This exhibition presents a remarkable collection of landscapes, portraits, wildlife, monuments, and festivals from across the globe, captured through the lens of Professor Vinod Thomas. An Indian economist and former Director General at the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, Thomas brings to photography the same sensitivity and depth that have guided his lifelong work in development. His travels across continents have yielded images that are both artistic and reflective—testaments to the shared experiences of humanity and nature.
The exhibition was inaugurated on 28th September by Shri Mukesh Prasad in the presence of Shri Raj Liberhan at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It will remain on view until 30th September 2025.
The blend of development practice and photography underscores a central conviction: sustainable development is not just an aspiration but a collective human responsibility. In alignment with this ethos, all proceeds from the exhibition will directly support Waste Warriors, an organization dedicated to managing waste in the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas. Globally, methane accounts for nearly one-third of greenhouse gas–driven warming, with unmanaged waste contributing about one-fifth of those emissions. By channeling resources to Waste Warriors, the exhibition empowers local entrepreneurs and pahadi communities who stand at the frontline of the struggle against environmental degradation.
Three locations anchor the exhibition’s narrative. Delhi, with its vibrant energy and storied monuments, stands in contrast to the lush natural beauty of Kerala, known as God’s Own Country. Both are relatively prosperous states within India, yet each embodies distinct cultural and environmental dimensions. Washington, D.C.—a global power center with its quiet corners of elegance—adds an international counterpoint to the Indian frames.
In an age when technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping how we capture and consume images, Vinod Thomas’s photography reaffirms the essence of the medium: patience, presence, and an attunement to the world’s fleeting yet profound moments. Each photograph is not just a document but an interpretation—a reminder that to truly look is to deeply connect.
Curator’s Note
“Professor Thomas’s images are more than travel photographs; they are meditations on humanity’s place in the natural and cultural fabric of the world. His lens balances beauty with responsibility, reminding us that art, like development, must serve a larger purpose.” – Mansi Dhingra, Curator
