Venkaiah Naidu calls photojournalism the eyes of democracy at awards event

Hyderabad: Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said photojournalism eyes democracy, describing it as the life force of journalism, while addressing an awards ceremony in Hyderabad.

He spoke at the 23rd Best Photojournalist–2025 Awards Presentation Ceremony held at the Telangana State Media Academy auditorium in Nampally. The event was organised by the Telangana State Photojournalists Association (TSPJA) and presided over by its president Anumalla Gangadhar.

Venkaiah Naidu said photojournalists capture reality beyond words. He stated that photography transcends language barriers and communicates emotions instantly. “If journalism is a mighty tree, photojournalists are its life force,” he said, urging protection of the profession.

He recalled his association with photojournalists since 1964 during his student activism days. He said a single photograph can convey meaning more effectively than lengthy reports. He stressed that visual storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding.

Photojournalism eyes democracy in the digital era

At the event, awards recognised excellence in visual journalism. Indu Srinivas from Eenadu, Nizamabad, won the first prize. A Krishna from The Hans India, Hyderabad, secured second place, while G Balaswamy from Sakshi, Hyderabad, received the third prize.

Ten other photojournalists were also recognised for their contributions. They included N Rajesh, G Srinivas, A John, R Raju, P Vasa Prasad, M Srinivas, G Venugopal, M Anil Kumar, Veeragoni Rajinikanth Goud, and A Jwala Koteswara Rao.

Telangana State Media Academy Chairman K Srinivasa Reddy said journalism had evolved significantly with technological changes. He noted that artificial intelligence was transforming multiple sectors, especially healthcare. He suggested that photojournalists must adapt to emerging technologies.

Former Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah described photojournalism as a medium that gives life to written truth. IJU leader Devulapalli Amar said natural photographs retain authenticity that artificial images cannot match.

Several media and journalist leaders, including TUWJ representatives and TSPJA office bearers, attended the programme.