Swabhiman ''State disABILITY Information and Resource Center''

5th State Level Photography Day 📸 | Celebrating Inclusion Through Photography

The 5th State Level Photography Day Exhibition was inaugurated today, 19 August 2026, at Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, organised by NBN Sutradhar Trust in collaboration with Swabhiman and the Government of Odisha.

The inauguration was graced by Shri Niranjan Pujari, Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Smt. Sulochana Das, Shri Anil Dhir, and Shri Jagannath Das as distinguished guests.

This year, the exhibition brings together powerful photographs that explore disability, inclusion, diversity and human dignity-encouraging us to look beyond disability and recognise the abilities, aspirations, experiences and contributions of persons with disabilities.

Photography becomes a powerful medium to challenge stereotypes, amplify voices and create a more inclusive society.

The exhibition will remain open until 22 August 2026. We warmly invite everyone to visit, engage with the photographs, and be part of this celebration of art, diversity and inclusion.

Let every frame tell a story. Let every story build inclusion

🇮🇳 Freedom is truly meaningful when it belongs to everyone.

This Independence Day, let us celebrate an India where every person has the freedom to participate, dream, achieve and lead.

Let us build an inclusive, accessible and empowered India - where no one is left behind. 🇮🇳

Inclusive India. Empowered Lives. Equal Opportunities.

Happy Independence Day!

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

📷 Entries are now OPEN!

Swabhiman, in collaboration with the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, proudly presents the 5th State Level World Photography Day Photography Exhibition 2026.

Photography has the power to tell stories, preserve heritage, inspire change, and celebrate humanity. We invite photographers, students, professionals, and enthusiasts from across Odisha to showcase their creativity and unique perspectives.

🗓 Exhibition: 19–22 August 2026
📍 Venue: Jaydev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar
📅 Last Date to Apply: 9 August 2026

Themes: 📍 Hidden Heritage of Odisha
♿ Disability, Inclusion, Accessibility & Human Dignity
🏙 Raw Essence of Life from the Streets
🌿 Nature & Climate

🏆 Attractive cash prizes for the best photograph in each theme, gift hampers for emerging photographers, and participation certificates for all participants.

Scan the QR code on the poster and submit your entries today!

On 22 July 2026, Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Founder & CEO of Swabhiman, participated virtually as the Keynote Speaker at the International Conference on Equity and Diversity (ICED) 2026, organised by the Equal Opportunity Cell and the International Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Addressing the theme, "Breaking Walls, Building Futures," she emphasized that disability inclusion is a matter of human rights and called for societies to move beyond charity-based approaches towards rights-based, inclusive development. She highlighted the importance of accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, universal design, ethical use of technology, disability-inclusive data, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making under the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us." Dr. Mohapatra also stressed the need for collaboration among governments, academia, civil society, businesses, and communities to build equitable and accessible societies where every individual has the opportunity to participate with dignity. Her keynote reaffirmed Swabhiman's continued commitment to promoting equity, accessibility, inclusion, and the vision of "Leaving No One Behind."

Lotus of the Forgotten Petals

Shri Jagadananda emphasized that as Odisha moves towards its centenary, disability-inclusive population data is essential for building an equitable future. He stressed that young persons with disabilities, women with disabilities, and the growing elderly population must be accurately identified and included in the Census to ensure that no one is left behind.

At Lotus of the Forgotten Petals, art becomes a powerful voice for inclusion—sparking conversations, raising awareness, and advocating for a disability-inclusive Census 2027.

Together, let us build a future where every life is counted, every voice is heard, and every person belongs.

InclusiveOdisha ArtForChange LeaveNoOneBehind