Lensman Yajna’s works evoke nostalgia at retrospective photography exhibition

Lensman Yajna’s works evoke nostalgia at retrospective photography exhibition

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 20, 2025: The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Art Kanara Trust, inaugurated a week-long retrospective photography exhibition titled “MANGALORE, BACK THEN…Through the Eyes of YAJNA” at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, on Saturday, July 19. V. U. George, editor and publisher of Mangalore Today, was the chief guest on the occasion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Mangalore’s urban and rural life between the 1970s and 2000s, as captured through the lens of veteran photojournalist Yajneshwara Acharya, fondly known as Yajna. A revered figure in the region’s visual history, Yajna’s evocative black-and-white photographs capture everyday scenes and significant moments with a painterly sensibility, reflecting the transformation of Tulunadu over the decades.

In his welcome address, Nemiraj Shetty, Co-convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, noted that the exhibition is part of the Mangalore Art and Archival Project initiated by Art Kanara Trust, which seeks to preserve and present rare archival images of the Tulunadu region.

Delivering the inaugural address, chief guest V. U. George reflected on his long professional association with Yajna. “I have worked with Yajna for over five decades. He is not only a leading photojournalist but also someone whose photos carry an emotional depth that brings still frames to life. I have yet to meet another photographer with such a rare gift,” he said.

Subhas Chandra Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, offered insights into the genesis of the project. “We felt it was important to document these rare images from Yajna’s archives. More importantly, Yajna was keen to revisit the same locations and photograph them anew. Two young photographers were invited to accompany him, so they could observe a veteran at work and carry forward his visual legacy,” he explained.

Alongside archival works, the exhibition also features images from this recent photographic journey undertaken by Yajna with architect-photographer Murali Abbemane and writer-photographer Deekshith R. Pai. Their collective efforts create a compelling visual dialogue between past and present.

Speaking on the occasion, Yajna expressed his appreciation to the organisers. “I’m thankful to the INTACH team for bringing this project to life. I have enough material to curate four more exhibitions on different themes. It’s deeply satisfying to see people engaging with these photographs and finding a connection.”

The exhibition is open to the public till Saturday, July 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh.