The India International Centre Annexe recently hosted a compelling photo exhibition, Portraits of Persistence: Enduring Communities of North Bihar, as part of the Visual Kathã series. It was inaugurated by Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, the exhibition offered a powerful portrayal of North Bihar’s rural communities and their resilience in the face of relentless annual flooding.

Curated by Eklavya Prasad, a social development professional and photographer, the exhibition presented a poignant visual narrative of submerged homes, devastated farmlands, and fractured infrastructure. Prasad’s photographs documented not only the immediate impacts of flooding but also the long-term transformations it imposes on livelihoods and societal structures. Amidst these challenges, the exhibition celebrated stories of adaptation, ingenuity, and survival, showcasing community-driven solutions and innovative coping mechanisms.

Prasad, reflecting on his nearly two decades of grassroots work with Megh Pyne Abhiyan, shared that the exhibition was born from his desire to inspire sustainable interventions for flood-affected regions. His images shed light on the everyday heroism of these communities, demonstrating their strength in adapting to nature’s adversities.

Sunita Narain, in her inaugural address, commended the series for its depth and impact. She highlighted how the exhibition went beyond capturing the seasonal aftermath of floods to reveal the year-round struggles of these communities. She also stressed its relevance in the era of climate change, urging the need for focused and sustainable solutions.

The exhibition concluded, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the resilience of North Bihar’s flood-affected communities.