Daily Times

September 20, 2019. The much-awaited Facebook photography group show opened at the Alliance Francaise in Karachi. The Facebook group now boasts of over 7000 members. It started from Pakistan and now covers people across the world from different walks of life. Interestingly enough, it was noted that 70 per cent of the members of the group are women. When it first started, little did the founding members realise that it would become one of Pakistan’s most coveted photography community; spanning over several continents and photo-enthusiasts from all over the world. They are an all-inclusive group, which includes both men and women who regularly participate in photo-walks and photo tours as well as exhibitions of their work.

With a true expression of creativity and the love for making the everyday ordinary quite special with their interpretation, the group started growing with huge popularity across Pakistan where most of the main admins reside. The Admins are Sajid Dadabhoy, Khawaja Zeeshan, Johara Altas, Saira Malik, Amir Islam, Ijaz Ahmed, and Faridah Zaki.

What is a wonder to look at is this group started only four years ago, with 7000 plus members, who come together across different cities for photo-walks, meetups and now very recently, exhibited their works. Whether one actively posts, the group has grown so large that people still follow it. It has built up as a strong community and network. The creative license is open and whatever you feel is “randomly,” your choice of a moment to capture that day and the world, or should I say “wall” is open to you.

The name Aaj Ka Random was coined by Sajid Dadabhoy, an illustrious businessman and owner of the boutique, PITH. Describing himself as a man of few words, he would use his photographs as a form of communication to his friends and family. Not knowing how to title his work, he started using the caption Aaj ka Random (literally translating as Todays Random); sharing this amongst his friends on his personal Facebook account. He soon noticed they, in turn, had started putting up photos of random images they had taken and tagged him under the words “Aaj Ka Random.”

It was only when he realised that the private joke had grown into a repetitive theme and camaraderie amongst his friends and had led to a few hundred of photos captioned with that name that he decided with his friends to open up a Facebook group. As the photos developed in strength and the depiction of content, more enthusiasts and friends of friends wanted in. Initially started in private settings, as a group amongst their friends, its growing popularity made them realise to open this up to everybody.

What was an online group posting photographs on Facebook has now culminated into an actual photography community, who term themselves the “Randomites”. If you are an enthusiast, professional, amateur or just want to be a part of something creative, you are welcome.

What was an online group posting photographs on Facebook has now culminated into an actual photography community

To keep conversations and participation alive, they also have different themes with related hashtags such as “Theme Fridays,” which is intensively popular as hundreds of pictures are posted on the wall on that single day. Although some are more regular than others, if one is scrolling, the group is a visual delight. And of course, reading the comments below each photo keeps everybody in good humour.

As one group member, Zainab Sonia Gillani, said “AKR for me is not just any group, we are like a family who is proud of each other. You can post an out of focus picture and you will be appreciated for just having tried.”

What is truly inspiring is to see is over several thousand people, who are from different walks of life, yet have one common link–the love of photography and capturing a moment of life as it happens–, turning into a growing community of nurturing talent within the society through artistic expression. And what are the rules? Very simple, Photos must be original. They can be taken in any format be it a professional camera or a phone. There should be no in-fighting or politics. The admins are exceedingly active and make sure that everybody is at peace posting creative content. You can just about post anything as long as it is not disrespectful to any person or group of people. No political organisation motifs, hate speech or abusive language are allowed. It is a safe place to live and let be creative!

The Honorable Chief Guest and Consul General of France (Karachi), Didier Talpain, made some very enlightening remarks about the exhibition; giving a very detailed and open analysis of the exhibition. The “Aaj Ka Random” exhibition displayed over 75 works of different participants, which highly varied in nature and theme.

It was his second “Aaj Ka Random” exhibition and he called it a “tradition” for him during his term here.

The “Aaj Ka Random” group is an example of having creativity with substance; leaving it to individuality to grow with encouragement. I hope to see it evolve even further as it has truly been a creative and all-inclusive way to bring the people of Pakistan together through a creative license and an open mindset.

The writer is known for her articles on topics, which have a social and cultural impact.