Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of iconic images that captured the essence of India.
A Life Behind the Lens
Raghu Rai, born in 1942 in Jhang, now in Pakistan, moved to India after Partition. He began his career as a photojournalist in the 1960s, joining the staff of The Statesman. His work later appeared in Time, Life, and National Geographic. He became a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency in 1977.
Rai’s photographs documented India’s social and political landscape, from the Bhopal gas tragedy to the lives of saints and celebrities. He was particularly known for his portraits of Mother Teresa, which captured her compassion and humility.
Legacy and Impact
Rai received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1972. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
His passing marks the end of an era in Indian photography. Colleagues and admirers remember him as a master storyteller whose images spoke volumes about the human condition.
