Biography of Homai Vyarawalla:
Homai Vyarawalla (9 December 1913 – 15 January 2012) was an Indian photographer, often regarded as India’s first woman photojournalist. She gained prominence for her work capturing significant moments in Indian history, especially during the pre and post-independence era.
Here’s a brief biography of Homai Vyarawalla:
Early Life:
Birth: Homai Vyarawalla was born on 9 December 1913, in Navsari, Gujarat, British India.
Family: She was born into a Parsi family.
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Education and Early Career of Homai Vyarawalla:
Initial Interest in Photography: Homai Vyarawalla developed an interest in photography during her college years.
Studies: She studied at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay (now Mumbai) and later at the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai.
Career as a Photographer:
Joining British Information Services: In the 1930s, Homai Vyarawalla joined the British Information Services (BIS) as a photographer during World War II.
Documenting Historical Events: She documented several historical events, including the Quit India Movement, the transfer of power in 1947, and the funerals of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Working for Press Agencies: Homai later worked for various international press agencies, including the Far Eastern Bureau of British Information Services.
Homai Vyarawalla’s Marriage and Family:
Marriage to Manekshaw Vyarawalla: She married Manekshaw Vyarawalla, a photographer for the Times of India.
Collaboration: The couple often collaborated on assignments and covered important events together.
Contributions and Recognition:
Pioneering Achievements: Homai Vyarawalla is often recognized as India’s first woman photojournalist and one of the pioneers in the field.
Iconic Photographs: Her iconic photographs include images of political leaders, social events, and cultural milestones in India.
International Recognition: Her work gained international recognition, and she received awards for her contributions to photography.
Later Life of Homai Vyarawalla:
Retirement: Homai Vyarawalla retired from active photography in the early 1970s.
Preservation of Archives: After retirement, she chose to preserve her vast collection of photographs, ensuring their archival importance.
Awards and Honors:
National Awards: She received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2011.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Homai Vyarawalla received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the I&B Ministry of India in 2010.
Death:
Passing: Homai Vyarawalla passed away on 15 January 2012, at the age of 98, in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Homai Vyarawalla’s contribution to the world of photojournalism remains significant, not only for capturing historical moments but also for breaking gender barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her photographs continue to be a valuable part of India’s visual history.