Hyderabad|India|August'2009: “Sky is the limit for Photographers” said Dr. Smt.J.Geeta Reddy, Minister for Information & Public Relations, Tourism, FDC, Cinematography & Archives. Speaking on the occasion of “World Photography Day” Celebrations at Jubilee Hall on Wednesday evening the Minister said that the Photographers are in forefront in any situation like natural calamities, accidents etc., with speed and courage. The Minister said that Photography field has taken rapid strides like digital photography, transferring photos through net and using cell phones cameras also.

The Minister appreciated the photographers for taking government schemes to the grass root people by photos. Social evils like AIDs, alcoholism are also highlighted through photos. The Minister has annouced that the prize money for 1st prize would be increased from Rs.10,000 to 15,000, 2nd prize from 6,000 to 10,000, 3rd prize from 4,000 to 6,000 and consolation prize from Rs. 2,000 to 3,000. The Minister informed that the Welfare Fund for Journalists would be increased from Rs.50 Lakhs to one crore. The Minister said that the photo journalists will be given house sites, Arogya Sree health cards and other benefits. The Minister recollected that the awards to the photo journalists are given since 1991 when Sri N. Janardhana Reddy was Chief Minister of A.P. The Minister informed that she was happy to note that the awards are given to the photo journalists in the districts also.

Earlier, Sri C.Parthasaradhi, Commissioner, I&PR Department presiding over the function said that the response has been increasing every year and this year 2,208 entries were received. This kind of awards function will help to increase professional advancement and awareness among the photographers. Photo journalist has more responsibility to society. Sri Rajan Babu a well known photographer has presented his books on photography to the Hon’ble Minister on this occasion. Mr. Rajan Babu said that photography is a one man show while Cinematography is a team work. He advised the photo journalists to love their field and to improve professional skill. The Minister has distributed prizes to the award winners.


In salon-I: Jalayagnam, Badi Baata, Women empowerment Mr. P.Sampath Kumar won 1st prize, Mr.B.Lava Kumar won 2nd prize, Mr.M.Shashikanth won 3rd prize. In salon-II: Harithandhra Pradesh, Natures Beauty, Old Age is not a Curse Mr.B.Lava Kumar won 1st prize, Mr.K.R.Deepak won 2nd prize, Mr.S.V.S.Rao won 3rd prize. In salon-III: Best news picture of A.P. Mr.R. Lavanya Kumar won 1st prize, Mr. Nagara Gopal won 2nd prize, Mr. P.Hari Krishna won 3rd prize. Nearly 30 consolation prizes were also given to the photo journalists on this occasion. Sri Devulapalli Amar, Chairman, Press Academy of A.P., Sri Phani Kumar, Commissioner,AMRAP Academy of Rural Development and Sri B.Rajan Babu, Principal, Rajan School of Photography were the judges.