Born on the 19th of August 1930 in Jhang (Now in Pakistan), S. Paul was an internationally acclaimed photographer of India. He is known as one of the pioneers of photo
journalism in country. After the partition his family moved to India. Having
completed his education he started doing a job in Shimla as an Engineering Draftsman. While doing his stay in Shimla he purchased a Camera and started
clicking the subjects of his choice. He used to take help of photography books
and the owner of a photo studio to polish his skills. As he was a hard-working
man, he gradually trained himself as a good photographer.
Later in 1962 Mr. Paul joined the reputed news paper of country, The Indian Express at Delhi. Very soon his pictures started getting popularity and subsequently he became CHIEF OF THE PHOTO DEPARTMENT in this publication. The key characteristic of his photographs was the story telling value which set him apart from others. His works were narratives in themselves. The reason behind this was that he used to put his heart and soul in his images. While doing work with The Indian Express he established himself as a photographer par excellence. He remained with this publication till 1988.
Mr. Paul always thought himself a learner. He firmly believed in regular
practice. He used to say, “A little gap in practice can take us far away from
our path.” He always kept his camera with him. Whenever he found an object
worth clicking, he never missed the opportunity. He was very much quick in
clicking. As soon as he saw the subject, he clicked immediately. This quality
is seen in very few people. His deep patience and attachment with his work made
him a legend. He is a role model for photography lovers. He left for his
heavenly abode in 2017. He is not among us today, but his life history has set
an example for all photography enthusiasts. His masterpieces will always be a source
of inspiration for all those who love photography.
A number of reputed awards and recognitions go to his credit. This is worth mentioning that his name is among the most awarded photographers of India at International level. Many of his photographs have been the part of esteemed publications.
1. First Indian to have been profiled with a portfolio of four pictures by the World’s oldest and most prestigious THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY ANNUAL 1967 followed by another portfolio with article in such short space of time in the 1969 edition (U.K)
2.
First Indian to win NIKON INTERNATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST in 1971. 7 more awards in
different years (JAPAN).
3.
A record 7 pictures published in PHOTOGRAPHY YEARBOOK 1990 U.K. (A collection
of years best pictures from the world over) since its inception in 1935.
4.
FIRST PRIZE in the BALLANTINE’S FINEST INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWRDS (U.K) on
the theme “THE INSPIRATIONAL IMAGE”.
5.
FIRST PRIZE in the POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY MILLENIUM PHOTO CONTEST (60,000 pictures
submitted from the world over) U.S.A
6.
FIRST & SECOND PRIZE in the 7th SARC countries Photo Contest by
UNICEF on the theme “GIRL CHILD”
7.
14 DAYS visit to BULGARIA, TOP AWARD in 1979 in the world’s biggest Photo
Contest on “HUMOUR” pictures (BULGARIA).
8.
GRAND PRIZE in the UNESCO’S ASIA & PACIFIC Countries Contest on theme
“PEOPLE AT WORK” (JAPAN).
9.
1ST PRIZE SANCTUARY ASIA MLLENIUM Contest on “WILD-LIFE”.
10.
1ST PRIZE MEN AT WORK in the AGFANET INTERNATIONAL Photo Contest
(GERMANY).
11.
GOLD MEDAL in 48th & 49th International Photo
Exhibitions of JAPAN.
12.
FIRST COVER STORY on an Indian Photographer in the FOTOGRAFIE magazine of
GERMANY.
13.
WORLD PRESS PHOTO, NETHERLAND BROUGHT OUT A COLLECTION OF 40 YEARS BEST
PHOTOGRAPHS: “THIS CRITICAL MIRROR” IN 1995. IT HAD ONLY 2 INDIAN PICTURES, of
which one of them is mine.
14.
EPSON INTERNATIONAL AWARD (JAPAN) SECOND PRIZE, an invitation to Japan,
DECEMBER 2004.
15.
THE FIRST INDIAN TO BE PROFILED WITH 5 PICTURES IN THE B & W MAGAZINE U.S.A,
DECEMBER, 2004,(For collectors)
16.
WORLD”S MOST PRESTIGIOUS B & W SPIDER AWARDS 2006, ON THE CATEGORY
“FINE-ART” & “SILLHOUTTE”.
17.
BIRD WATCHER MAGAZINE (U.K.) WILD BIRDS PHOTO CONTEST NOVEMBER 2004 – TOP PRIZE
IN BIRD BEHAVIOUR CATEGORY
18.
WORLD”S MOST PRESTIGIOUS B & W SPIDER AWARDS 2007, SECOND PRIZE IN FASHION
PLUS SIX MORE PICTURES ON OTHER THEMES.
19.
FIRST PRIZE ON THEME ‘COMMUNITY’ IN THE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR CONTEST
2005 BY THE WHAT DIGITAL CAMERA MAGAZINE (U.K.).
20. The
B&W magazine USA, supposedly the most prestigious
photography magazine (whose each issue is a collector’s item) has labeled
him Henry Cartier Bresson of India in their magazine and the website
December 2004.
24. He was appointed as the Chairman
of the Jury, to nominate awardees for the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN
PHOTOGRAPHY by the MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING, GOVT. of INDIA in
2012.
25. HELD TWO
ONE MAN SHOWS AT NEW DELHI ON THE MAX MULLAR BHAVAN’S INVITATION, and one each
AT STUTTGART, BONN & BERLIN, by invitation, GERMANY, one at Chandigarh.
27. Pictures
published in the COLOR MAGAZINE PORTFOLIO AWARDS SPECIAL ISSUE 2009 U.S.A,
portfolio consisting of three color picture.
28. Pictures published in the TIME U.S.A, NEWSWEEK
USA, STERN Germany, THE TIMES London.
29. Pictures
published in several editions of the following “ANNAULS”, which carries World’s
Best Photographs yearly like, PHOTOGRAPHY YEAR BOOK U.K, THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF
PHOTOGRAPHY U.K, 35MM PHOTOGRAPHY USA, WOMEN ANNAUL USA, FOTOJAHRBUCH GERMANY,
FOTO ALMANACH INTERNATIOAL GERMANY, PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD JAPAN, U.S CAMERA
ANNAUL etc.
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