Nobel laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus has said the government should recognise photography as a branch of art as it is photography through which the meaning of life is communicated to people.

“There is no other better source of information than seeing in own eyes. Success of an artist is his ability to show things through his own eyes. He will see life in his own way and that will touch and toss everyone else. And that is art and that is how an artist sees," said Prof Yunus in his speech as chief guest while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the students of Pathshala, a photography institution in the city yesterday.

This is the first time Pathshala organised such a programme titled 'Perspectives' on the occasion of the bgoaduatjonldayi ovrnqAduu | .

"It is a matter of concern that we cannot recognise a work of such a higher standard that has earned recognition for the country from around the world. I find no reason for not recognising such an art,” ProfYunussaid.

"Photography is a distinct language. Sometimes a single photograph causes protest, sometimes it promotes love and sympathy. And Pathshala is an institution for learning this language," he added.

“Human mind will advance life afar than the advancement of technology makes with regard to life,” he added.

Prof Yunus also distributed certificates among the 16 graduates who had completed a three-year-long graduation course.

He also inaugurated a photography exhibition displaying a total of 34 photographs taken by the graduates at the Drik Gallery.

A,phd(o book Jilted ^Pec-

spectives' containing photographs taken by the graduates, was also launched at the ceremony with Prof Yunus unveiling its cover.

“I do not think there is any other branch of art which is comparable to photography," said eminent photographer Bijon Sarkar.

“Photography is one of the most important medium through which Bangladesh is known to other parts of the world. Through photography this country has gained a distinct identity internationally," said eminent photographer Shahidul Alam.

He said Pathshala is not only a place to leam photography but also an institution to build up a human being.

Shahidul regretted that the government did not recognise Pathshala as a photography institution though it is pro-ducing international-standard photographers..,