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Why build a photo archive?

Through the TCC Photo Archive we hope that our stories emerge from within, filling in the gaps that continue to dominate the narratives on the people, places and communities that make up the region of Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills. We seek to rebuild our stories, lost in the distorted narratives defining our existence and identities,, constantly reducing us to the margins with our stories only being told and written from the ‘outside’.

Our purpose is to engage with the local community to keep our tradition and essence of storytelling alive, after-all ‘guff’ lies in the heart of the Pahari way of life, and also where we find the rich repositories of our history, culture, tradition and collective existence. We wish to preserve this history captured in photographs and the conversations that arise from them.

The photographs that we collect will be digitised, catalogued and preserved. They will be made accessible for academic, institutional and independent research and practitioners of the region.

 

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The importance of old family albums extends far beyond mere collections of photographs; they serve as invaluable historical records and personal memoirs that bridge the past with the present and future. Each photograph encapsulates not just moments in time, but narratives that weave together the fabric of family history and societal evolution.

Family albums are more than a repository of photographs; they are windows into the past, offering profound insights into personal and collective histories. Through these albums, we uncover captivating narratives that provide unique perspectives on our ancestors' lives and the broader societal contexts in which they lived. Every image tells a story, reflecting the values, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us.

Preserving these memories in photo albums ensures that they endure across generations. These albums become cherished heirlooms, passing down not only visual records but also the emotions and stories attached to each image. They allow us to revisit the past, connecting us to our roots and fostering a sense of continuity and identity within our families.

Moreover, family albums serve as a tangible timeline of our lives and those who came before us. They capture the passage of time, from the innocence of childhood to the wisdom of old age. In a single album, we witness the transformations of individuals and families, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the enduring power of memory.

Beyond their personal significance, family albums hold historical value. They document societal changes, fashion trends, technological advancements in photography, and the evolving norms and customs of different eras. Each photograph is a piece of a larger puzzle, contributing to our understanding of the past and illuminating how far we have come.

The physical nature of photo albums adds to their allure. Flipping through pages filled with carefully curated photographs evokes nostalgia and sentimentality. Captions and annotations provide context, turning images into vivid memories that transport us back in time. In this way, family albums serve as repositories of not just photographs, but stories, emotions, and the essence of lives lived.

In essence, old family albums are treasures that deserve to be preserved and cherished. They are more than collections of images; they are gateways to history, memory, and identity. By safeguarding these albums, we ensure that the legacies of our ancestors endure, enriching our present and inspiring future generations to connect with their roots and appreciate the richness of family history.

Support us

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The TCC Photo Archive is growing each day as we work towards our objective of re-telling the stories of the communities that make up Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills.
 

Our hope is to build a more representative and inclusive history of our people and places from within.

 

We’ve received generous contributions of family albums and continue to do so. While our archive expands, so does our efforts to scan, digitise and catalogue thousands of  photographs while simultaneously developing plans on creating public engagements around the archive. 

 

We’re a small team and all of us are voluntary members of the collective -all in it because of our unflinching belief in the work we’re doing.

 

We, therefore, need your support in helping us sustain and persist with our archival project. 

 

These photographs tell your stories as much as they do ours.
 

You can support our archival project through a donation amount of your choice. Your patronage will go a long way in helping us realise this collective dream.

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