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The  Blue Icon

Exploring Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's iconography in contemporary Mumbai as the Blue Icon, an exhibition of Photos by Students of the Photography Promotion Trust. 

The Blue Icon

Identity & Emergence of the Blue Insignia

An unique exhibition that blends together the contemporary iconography of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with rare imges from his lifetime. The Exhibition was part of PPT's Photography Diploma for Children of conservancy workers. The entire exhibit was shot, edited and mounted by the students with the help of Team PPT. 

As PPT believes, Visual Metaphors play a strong role in the desimination of information and helps provide a visual aesthetic to any movement. Almost all conservancy workers in the city belong to the Dalit community. A community that was uplifted by Babasaheb as they fondly call the doctor. Even 125 years after his birth and struggle to end the caste system, his image and icon lives on in the homes of all dalits. For them, Dr.Ambedkar is the face of their struggle against the evil caste system and their own leader who they look upto. 
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Dr. Ambedkar’s diverse and distinct character has made him known to many as a leader of the untouchables, the father of Indian constitution, the advocate of equality and social justice and as a law minister who wrote one of the best constitutions in the world. Ambedkar’s character is marked distinct not only as a philosopher, an academician and a political leader, but primarily as a person who had come from a very humble background and reached the highest levels of fame and respect one can achieve. Ambedkar’s unshakable faith in democracy and belief in participation of all in the socio-political decision making led him to formulate the constitution of India. Through the constitution of India he ensured equality of all by law that so as to eradicate discrimination on the basis of caste, class gender or community. Ambedkar’s life and vision encompassed an analysis of the rage and struggle against all forms of exploitation, and he envisioned a society that would be free from exploitation and inequality. He envisaged equality, liberty and fraternity in the society and strived for the same through his numerous movements.  

The final assignment of the Diploma Project was for the students to  document, dissect and present images of how Dr.Ambedkar lives on in the homes and lives of their community as a symbol and icon. Followers of Babasaheb, create the images of him with their imagination, emotional responses as well as their aspirations. Pendants, wristwatches, wall clocks, posters and frames, statuettes & images on the T- shirts, there are so many objects through which image of Babasaheb has become a part of the lives. They look at him as an ideal leader, teacher & as an inspirational figure. This perception does not value factual appearance; rather it has created an emblem from his attire- His coat, shoes, hairstyle, pen, books in the hand. This kind of representation develops an deep aesthetic value to the images. The project's aim was to reflect on their journey as photographers coming from that community, create a window into the heart of the community and also paying homage to the leader who fought for their rights.
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The Exhibition was displayed at the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai and was inagurated by film-maker Kiran Rao, Dr.Bhalchandra Mungekar, President of the Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Social and Economic change, High Court Lawyer Ujjwal Nikam. Many dignitaries visited the exhibit to encourage the students. The Exhibition and PPT's work was widley covered in National and Local Newspapers.

Media Coverage.

Local Media Coverage.

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The students showcased and spoke about their work to visitors and media-persons. Most importantly they presnted their work to their friends, family and community. For many of them, it was their first time inside an art gallery. The proud smiling faces of parents of the students was a reminder of the power of photography and how small efforts can bring about great change. 
Along with the exhibition, rare images from the lifetime of Dr.B. R. Amedkar were on display. These photos were sourced from the Archives of the Indian Government. 
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To Exhibit/Support "The Blue Icon" at your institue,gallery,space. Please write to us at : photography.ppt@gmail.com
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Support and Donate to Photography Promotion Trust. 

As a non-profit, all resources go towards funding workshops and other educational/documentation activities. You can donate any amount to support our different projects or invite us to conduct workshops for you or your institute. We are also looking for long-term funding to mount national projects in communities across the country.