The Seagull foundation held an exhibition of Ryan Lobo's photographs which he had taken during his visit to Iran, Afghanistan and Liberia. He was working on a project about a warlord, General Buttnaked. We, as students, were lucky to attend it. We were first shown a video in which Ryan Lobo spoke about his experience and the trip to these war zones. It was apparent from the video that the trip had changed his perspective towards life. He saw another side of human nature which he thought was impossible.
The photographs were black and white. Each photograph that I saw proved the saying that ‘A photo is worth a thousand words.’ Each photograph had a different story behind it. It was undoubtedly one of the best works by Ryan Lobo. The photos showed a life that I couldn't even imagine in my worst nightmare. It made me realize that what we take for granted is a luxury for all those living there. It made me realize how privileged I am. Food, shelter, love and, most important, a sense of security was handed to us on a gold platter. It was something they had to fight for everyday.
Ryan Lobo had gone to Liberia to shoot a story on General Joshua Buttnaked. General Joshua claims to have personally killed more than 10,000 people. Ryan Lobo had accompanied him on his journey to seek forgiveness from all those whose families and lives he had destroyed. What happened on that journey was unexpected and almost a miracle. Those people who had every reason to hate him, forgave him. They could have easily killed him and avenged their loved ones. But they forgave him. We saw one of the photos in which he is being forgiven by a man who was his child soldier and had lost a leg. Joshua was the reason of his handicap. This story conveys true forgiveness. It shows that human nature can be as good as it can be evil.
After the students had seen the photographs, we all gathered around to discuss the theme of the project—Forgiveness. Everyone had different views but there were two main opinions. Joshua should have been killed, he should have been forgiven. Both sides supported their view passionately with logical reasons.
I personally believe that holding grudges and living in the past is not the way to live. But also that forgiveness should be earned and not given easily. It is not simple to forgive. Forgiveness means letting go of the past and accepting the person, trusting him. Many people believe in forgiving but not forgetting. My question is "If you are not ready to forget the mistakes a person committed, why bother forgiving him?".
This exhibition was one of the best exhibitions I have visited in my life. It not only gave me a new insight but also showed a different world. I'll be looking forward to more exhibitions like this one.
Vidushi Srivastav, Class XI
Participant, ‘War and Forgiveness’ workshop.
On the 29th of July classes IX and X were taken to the photo exhibition of Ryan Lobo. This exhibition was indeed heart touching. It basically depicted the atrocities faced by the people of Liberia and Afghanistan as they were the war-torn areas.
The word “war” has always taken me to a world of violence, terror, arms, bloodshed but after seeing the video, it was the first time that I saw war as “forgiveness”.
The video told us about a man called General Buttnaked who had killed 10,000 people in his lifetime. He was a cruel and merciless person but as time passed he realized and regretted the sins that he had committed.
He went from door-to-door seeking forgiveness and the most unbelievable part was that the people actually forgave him.
Even now, I cannot believe what I heard and saw. The workshop has totally changed my view of “wars”. Peace is far far better than Revenge.
Anjali Kothari, Class X
Participant, ‘War and Forgiveness’ workshop.
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