

The Power to Effect Change

Was invited to judge a photography competition at the Radio Mirchi office today. The theme was based on World Forest Day. That's RJ Silvano chatting with the winners, live on air, in the studio.

The winning entry in landscapes was shot on a mobile phone. That says a lot about the power of tech to level the playing field.

Goa, an ecologically blessed state is today staring at massive change in its landscape. It's cliched, but we are staring at a veritable concrete jungle, thanks to our politicians who can't seem to see beyond construction of resorts and massive appartment blocks, far removed from the natural landscape, when talking of development.

The images, taken by amateurs (whatever that means in today's level playing field), reminded me of another project years ago, responsible for preserving the landscapes of the American wild, notably the Yosemite landscape. Yes, it was Ansel Adams.

It would be a pity to lose what we have to unthinking politicians. And I believe images do have the power to effect change. Especially when tech has democratised the process of recording those visuals. Ansel Adams managed to highlight the wilds enough to bring about National Parks. Can Goa do likewise?

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