Pathanamthitta: Fifty-six years ago, photographer P K Esho was looking for a helper in his studio. Esho wanted a youth who had passed Class 10 and appeared amiable. P N Vijayan, then sixteen, was appointed because he met the requirements. Now seventy-two, Vijayan is happy and content with the success of his photography career.

Vijayan joined Esho’s Ison Studio as a helper in 1969. Initially, his duties involved cleaning the studio and looking after the cameras. However, he was not allowed to take photographs. Although he could not use the cameras, Vijayan felt drawn to the profession and learnt by observing Esho at work. This interest kept boredom at bay, even when carrying a 20-kg camera to various locations as part of his duties.

In 1973, Vijayan joined Varghese Studio, where he started using a camera. After fourteen years there, he opened his own studio, Surya Photos, at Stadium Junction in Pathanamthitta on April 13 1987. He raised the money by pledging his wife’s wedding necklace and securing funds from a self-employment programme. Vijayan has never looked back since. The studio was inaugurated by then MLA K K Nair, who had also been Vijayan’s schoolteacher.

As a photographer, Vijayan was fortunate to photograph some of the country’s top politicians. Memories of those assignments still bring a smile to his face. His camera has captured political stalwarts such as Indira Gandhi, V V Giri, George Fernandes, G M C Balayogi, Yashwant Sinha, Oommen Chandy, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mathew T Thomas.

“Politicians belonging to all parties and officials attached to government departments sought my services, as there were very few photographers in those days. This led to a ten-year stint with the PRD (Public Relations Department) from 1992, during which I photographed several top politicians,” says Vijayan. “I still receive calls to cover government events,” he adds.

Vijayan has also faced painful assignments, such as photographing the 52 Sabarimala pilgrims who lost their lives in a stampede while descending from Pamba hilltop after watching the ‘Makarajyothi’ on January 14 1999. Recalling when a photo might take a week to be delivered, Vijayan says a print can now be produced within minutes. “However, the younger generation prefers to receive pictures on their mobile phones,” he says.

“With a new generation of photographers arriving on the scene, the situation of seniors who lag behind technologically is difficult. But we will continue to take photographs, overcoming all such challenges,” says the veteran. Vijayan says he has no plans to retire in the near future. “I feel happiest when taking a photograph,” he adds.

Vijayan’s elder daughter, Soorya C Vijayan, is a college lecturer in Bengaluru, and his younger daughter, Arya C Vijayan, is an IT professional in London.