Monochrome Memories

A photo exhibition puts the spotlight on Anasuya Sarabhai,Mahatma Gandhis aide who played a significant role in the formation of Indias labour movement

Large,black-and-white posters of Anasuya Sarabhai,better known as Motaben,greet us as we enter India International Centre,Lodhi Road. Their main gallery hosts an indulgent photo exhibition on Sarabhai,best known as a social worker who collaborated with Mahatma Gandhi during the historic mill workers strike in Ahmedabad in 1920. The strike eventually led to the formation of Textile Labour Association (TLA),and put Sarabhai on the nations map for her involvement with issues related to women and mill workers.

The exhibition,titled Motaben: As known by Ela Bhatt,includes close to 25 black-and-white photographs from Sarabhais life and social contributions. It has been organised by curator Ela Bhatt,who has worked with Sarabhai since 1955,with the purpose of introducing her to the members of the Self-Employed Womens Association (SEWA) which originated out of TLA in 1972. Motaben was born 127 years ago and it has been 40 years since her death; but even today,she remains a strong presence in many lives, says Bhatt.

A maze-like structure takes us on an ascending photographic journey of Sarabhais life. It begins from her forced marriage in 1897 when she was only 13,followed by pictures and anecdotes about her family,especially of her brother Ambalalbhai,with whom she was very close. The exhibition reveals Sarabhais travels to London for further studies,where she was taught by George Bernand Shaw himself,her involvement in the Suffragette movement,and finally her association with the mill workers in Gujarat.

There is much space dedicated in her praise,particularly one poem,written in Hindi by a mill-worker in 1928,wherein she is described as an angel inclined towards pure,selfless service. The exhibition was first held in November last year,at Shantisadan,Sarabhais home in Ahmedabad,while the pictures were sourced from her niece Giraben Sarabhai and the TLA archives. All I offer is a glimpse of one womans leadership in the early 1900s,and her role in the formation of the labour movement in India. My purpose is to introduce you to Motaben as I had known her. She is a woman worth knowing, adds Bhatt.

The exhibition is on at the India International Centre,Lodhi Road till July 29. Contact: 2461 9431

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Monochrome Memories

A photo exhibition puts the spotlight on Anasuya Sarabhai,Mahatma Gandhis aide who played a significant role in the formation of Indias labour movement

A photo exhibition puts the spotlight on Anasuya Sarabhai,Mahatma Gandhis aide who played a significant role in the formation of Indias labour movement