The Neel Dongre Awards/Grants for Excellence in Photography was established in January, 2012. Neel Dongre (1944-2009) was one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country who took a keen interest in mentoring young people, encouraged them to dream, and helped them fulfil their ambitions. The grants are aimed at recognizing young, emerging and active photo practitioners who demonstrate talent and the passion to communicate with visuals. The awards are offered to serious practitioners as recognition for exemplary work in their genre.
The awards/grants have seen five successful years, with over 30 recipients, many of whom being emerging photographers then, are now doing exemplary work in the field of documentary photography and photojournalism.
CMAC has designed multiple posters, catalogues and grants for the Neel Dongre Awards and Grants.
More On The Awards
Curator & Jury: Aditya Arya and Parthiv Shah
Managing Committee: The awards are administered by a Managing Committee consisting of Mrs. Urmilla Dongre, Parthiv Shah, Aditya Arya (Trustee), Premola Ghose, Asha Rani Mathurand artists and designers invited to be on the committee for a period of two years.
“Neel Dongre Awards/Grants conceptualized and
curated by Aditya Arya and Parthiv Shah is a huge leg up for the growth of the
next generation of photographers to emerge from India. The rigorous selection
process, the subsequent mentorship provided to young photographers is a
much needed service in the process of developing a strong language. Photography
an immediate communication is often devalued by practitioners themselves.
The deep thought behind the award is bringing in a conceptual framework which
is being enriched through theory, practice and a strong accent on the many
alternate forms of printmaking. The award encompasses the artistry of
photography where the document, the photograph and the art of making are in
perfect harmony and balance. A remarkable achievement”
– Dr. Alka Pande: Consultant, Art Advisor and Curator, Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre