New Delhi | An upcoming photo exhibition will shed light on the life of Jharkhand-based environmentalist Jamuna Tudu, now known by her moniker 'Lady Tarzan'.
The week-long exhibition by acclaimed photographer-filmmaker Vajranabh Natraj Maharshi, to be conducted in association with Dhanvika Talkies and RK Film Production, will be held at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) Gallery from June 23-29.
Expected to feature over 40 photographs, the exhibition aims to depict the true story of Tudu who came forward to fight against the forest mafias and Naxalites to protect the jungle surrounding her village from rampant deforestation.
"I have attempted to depict Jamuna Tudu's incredible life, her profound emotions, and her arduous journey of fighting against land mafias to safeguard the entire forest. I invite everyone to attend this exhibition as it is not merely a display of photographs but a portrayal of a remarkable life dedicated to the preservation of our natural heritage," said the Hyderabad-based conceptual photographer.
Born in 1980 in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, Tudu has saved 50 hectares of forest land from being ravaged and united more than 10,000 women to protect trees and wildlife, besides educating women in her village about the environmental issue.
Called 'Lady Tarzan' for taking on the timber mafia and Naxals in Jharkhand, the 42-year-old is also the founder of “Van Suraksha Samiti” - - which prevented the illegal felling of trees near her village in Jharkhand -- and was awarded with the “first 100 women” by the President and felicitated at Rashtrapati Bhawan in 2017.
Extensively researching every aspect of the Padma Shri awardee and her emotional connection with the Jharkhand forests -- be it her intimate engagement with the jungle to communicating with nature -- the photo exhibition serves as an eye-opener, bringing to light the socio-political issues of the land and her journey to conserve Jharkhand forests.
"I allowed Vajranabh to do my shoot and put on an exhibition so that the world would be able to see forests and animals, and get more insights and awareness about the environment. It is very important to do these kinds of exhibitions... I started working for forests in 1998 and Nataraaj showed my efforts to the world, I am feeling nostalgic as well as happy," said Tudu.
The exhibition will come to a close on June 29.