Dear friends, well-wishers, and fellow photographers,

Today is one of the most memorable and purposeful days of my life in my four-decade long journey in the field of photography and photojournalism. For nearly 30 years, I had the privilege of travelling with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu as a photojournalist covering many important occasions and historic moments through my camera. Over the years, I carefully preserved thousands of photographs in my photo archives. During the past six months, I worked with great interest to bring these memories together in the form of a book titled, The Leader Thro’ Lens: The Last Three Decades.

Today, on the occasion of the 187^th World Photography Day, I was deeply honoured that Hon’ble Chief Minister, Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated my 316-page book and appreciated my work. This moment will remain a precious milestone in my life. Very recently, I was honoured with the prestigious global honour, MAPS (Master of the Australian Photographic Society), which makes this journey even more meaningful. Every photojournalist works tirelessly to capture the right moment and deliver photographs for social consumption. The journey is full of excitement, challenges, travel, and unforgettable experiences. But preserving those photographs safely for future generations is an equally important responsibility.

I am grateful that I could preserve my film negatives and digital archives throughout my 42-year journey in photography. Today, I bring a part of that journey in the form of a publication. Witnessing  the book in the hands of the ‘Leader’ himself is an indescribable feeling. It gives me immense satisfaction that years of hard work, dedication, and passion have found a meaningful place in history. Today truly made my day. On this wonderful World Photography Day, I dedicate this special moment to every photojournalist and photographer who works behind the lens to document history. My sincere thanks and gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, my friends, well-wishers, fellow photographers, journalists, and everyone who supported me throughout this incredible journey.

Happy 187th World Photography Day!

Yours for ever

TS Reddy FRPS
Photojournalist | Photographer