Remembering Samuel: The ever-cheerful photojournalist who captured the beauty around us - World Photography Day

By Saurabh Duggal

As the media fraternity, especially photojournalists, pause to remember Samuel N Dass, they recall a man whose energy and personality were as vibrant as his work. Samuel, who was widely known by his first name in the industry, was a photojournalist who captured the beauty of nature and life around us with unmatched grace and skill.

This World Photography Day, the fraternity remembers Samuel, a photojournalist who left an indelible mark with his lens, with his work on display at the Chandigarh Press Club's photography exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan from August 19 to 21. Samuel was a versatile news photographer who covered a wide array of subjects, including politics, civic issues, social matters, culture, entertainment, and sports. However, his personal passion was nature photography, with a special focus on birds. His unique and offbeat pictures were always a treat for the readers' eyes.

Samuel, who passed away at the age of 59 during the COVID-19 pandemic on December 9, 2020, had a career spanning over 30 years in media. He worked for various esteemed publications, including the Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and his last posting was with the Daily Post. During his tenure with the Hindustan Times, he was stationed in Shimla as a senior photojournalist. Samuel's work was frequently showcased in numerous photo exhibitions organized by the Chandigarh Press Club.

My personal association with Samuel Sir began during our travels for sports assignments for the Hindustan Times. His in-depth frames enhanced the news value of many of my sports stories. Samuel was the first photojournalist to capture the accomplishments of coach Mahavir Phogat and the Phogat sisters, even before the world came to know about them. He was a well-traveled photojournalist, and his thought-provoking pictures capturing the life around us became his trademark.

It is a commendable initiative by the Chandigarh Press Club to remember Samuel through his work during the photo exhibition marking World Photography Day. His contributions to the field of photojournalism and his ever-cheerful demeanor will continue to inspire and be remembered by all who knew him.