About 100 freelance photographers accumulated on May 30 to capture and apprehend the pastoral beauty of Hyderabad, a city whose story can be traced back to about 2,200 years.
Having analyzed the rise and downfalls of different rulers, the city has many secrets to tell. Though unfortunately, the heritage, traditions and culture of city is highly neglected. The monuments, antique remains and markets are entirely overlooked. To reclaim the city, the Pakistan – US Alumni Network and Lahooti, an NGO working to revitalize folk music, arranged a Photowalk.
Many participants who came from several different cities were energetic about the event despite of the scorching heat. Two buses were organized to carry out these enthusiastic souls and visited the sites of architectural, cultural and periodic importance. They were not only provided with the opportunities to capture the places by taking photographs but also a briefing about the historic significance of these sites.
The first spot involved the two Kalhora Tombs, owing to two different rulers. One of them was Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhora, the personality who laid the establishment of Hyderabad in 18th Century. He was also the first person who bestowed the city with its present name.
The groups then explored the areas of Hirabad from there, one of the ancient places in Hyderabad. The photographers captured the eminence of the buildings that are as historical as colonial era. They also took the photographs of temple, which was previously constructed in 1895 and then was re-constructed in 1945.
The group, then, visited Rani Bagh to take a break from sweltering sun. The group took rest and relaxes under the cool shade of trees and had delicious lunch. The next place which they visited was Niaz Stadium, which is very popular because the first hat trick in the history of one – day International was occurred here. The popular Pakistani bowler Jalaluddin won this achievement against Australia in 1982.
The last destination place for “Hyderabad Photowalk” was Pakka Qilla. The fort was developed by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhora in the late 1760s. Unfortunately, the remains of the fort are present in miserable conditions due to the negligence of authorities.
The talented photographers then bid each other farewell, they made promises to meet again soon at the exhibition that will showcase the best photographs taken during that journey. The most striking thing about whole event was the participation of ladies, who earlier showed their excitement and happiness on social media but also played a significant role to make it a huge success. Hyderabad and its local people had been seeking for such events and finally Photowalk made their dreams come true.
