These photographs represent the Official Indian Delegation from the Photography Club of India for the 5th Edition of ProgresFestival 2026, which will take place this Autumn in Genoa, Italy. This delegation features a talented group of photographers and visual storytellers whose work reflects the diversity and depth of contemporary Indian photography. Their practices communicate narratives of memory, identity, resilience, culture, and everyday life, bringing Indian voices to an international platform for artistic dialogue. Focusing on themes such as Visions, The Visual Memory of Protest, and Everyday Family Life, this collaboration highlights photography’s power to transcend borders and convey shared human experiences. We are honoured to partner with the Photography Club of India, a respected institution that has significantly contributed to the growth of photographic culture and education over the years. Details about the venue and exhibition dates will be announced soon. We congratulate all participating artists and thank the Photography Club of India for their ongoing commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue through photography. We look forward to sharing India’s voices with the world, celebrating photography as a bridge between cultures and generations.

As the first image, we present an image by Sabyasachi Nath, one of the founders and directors of the PCI group, which perfectly captures what we were looking for in the “Everyday Family Life” contest. This image was shot in his mother's bedroom. She died of COVID-19 in 2020. “She was the heart of the house. A charming lady for anybody of any age. The other two sisters are older than my mom. None of them is in this world any more. This was shot some 15/17 yrs back. A valuable document in my archive.”

The Quiet Bond: This poignant monochrome photograph captures a tender, intimate moment of three elderly Indian sisters sharing a quiet afternoon together. Bound by both blood and a shared history of loss, these widowed matriarchs find solace and joy in each other's company, turning a simple board game into a celebration of enduring resilience.

Attire & Tradition: The women are dressed in traditional Bengali attire, wearing simple white based sarees draped elegantly in the classic regional style. The lack of ornate jewellery and the preference for understated patterns reflect their status as widows, yet their presence radiates a quiet dignity.

The Shared Moment: Seated closely they are deeply engrossed in a traditional pastime. The sister on the left leans forward, pointing gently at the board, while the middle sister peers intently through her spectacles, and the sister on the right watches thoughtfully.

Shot in rich monochrome, the image strips away distracting colours to focus entirely on texture, light, and emotion. The soft drapery of their cotton sarees, the silver in their hair, and the gentle lines on their faces tell a story of a lifetime lived.

This photograph beautifully encapsulates the essence of 'Family Life' by highlighting the safety net of sisterhood in Indian culture. It serves as a powerful reminder that while relationships change and partners pass on, the foundational bonds of sibling love can provide a lifetime of warmth, comfort, and companionship.

Shubhodeep Roy has invited entries from emerging photographers and other talented individuals who have not yet had the opportunity to exhibit internationally. His goal is to create a platform for those who are still waiting for their first chance.