Unleashing talent: Getting to know the ‘Humans of Lyari’

Thirty-six boys and girls participate in photo exhibition, click pictures capturing the essence of Lyari

KARACHI: Little do we know about life in Lyari - the businesses people are involved in and the great achievements of internationally acclaimed boxers and young poets. Not many are aware of the rich neighbourhoods of the locality that have inspirational tales about the struggles of Lyari residents, which are very different from the usual narratives of violence and crime.



In September 2014, a group of Lyari's youth was given the opportunity to learn photography and the basics of photojournalism. Comprising 36 young boys and girls, the project, titled 'Humans of Lyari', captured the essence of Lyari with stories that were never heard before.

A photo exhibition of this project along with the launch of 'Humans of Lyari' photo book took place at the Beach Luxury hotel on Sunday. The project, a collaborative effort of Karachi Youth Initiative (KYI) and Society of International Education, aimed to bring out positivity from the land of Lyari, which is mostly known to the world for its volatility. The photo book contains more than 160 stories of talent, inspiration and achievement unknown to the average Karachiite. From football enthusiasts and boxers to daily wage earners and the daughter of the famous Baloch singer, Faiz Muhammad, the photo book has captured the culture, hard work and successes of the people of this part of Karachi.

‘Humans of Karachi’, a photography project aimed at unveiling Lyari’s positivity, comprised photos depicting talent hidden in the area. PHOTOS: AYSHA SALEEM/EXPRESS

According to a participant, the project was no bed of roses as the people of Lyari were quite suspicious of their activities at first. "They would demand that we tell them what we were planning to do with their pictures," said Tirshila, a participant. "Once word spread about the project, people became more trusting, so much so that they became fond of being photographed."

Samira Khan, whose photo has been published in the book, said that the experience has been an eye-opener for them. "We have lived in Lyari since birth," she said. "However, during the course of the project, we discovered so much more about the area." For her, inspiration came from the story of a man named Ramzan Baloch, who strove to educate street children. "He had a small school where he had been teaching children all by himself. Not many knew about him," she said.

‘Humans of Karachi’, a photography project aimed at unveiling Lyari’s positivity, comprised photos depicting talent hidden in the area. PHOTOS: AYSHA SALEEM/EXPRESS

Meanwhile, participant Khalil Murad vowed that he will continue with this project in the future as well. During his course of work, he focused on a donkey racer, Muhammad Hussain, who has won more than 150 racing contests. "We all live in the same area, yet we know so little about each other," he said. "I'll continue my photographic stories, now that I have become good at it."

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2015.