India’s oldest photographic society — a working home for photographers in Mumbai since 1937.
Back to 1937 — an exciting time in history. For Bombay, now Mumbai, it was a time of great political turmoil. The movement to gain independence was growing. It was also a time when pioneers and fine artists were experimenting with new ideas, seeking new directions and breaking new ground.
In this creatively charged atmosphere, three friends united by their common love for photography got together and decided to start a small club. It was decided that this club would be dedicated to the quest of developing and promoting the medium of photography as an art form. And that was the genesis of The Photographic Society of India.
Today, after nearly nine decades of existence, the basic goals of the Society have remained unchanged. Generous contributions in terms of time, money, effort, and most importantly ideas and knowledge from a long line-up of giants of Indian photography have kept this quest alive, well and flourishing. Over the years, thousands of amateur photographers have found a platform to learn, experiment, create, teach, share, compete or simply show their photographic mettle at the Society fondly known as PSI.
The Managing Committee of PSI has taken great pains to keep alive the tradition of sharing knowledge and ideas. One of the best opportunities for budding photographers at PSI is the invaluable guidance and mentoring they continually receive from senior members.
One of the most telling outcomes of all these activities is the continued success of PSI members at major Indian as well as international competitions and salons — participation in which is actively encouraged and coordinated by PSI.