Photos that give a private glimpse of public officials

You may be among those who got attracted to photographs in the offices of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). When residents approach the officials with their complaints or invitations, their heads turn towards the eye-catching photographs that have been put up on the walls.

Interestingly, the cabins of AMC officials can no longer be termed as just another ‘sarkaari’ office, as they are now focusing more on the ambience of their offices. Also, these officials are themselves deciding their favourite visual to be put up in their cabin. DNA took a look at the visuals that adorn some of these offices.

One person with an impressive collection in his office is mayor Asit Vora. The cabin of the first citizen depicts photographs of mayor receiving awards or mementos and his meeting with famous personalities. Among them is one where he is receiving an award from then President Pratibha Patil. In fact, with so many photographs and mementos, the mayor has dedicated two huge shelves to the memorabilia. Responding to a question, Vora said, “Lot of people come here to invite me and get attracted to the various photographs, which are great moments for me.” He plans to add another shelf in his cabin for the display.

Another official who has hung photos of memorable achievements is general manager (operations) of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Solanki’s photo captures the moment when he was explaining the smartcard system to chief minister Narendra Modi. Recalling the occasion, he said, “Introduction of smartcard was for the first time in India. Before the launch, I was explaining to Modiji about the system and it was a memorable moment for me.”

While many officials have such interesting displays to tell visitors of their achievements, others have different reasons. Among them is chairperson of recreation, culture and heritage committee, Bijal Patel, who has a huge collage on heritage in her cabin. “I wanted to indicate my working profile through photographs. The photographs of heritage structures of the city, the Kankaria Lake and the olden parts of the city will tell a visitor about my work profile and the areas I work for,” she said. Patel has displayed an artistic view of the city 1,000 years ago and glimpses of the city’s heritage, compiled in a large collage.

Superintendent of Kankaria zoo, Dr RK Sahoo, has displayed a unique map depicting wildlife during Lord Swaminarayan’s time around 225 years ago. According to Dr Sahoo, “Mukundcharan Swami of Swaminarayan sect has done a lot of research on the animals that existed during the time of Lord Swaminarayan. He has also mapped these animals in different parts of Gujarat, indicating where they were seen in the state in those times.” Besides the map, the animal expert has also displayed a photo showing lion cubs drinking milk from a lioness.

Leader of opposition in AMC, Badruddin Shaikh, has displayed a photo capturing the occasion when he won an election. “The moment was very precious when I won and my fellow members lifted me to indicate the winner,” said Shaikh. He has also displayed the photo of his meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the latter’s visit to the city during the recent assembly elections.