Lens of History: The extraordinary photography journey of Jay Ullal

Team Udayavani, Aug 19, 2023, 9:17 AM IST

Today is World Photography Day, a day when we celebrate the incredible art of capturing moments and stories through the lens of a camera. On this special occasion, let’s take a journey into the life and achievements of a renowned photojournalist, Jay Ullal.

Jayavanth Ullal, known as Jay Ullal, was born in Manglauru in the year 1933. His passion for capturing moments and stories has not only taken him to the corners of the world. His works may not be well known in the Karavali region but Jay’s journey as a photographer has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Jay initially trained as a cameraman and found his footing in the bustling Indian film industry in Mumbai until 1957. Following this, he ventured into the world of photojournalism, contributing to the Times of India for several years. In 1963 he relocated to Germany and secured a position with the women’s magazine Constanze, which he held until its eventual closure in 1969. In the 1970s, he partnered with the renowned Hamburg weekly magazine, Stern. Over nearly three decades, he provided the publication with captivating photo reportages from various conflict hotspots across the globe, “clicking the good, bad, and the ugly”.

Jay’s lens has witnessed the horrors of war and the resilience of humanity in the face of adversity. He documented the intense conflicts in Vietnam and Iraq, providing a raw and unfiltered view of the impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. His photographs served as windows into the lives of those affected by these conflicts, touching the hearts of people across the globe.

Through his lens, he portrayed the complexities of the conflict, capturing moments of both tension and solidarity. His ability to capture emotions in a single frame allowed viewers to connect with the stories he presented, transcending language and cultural barriers.

One of Jay’s most impactful assignments was his coverage of the Arab-Israeli tensions. Jay also ventured into the heart of the Lebanese civil war, capturing images that documented the grim realities of the conflict. His photographs from the Christian village of Damur, overrun by fighters, spoke volumes about the tragedies of war and the strength of the human spirit.

Jay used his lens as a tool for change, as a way to inform, educate, and ignite conversations about pressing global issues. His photographs became iconic symbols that transcended time, leaving an everlasting impact on the world of photography.

When Manipal Media Network Ltd Executive Chairman T Satish U Pai went to Hamburg, he stayed at Jay’s house. Famous Hindi film actor Sunil Dutt and his wife Nargis were there then. Jay came to Manipal and Dr TMA captures rare pictures of Pai. “The pictures Dr. TMA Pai’s pictures we see today were captured by Jay,” says Satish Pai.

For his remarkable contributions, Jay Ullal received the prestigious Bundesverdienstkreuz, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, in 1998. He passed away in July 2023 at the age of 90 in Hamburg.

Through his lens, he not only captured moments but also preserved history, giving a voice to the voiceless and inspiring generations of photographers to come. Jay Ullal’s passion, dedication, and groundbreaking contributions continue to remind us of the power of photography to shape perceptions and create lasting change.