**Teen Photographers Shine Light on India's Untold Labour Stories**

**A project aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by India's labour force while fostering social responsibility among the youth.**

In a poignant photographic exhibition titled "The Unseen Perspective" at the Egmore Museum in Chennai, a group of students from Tamil Nadu has documented the laborious lives of local workers, revealing their untold stories through a series of striking images. Each picture narrates the struggles of different labourers, showcasing the backbreaking efforts that contribute significantly to the region's economy.

One of the standout photographs is by Rashmitha T, who captured an elderly woman meticulously rolling traditional Indian beedis, or cigarettes. "No one knows about their work. Their untold stories need to be told," she remarked, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness about the hazardous conditions faced by these workers, many of whom are vulnerable to severe health risks. For every 1,000 beedis produced, workers earn a mere 250 rupees ($2.90).

Another poignant story comes from Jayaraj S, who documented his mother, Pazhaniammal, at a brick kiln in Erode district. She starts her grueling shifts in the early hours to avoid the heat, often complaining of severe body aches and fatigue from her demanding job. Jayaraj shared that it was through this project that he recognized the hardships she endures daily.

Gopika Lakshmi M depicted her father, Muthukrishnan, who continues to work as a grocery seller even while undergoing dialysis treatment. "We don't have the luxury of resting at home," she stated, highlighting her father's resolve, which made him appear as a hero to her despite his challenges.

Keerthi K documented her mother Muthulakshmi, the family's primary earner, who manages both a shop and household while juggling an extensive work schedule. "I wanted to show through photographs what a woman does to improve her children's lives," Keerthi explained, acknowledging the sacrifices made for family welfare.

Another participant, Mukesh K, spent four days photographing his father, who works at a local quarry under strenuous conditions, often sleeping on cardboard boxes after long hours of labor. His father endures extreme temperatures for a meager daily wage, highlighting the grim reality faced by many workers in India.

The photography project was initiated by the Tamil Nadu School education department to foster social awareness among students aged 13 to 17, encouraging them to capture the lives of working individuals in their communities. Muthamizh Kalaivizhi, a key proponent of the initiative, asserted that understanding these struggles is a fundamental step towards social change.

Through the lens of youth, these powerful images serve as a reminder of the resilience of India's labourers, shedding light on their vital contributions and the urgent need for broader support and recognition.