02/06/2026
Happy Birthday to the one and only Shahidul Alam.
Today we celebrate not just his birth but a life devoted to truth, photography, and justice. As founder of Drik, Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Majority World Photo Agency, and Chobi Mela International Festival of Photography, he has built institutions that transformed how images are made, taught, and shared —and how stories from the Global South reach the world.
As an activist his convictions have turned outrage into action; a writer whose words have given shape to the struggles of the marginalised; a photographer whose images insist we look, remember, and care; and a teacher whose patience and rigor have shaped generations.
Through his work, he has shown that photography is not a neutral act but a moral practice — a way to witness, to hold power to account, and to honor the dignity of those who are too often made invisible.
He has mentored countless artists, students, and activists on how to see with clarity, how to listen with humility, and how to speak with courage. Beyond his public roles, his presence has been a quiet, steady light for many of us. Even when the cost of speaking truth has been high, he has remained unwavering — an inspiration of resilience.
Thank you, our banyan tree, for standing strong with us: for your stories, your mentorship, your courage, and your fierce love of justice and free expression. May you be celebrated today and always, and may your work keep inspiring generations to imagine a fairer, more compassionate world.
With all our love and gratitude,
Happy 71st Birthday, Chobiwala!
DrikBashi
Photo: Drik Images
