New Delhi: Famous filmmaker, poet and social activist Tarun Bhartiya passed away on Saturday morning of a massive heart attack. Tarun’s death has created a void in the field of art, literature and in social circles.
A web portal Meghalaya Monitor has quoted his friends as saying that 55-year-old Tarun was rushed to Woodland Hospital in Shillong, where he was declared dead. He is survived by his wife Angela Rangad and their three children – a daughter and two sons.
Tarun Bhartiya was a man of many talents. His works reflect his profound dedication towards social issues and a resistance to the unjust policies of the government. Tarun had a unique voice related to public concerns, which resonated in his work.
He articulated his ideas through poetry in Hindi, while his documentaries highlighted issues around environment and human rights. Hailing from Bihar, he eventually chose to settle in Meghalaya. His black and white photography conveyed the intricate socio-cultural landscape of Meghalaya to audiences across the nation.
The images captured by him were showcased in exhibitions throughout the country. They were effectively captured and conveyed the scenery of the Northeast and the compelling narratives of its inhabitants.
A black and white photograph by Tarun Bhartiya. Source: X/@LudditeNed
Tarun has edited numerous award-winning films. In 2009, he was bestowed the National Award for editing ‘In Camera, Diaries of a Documentary Cameraman,’ a film directed by Ranjan Palith.
In 2015, he returned his Silver Lotus Award to President Pranab Mukherjee as a form of protest against the increasing intolerance within the country. During this period, Tarun publicly expressed his opposition to the government through his works.
Tarun was a founding member of Alt-Space. He created a space for the unrestricted exchange of independent ideas besides engaging in cultural and political discussions. His website RAIOT serves as a reflection of society, culture and tradition.
Tarun dedicated the last thirteen years to the Niam/Faith/Hynñiewtrep photography project. His objective was to explore the complexities surrounding the Khasi-Jaintia community’s debates on matters of faith, identity, and the process of nation-building.
Tarun recently played an important role in establishing Shillong Humanists, an organisation dedicated to fostering critical thinking and intellectual discourse. This initiative, launched with the involvement of several prominent personalities, seeks to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on contemporary social and political issues. The group’s second meeting is set to take place on January 26.
Condolence messages are pouring in from across the country on the death of Tarun Bhartiya. People remember him as a brilliant photographer, a great documentary editor, a voice of the people, a political activist and a rational human being.
His commitment to showcasing the nuances of life in the Northeast, along with his endeavours to bridge the gap between the artist and the political activist, has established a lasting legacy.
Tarun’s work will continue to remind us of the power of art to shape society and promote critical thought.
