The historic Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Headquarters in Fort turned into a canvas of stories as students from Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Media Academy unveiled their photography exhibition ‘Education & Us’. Inaugurated by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the exhibition showcases the transformation within Mumbai’s government-run schools through the eyes of students who study in them.
The event was attended by senior BMC officials including Dr. Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), Dr. Prachi Jambhekar, Deputy Commissioner (Education), Sujata Khare, Education Officer, Mukhtar Shah, Deputy Education Officer, and Dinkar Pawar, Principal Arts Academy – BMC (Education).
The photographs capture modern facilities such as digital classrooms, astronomy labs, computer and automobile training centers, sports amenities, and on-campus medical services signifying the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure.
Trained under Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Media Academy and mentored by professional photographers Aslam Saiyad and Prashant Nakwe, the students—many holding a DSLR for the first time presented a powerful visual narrative. For several students from resource-challenged backgrounds, this opportunity marks the beginning of career possibilities in photography, with some already taking professional assignments in their communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Padmini Sekhsaria, Founder & Director of Salaam Bombay Foundation, said, “Watching our students evolve from hesitant beginners to confident visual storytellers is deeply rewarding. This exhibition is not just about art, but about opportunity, confidence, and financial independence.” She extended gratitude to the Municipal Commissioner and the Education Department for providing students this prestigious platform.
Salaam Bombay Foundation, through its Media Academy and other initiatives, empowers adolescents from underprivileged urban communities with life skills, vocational training, and creative opportunities, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Foundation continues to break the cycle of poverty by keeping children in school and opening doors to sustainable careers.