Walk into this tiny one-room, first floor studio in Hauz Khas Village on a weekday and you will find a bunch of students in the middle of a session on photography, trying out various camera “stunts”.
Unique classroom
The students’ interest in the field is apparent in their approach and attitude, with each of themtelling you that they’re the best in the class. “Yes there are others... but I am the best,” is the motto of this classroom, unique in that the students are all intellectually challenged to some degree.
However, the team of five students have already completed assignments for brands like Harley Davidson, Rasavatta (a classic jewellery brand) and Nobility for Ability (an event that happened recently in Jaipur featuring a fashion show by Rohit Bal)
The “never give up” attitude of the students comes from their teacher Mohit Ahuja (31), a photographer trains them to assist in photography and become photographers themselves.
For Mr. Ahuja, the studio and his students are just an extension of his life at home. “I think my journey towards this line of work started from the time I was born,” he says.
Mohit’s says his eldest sister “is a superhuman, with multiple mental and physical disabilities”. “My parents used to stay in east Delhi at that point of time, and then, there were hardly any special schools in Delhi. Neeru needed a number of surgeries including a brain surgery, and a surgery on her hands that would help her lead a somewhat normal life. Our family moved to south Delhi only to provide treatment and special school access to my elder sister,” he said.
Quality of life
Mohit speaks about the various challenges in terms of quality of life for those with disabilities and ensuring that they get help to reach their maximum potential.
“My sister has been going to an NGO for more than 20 years. She now specialises in jobs like masala cleaning, stationery making, candle and diya making and basic MS Office. After two decades, she gets ₹1,500 stipend from the NGO. That is what she makes after 20 years of work and that too from the fee that we pay,” he says.
“I want to change that. People with disability deserve more. This is my attempt at doing that,” he says.
Nineteen-year-old Shaishav, who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, has shot for Red Fort Harley Davidson. “He was paid ₹ 10,000 for it, instantly. That is the kind of morale boost that I am looking for,” said Mr. Ahuja.
Vikas (41), who is also intellectualy disabled, says his photo assignment in Jaipur was the first one he went for without his parents. “I was nervous for two weeks before the event but the two days in Jaipur passed so quickly. Now I am looking at maybe opening a photo studio and working independently,” he says.
‘Higher calling’
Mr. Ahuja, who was earlier a “hardcore advertising guy” has worked with several large companies but quit in 2015. “I knew I had a bigger calling. It is just the start and I’m loving everything I am doing,” he says about the tailor-made six month photography course that he offers.
“The course will be followed by an internship with me. We start by teaching them basics of camera and photography and then move further to specialisation in framing and composition. Once the course is finished I search for assignments for my students and also assist them with whatever assignment it is. I expect/charge nothing for it. Basically, they get to keep all the money because they have earned it,” he says.
And students claim that they love every minute here. “I love this class,” texts Shiva (20) who wasn’t in a mood to talk with Tarit (25). .
