Revolutionary graffiti adorns nearly every wall of ULAB's permanent campus in the capital, showcasing the students' solidarity with the July revolution. Alongside this, signs reading "Don't hit animals please" are visible, near where puppies and their mothers were playing together under watchful human eyes. Together, these elements foster a culture of both humanity and rebellion among the students of this private university.

As one walks towards the flag stand, a series of photographs becomes visible. They depict various subjects, ranging from a single mother dressing her child to an unassuming child selling balloons on the street. However, these subjects deviate significantly from typical "poverty porn", clearly portraying empowered individuals from all walks of life.

These photos are from an exhibition titled "Breaking Free: Stories of Hope and Hustle", organised by the students of a photography class offered by the university. Taught by Gazi Nafis Ahmed, a renowned photographer featured in the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts and La Biennale di Venezia, the exhibition clearly demonstrates the students' unadulterated talent and eagerness to learn.

"Nafis sir's guidance was instrumental throughout the course. He fostered a supportive learning environment where constructive criticism was delivered constructively, allowing us to grow and develop our skills. His passion for photography and his own successful career in the creative field served as a significant inspiration for my own aspirations", said Navin Islam Toree, a student from the course.

One of her pictures depicted a vendor, upholding a basket of goods that he was going to sell. The focus on the basket really made it look like it wasn't just the weight of the world on his shoulders, but the basket was his world altogether.

Jannatul Mawa captured a black-and-white picture of the daughter of her helping hand. "I was conscious of the power dynamic between myself as the photographer and the subject or people I photographed. I tried to build trust by showing respect towards them. I took time getting to know people before I captured them. I would listen to their stories first and make sure they felt comfortable with me. My main target was to make sure that they did not feel uncomfortable at all," she had said.

Another student, Ragib Anjum, was inspired to come out of his comfort zone for this course. "I would credit my instructor for helping me come out of my shell. In all honesty, a photographer is foremost, a good listener." With his photograph, depicting a tired, financially disadvantaged, but kind-hearted man holding a puppy, instilled kindness in the viewer as well. "I always ask myself, am I representing my subjects fairly? I avoided taking photos that might be interpreted as exploitative."

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Din M. Sumon Rahman, ULAB's incoming Dean of Media Studies and Journalism, encouraged students to embrace their inner artists while maintaining journalistic integrity. Filmmaker Abrar Athar congratulated the participants on their photographic discoveries.

Nafis, an honorary fellow at Columbia University, emphasised the students' role in the creative process. "I was merely a facilitator," he stated, highlighting that many of the impressive photographs were captured using smartphones.

This exhibition underscores the need for educational approaches that nurture individual artistic expression alongside academic knowledge. "Breaking Free: Stories of Hope and Hustle" ends tomorrow.

The author is Editor of Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz, The Daily Star.