A FORMER Lampton School pupil has won a national photography competition.
Sukhmanjit Grewal's Diwali-inspired photo was chosen by Sightsavers to appear on its cards celebrating the Sikh and Hindu religious festival.
The 23-year-old art graduate, of Wills Crescent, Whitton, also received a digital camera and a pair of sunglasses after impressing judges in the competition, launched as part of the charity's Vision India fundraising campaign.
Sukhmanjit, a former office worker, has had a passion for photography since taking up the hobby during her media studies course, aged 17.
"Diwali is an important festival in the Sikh and Hindu Calendar and is synonymous with lights," she said.
"We can often take the lights and colours of the festival for granted. It is tragic that those without sight cannot see the beauty of the festival.
"Diwali is more than just being able to light candles with our family and friends, it is about lighting the candles in each and every one of us and sharing even a glimmer of light with all those around us."
Sightsavers has been working in India since 1966 and has supported some four million cataract surgeries during that time.
Competition entrants were asked to submit a photo they felt captured the essence of Diwali through family, fun, colour or light.
Poonam Chengappa, one of the judges, said of Sukhmanjit's winning entry: "The framing in this photograph is great. The light and shadows, all of it gives the picture a warm glow. Sightsavers will be very proud to print our very first Diwali card with this image."
The Sightsavers Diwali card will be available from the Sightsavers stand at the Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square on October 16 and will also be sent with Diwali gifts ordered from www.giftofsight.co.uk.
You can see more of Sukhmanjit's photos on her blog at www.capture-eyes.com.
