Posted on 10 August 2025:

Tribal Photo of the Year 2025: Honouring Indigenous Grace Through the Lens

ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD TRIBAL DAY 2025, CELEBRATED GLOBALLY AS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER R. MANIVANNAN FROM THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU, HAS BEEN HONORED WITH THE TRIBAL PHOTO OF THE YEAR 2025 AWARD. 

His image—selected by the Andhra Pradesh State Creativity & Culture Commission, in collaboration with the India International Photographic Council (IIPC) and the Photography Academy of India (PAI)—is a visual ode to the quiet strength and timeless beauty of tribal communities.

In his own words, Manivannan reflects: “I wanted to capture not just a moment, but a heartbeat of indigenous life—where every step, every gaze, carries centuries of wisdom. This recognition is not mine alone; it belongs to the people in the frame, and to the land that shaped them.”

He extends heartfelt gratitude to Tamma Srinivasa Reddy Garu, FRPS, Chairman of PAI, whose vision continues to elevate voices through photography. This award stands as a reminder that the lens can be a bridge—connecting heritage to the present, and art to awareness.

A Tribute to Tribal Wisdom and Timeless Heritage

Renowned photographer R. Manivannan has journeyed across the vast and vibrant landscape of India, capturing its soul through the lens.

From the ancient murals of Ajanta and Ellora to the sacred aura of the Jagannath Temple, his work is a visual archive of India’s layered history. His selection by the Government of Tamil Nadu to document the Kumbh Mela stands as a testament to his artistic integrity and cultural sensitivity.

His lens has also embraced the living traditions of India’s festivals—from the fiery spirit of Theyyam in Kerala, the rustic charm of Camel Pushkar in Rajasthan, to the vibrant pulse of Hornbill in Nagaland. Yet, it is his documentation of tribal life that resonates most deeply.

In his own words, Manivannan shares: “I have travelled extensively across the length and breadth of India to capture its magnificently rich cultures. Photographing heritage sites and sacred festivals was a privilege—but documenting tribal life felt like touching the roots of time. Tribes are living pre-history, and their cultures hold an ocean of wisdom waiting to be seen, felt and remembered.”

Echoes of Heritage: R. Manivannan’s Lens of Legacy

Hailing from the historic city of Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, R. Manivannan is more than a photographer—he is a visual poet whose camera speaks the language of heritage.

With a Post-Graduation in Visual Arts, his artistic sensibility is deeply rooted in tradition and elevated by experience. His works have graced prestigious platforms, including exhibitions at the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, and his commitment to cultural preservation is reflected in his lifetime membership with INTACH.

As a fine-art travel documentary photographer, Manivannan has conducted numerous workshops and seminars, nurturing new perspectives in arts, architecture and visual communication. 

His photographs are not mere images—they are windows into the soul of India, revealing the magnificent, myriad beauty of its heritage.

 Images: R. Manivannan