The Hindu , in association with >Birkbeck, University of London , and the Centre for Law Policy and Human Rights Studies (CLPHRS) in Chennai, announces a national photo competition on the theme, ‘The Working Elderly.’
That the elderly suffer a fall in economic status is well established, but most people assume this is because they are not working. However, recent research by Birkbeck and the CLPHRS has established that elderly people continue to work in every sector of the city’s economy, particularly in low-paid situations. Typically, their labour is invisible, denigrated, and unacknowledged.
The contest aims to uncover the work of elderly people across India, revealing the diversity of their work and demonstrating their contribution to family, society and economy. This could turn out to be a people’s research project, making the work of the elderly visible and getting them recognition by showing them in a positive light.
Readers could submit pictures, vote for pictures they like and share them on social media, and encourage others to do so.
The first prize will have a cash component of Rs. 20,000, the second prize Rs. 10,000 and the third prize Rs. 5,000. Three runners-up will receive commendations. The most voted-for picture will fetch Rs. 5,000.
The judging committee will comprise Aruna Roy, social activist; Rajiv Menon, cinematographer; and D. Krishnan, Picture Editor, The Hindu .
The competition closes on July 21, 2013 at 11 p.m. Details are at >www.thehindushutterbug.com . All photos will be presented at the site.