- International award-winning photojournalist remembered as a fearless chronicler of history through the lens
- Journalists, editors and photographers mourn the loss of one of India’s most respected visual storytellers
- Gujarat Journalists’ Union President B.R. Prajapati pays floral tributes, hails Panthaky’s unmatched contribution to ethical photojournalism
- Media fraternity to gather at Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad to bid an emotional farewell
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, JULY 10
The curtains came down on one of Indian photojournalism’s most illustrious careers with the passing of internationally acclaimed Agence France-Presse (AFP) photojournalist Sam Panthaky, whose evocative images documented some of western India’s most defining political, social and humanitarian moments for audiences across the world.
Panthaky, 66, who had been battling illness for over a month, breathed his last on Tuesday evening, leaving behind an extraordinary visual legacy spanning decades. His demise has sent shockwaves through the journalism fraternity in Gujarat and across India, with journalists, editors, photographers and media organisations mourning the loss of a lens that transformed fleeting moments into timeless history.
Beginning his professional life as a school teacher, Panthaky’s passion for photography eventually compelled him to leave the security of teaching and pursue visual journalism full time. That bold decision shaped an exceptional career that saw him rise to become AFP’s principal photographer in Ahmedabad, with his photographs regularly featured in leading newspapers, magazines and digital platforms across the globe.
From elections and political milestones to natural disasters, festivals, business developments, sporting spectacles and slices of everyday life, Panthaky’s photographs narrated Gujarat’s evolving story with authenticity, sensitivity and remarkable artistic precision. His images helped international audiences understand the region’s vibrant social, political and economic landscape.
Colleagues remember him as a soft-spoken yet fearless photographer whose unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, professional integrity and visual excellence inspired generations of young photojournalists. Many also recalled his generosity in mentoring aspiring photographers and his willingness to share knowledge without hesitation.
Paying heartfelt floral tributes to the departed photojournalist, Gujarat Journalists’ Union President B.R. Prajapati described Sam Panthaky as “a global ambassador of Indian photojournalism whose photographs elevated Gujarat onto the international news map.”
“Sam Panthaky’s camera never merely captured images—it documented history with honesty, courage and compassion. His passing is an irreparable loss not only to Gujarat’s journalism fraternity but also to the global media community. His remarkable body of work will continue to inspire generations of journalists and photographers,” Prajapati said while offering floral tributes.
According to Raymond Panthaky, the Panthaky family and the Photo Journalists Association of Ahmedabad, a prayer meeting will be held at Kochrab Ashram, Paldi, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad, between 4 pm and 6 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026, where members of the media fraternity, friends and admirers will gather to pay their final respects.
The journalism fraternity has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
As one colleague poignantly remarked: “A great photograph preserves history forever. Sam Panthaky leaves behind a priceless visual archive that will continue to speak long after the camera has fallen silent.”
