Shillong — Acclaimed photographer and photo chronicler of five decades of Indian history Mr Raghu Rai told Media Studies students at St Anthony’s College Shillong “Leap for the stars.”

Speaking at the 20th year celebrations marking the start of the first Media Studies Department in Northeast India at Shillong in 1995 Mr Rai took the cue from the founder of the institute Salesian Fr John D Jaykamar whose mantra for mass media students was “Leap for the stars.”

Addressing the first ever Shillong International Photo Festival (SIPF) inaugural function as Guest of honour Mr Rai narrated his visit to Scotland of the East with Mother Teresa of Calcutta who invited him to join her on a visit to Shillong in 1983. Mr Rai was then Picture Editor with India Today magazine.

Arriving in Guwahati and finding too many Missionaries of Charity Sisters who had come to receive her at the airport, Mother Teresa shared a ride with Mr Rai in his car on a 3 to 4 hour journey to Shillong.

En route arriving at a view point Mr Rai stopped the car to enjoy the breath taking 360 degree panoramic view of the verdant hills, and valleys dotted with tin roof houses glistening in the sun.

“What a beautiful sight Mother,” Mr Rai said.

Mother Teresa replied instantly, “We are closer to God.”

Picking Mother Teresa’s spontaneous comment, Mr Rai said, “Mother was able to take the leap and connect with God.”

Mr Rai explained to the students, “Creativity happens, beyond our knowledge [when] we connect with the vibrations of purity and goodness connecting us with the supernatural.”

Awe struck by the number of Fathers seated around him Mr Rai said, “I feel blessed sitting around the Fathers who are connected to God.”

Returning to his remarks for 20 year celebrations of the Mass Media Department Mr Rai insisted, “If you are not connected to your past, your future will be meaningless.”

In a word of reverential caution to the profession of photography, 72 year old Mr Rai reminded 150 students of the department “What you capture today becomes the visual history of tomorrow.”

The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Mass Media Department, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong is organizing the SIPF 2015, from 16 to 19 November, under the theme ‘Light’.

“The objectives of the  International Photo Festival is to turn Meghalaya into a destination for photographic art culture and bring together renowned photographers from overseas, India and also the eight states of the northeast India working on different genres, to share and explore their stories through their lenses,” says Coordinator of the Festival Assistant Professor D Junisha Khongwir.

The festival also provides an opportunity for the youth of the region to interact with the professionals and draw inspiration from their work.

Mr Manuel Vason from London conducted a pre-festival “Photo Performers” workshop on the basics of photography for student enthusiasts.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mr Mukul Sangma inaugurated the four day celebrations.

Renowned state, regional, national and international photographers taking part in the SIPF include Manuel Vason, Prashant Panjiar, Rathika Ramasamy, Sumit Dayal, Ronny Sen, Anand Gogoi, Eleazer

Dhar, Pynkmen Mawnai, Lang Kupar War, Rashingam Ngoruh, Jeremy Hauhnar, Adish Baruah, and Ahmed Hussein besides others.