29th September 2015, London
One of the founding members of Pasa Puchah Guthi UK (PPGUK) Mr. Shashi Manandhar, in close collaboration with the Guthi, organized a ‘Photographs for Nepal’ exhibition, to raise money for the victims of the Nepal’s earthquake. The event took place on 29th September at MP Birla Art Gallery, West Kensington. The exhibition displayed the work, of Mr. Manandhar’s elder brother, Mr Shridhar Manandhar, who is also a well-known professional photographer in Nepal.
Around 100 guests attended the event and upon arrival, guests we served a starter of samosa, pakora and aloo achar.
The event commenced with PPGUK’s President, Mr. Kapil Shrestha welcoming everyone, followed by Mr. Manandhar’s exhibition statement. In his statement, Mr. Manandhar stated “for years I have been intending to have an exhibition of photographs of Nepal by him [Mr. Shridhar Manandhar], but the earthquake disaster has turned this into Photographs for Nepal. And that’s why we are all here, coming forward to raise some funds to make a difference to the victims of the earthquake”.
Shridhar’s career kicked off when he jumped over the security fence at Tribhuvan airport, Kathmandu to get a shot of a Varahagiri Venkata Giri, commonly known as V. V. Giri, the fourth President of the Republic of India during his visit to Kathmandu in 1970. His picture was later featured on the front pages of all Indian and Nepali national newspapers.
This initiated a six-decade photography career. From being the United Press International agency photographic correspondent and the U.S. Aid Programme, to being the official photographer for Royal Nepal Academy, United States Information Service, contributing to Nepal Traveller Magazine, and going on to publish his own book ‘Festivals of Nepal’. He is also honored by Nepal Photographer’s Association as a leading Professional Photographer of Nepal.
Mr. Shashi Manandhar ended his statement by highlighting the resilience of the Newah race. The gallery walls had images of the destruction of temples and locations in Kathmandu valley. However, it is evident by the people’s celebration of festivals that the physical matter may have been unsettled by the quake, but the culture will not be demolished in its wake, as it is too deep rooted.
The entertainment segment for the evening included a procession of Pulun Kisi (man made elephant) and Dhimey Baje followed by a performance by Mr. Sandeep Shrestha. During dinner, the entertainment continued with performances by Ms. Jerusha Rai, Mr. Pabitra Man Shakya and Ms. Shiobain Corsie.
In addition, the relief effort made by PPGUK was strongly highlighted by presentations from PPGUK Vice President Mr. Ojesh Singh, Past President Dr. Sachetan Tuladhar and Past General Secretary Mr. Sanyukta Shrestha. Mr. Singh briefly outlined the donations, which had been made to PPGUK and how these have been distributed in Nepal. Mr. Shrestha highlighted the significance of art on heritage restoration, whilst Dr. Tuladhar reflected on the relief work currently taking place in Nepal such as the construction of temporary classrooms and temple restoration.
Towards the end of the event, guests participated in a charity auction and raffle. This also included the auctioning and selling of some of the photographs on display; 14 orders were made and 3 photographs were bought on the day. The event was a big success and raised over £3000.