Feature

Pathshala

As a student of Dhaka University I have received some basic knowledge in photography from Dhaka University photography society (DUPS). As I was getting more involved in it I kept hearing the name of 'Pathshala'. I never really got a chance to know the details about its whereabouts and offered courses. I wanted to obtain greater skill and knowledge in this magnificent field of art.

Pathshala, South Asian Media Academy offers a number of different courses in the field of videography and Photography. For photography they offer a four-week basic course, an eight-week foundation course, a one-year program in photography, a two-year advance program and a three-year professional program in photography. For videography they offer Basic in videography and Documentary Film making. Pathshala organizes numerous workshops, lectures and presentations by the finest professionals from all over the world to enhance the skills and deepen the understanding of the students in both the fields. There is also a special scholarship for female students. Apart from this Pathshala offers the facility of international exchange of students and collaborative programs with different universities. The students here are also provided with the opportunity of participating in “Chhobi Mela”. Pathshala is now planning on expanding its curriculum in Multimedia journalism.

Photo: Robert Capa

The students of South Asian Media academy like to call it Pathshala. Yes certainly the name is unconventional. But it says all about the nature of “Pathshala” as an institute for learning photography. As an institute it has the most fun and friendly environment I have ever came across. The teachers are really open to the ideas, thoughts and beliefs of the students. We have our own voices here and our respectable teachers hear them. This is one of those things that really surprised me when I first came here. It is also the reason behind our fondness of Pathshala. May be this is why many of the ex students of Pathshala have later on achieved master class and world press. They also have tried to dedicate their valuable time to teaching the students. Presentations by different renowned international photographers are organized here from time to time for the student's betterment; senior students are given the same opportunity so that they can learn about what the viewers have to say.

The vice-principal of Pathshala is Abir Abdullah, who has been working as a representative from Bangladesh in European press photo Agency. Renowned international photojournalist Dr Shohidul Alam established “Drik gallery” to make a difference in the way Bangladesh is portrayed around the world. Pathshala is the educational wing of Drik, it has the same inspiration as its motto. Pathshala organizes the biggest photography exhibition of the country “Chhobi mela”. Every year photographers from all over the world join this exhibition to show their magnificent work to the people. This year “Chhobi Mela” will be doing its 6th exhibition on the theme “dream”.

One may think why Multimedia Journalism is gradually becoming significant for Pathshala. It came across my mind too. My question was answered by the speech of Dr Shohidul Alam the founder of South Asian Media Academy. In an inaugural ceremony of an exhibition he said that in our country the commoners have this blind faith on anyone who has a camera that he is a “shangbadik” (journalist), and thus has the ability to speak on behalf of them and make their voices heard to the people who can make a difference. His speech that day touched me profoundly and made me realize for the first time the crucial role journalists can play in making peoples life better. This is one profession that allows you to meet with different ranges of people. Coming in touch of them is an experience that enriches us as human beings.