Padmashri Virendra Prabhakar

Press Photo Journalist

Selfless, methodical & continuous persuasion, farsightedness so also industry do bring laurels. These come on their own too here and overseas alike. India's ace Press Photo Journalist Padmashri Virendra Prabhakar stands testimony, once again, who is a living legend to a long and hoary history.

Chequered 15 August-born during 1928 in a respectable Jain family of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Prabhakar had his initial training in sculpture and photography from eminent sculptor Shri Sudhir Khastgir at Doon School, Dehradun, and in paintings at Chitrasjala, Mussoorie.

Shri Prabhakar chose Press Photo Journalism as a career, way back in 1947. What an exciting time that was, as the country happened to be still engrossed in freedom movement. The occasion: Asian Relations Conference. It was addressed by no lesser personalities than stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Indonesian President Dr. Sukarno, to name a few, at Old Fort, Delhi.

Thereafter, till now his hectic efforts resulted in the publication of unprecedented 14,458 news photographs taken by him in various functions, occasions 'par excellence' which brought rather extra-reputation to national dailies of Hindi and English through their front-page placement with his bys-line. First recognition for Shri Prabhakar came in 1982 as Padmashri from the President of India. Afterwards, Delhi State and other States' Awards. American Biographical Institute (USA) has selected him for the 'Distinguished Leadership Award' and 'Man of the Year 2000' Rotary International, Bharat Scouts & Guides and Kala Ratna, Photographic Councils and many other decorations. The Citation of 'Limca Book of Records', categorically, accepted him as the 'longest spell working Press Photo Journalist' and 14,458 published news photos takes by him alone to his credit.

AIFACS Millennium 2000 'Kala Vibhushan Award' for outstanding achievements in photography is another feather in his cap.

Shri Prabhakar, Secretary, 'Chitra-Kala-Snagam' established in 1950, with the First President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and the First Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, as its Patrons. He is also a Founder-Member of several organisations and devoted to the emancipation of literary, music-dance and fine arts as well as brought out many momentous, pictorials and historical volumes.

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