A retired electrical engineer from Kerala, India, is dedicating his life savings to build a memorial honoring Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, the French inventor widely recognized as the pioneer of photography. Saji Ennakkad, a former senior superintendent with the Kerala State Electricity Board, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct the Joseph Nicéphore Niépce Memorial at Vathikulam, near Mavelikara, transforming his retirement into a mission of cultural preservation and historical education.

The memorial project began construction in June 2025 on a 5.5-cent plot of land, with former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar laying the foundation stone. The project, estimated to cost between 4.5 and 5 million rupees (approximately $54,000-$60,000), is being implemented under the aegis of the Joseph Nicéphore Niépce Foundation and is expected to reach completion by early 2026.

The memorial will recreate a portion of Niépce's historic house at Saint-Loup-de-Varennes in France, where the inventor conducted his groundbreaking photographic experiments. The centerpiece of the memorial will feature the iconic window through which Niépce captured "View from the Window at Le Gras" (Point de vue du Gras), recognized as the world's earliest surviving photograph. This estate served as the laboratory where Niépce carried out his revolutionary experiments in heliography, the earliest photographic process known to mankind.

Between 1826 and 1827, Niépce achieved his historic breakthrough using a camera obscura to capture the famous image. The photograph was created on a pewter plate coated with bitumen of Judea, which hardened when exposed to sunlight and was later washed with lavender oil to reveal the final picture. This painstaking process marked the birth of photography as we know it today, though the inventor's contributions have been largely overshadowed by later developments in the field.

"In later years, photography immortalized memories, but the world had almost forgotten the man who made it possible. The monument ensures that Niépce will forever be remembered," explained Saji, who is also an accomplished painter and photojournalist. His passion for both visual arts and photography has driven his determination to ensure Niépce receives proper recognition for his pioneering work.

The original Niépce Heliograph is permanently housed at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas in the United States, where it continues to be studied and preserved as one of the most significant artifacts in photographic history. According to the Joseph Nicéphore Niépce Foundation, the Mavelikara memorial serves multiple purposes: honoring Niépce as the true father of photography, correcting widespread historical misconceptions about photography's origins, educating the global community about authentic photographic history, and inspiring younger generations to appreciate the medium's rich heritage.

The memorial complex is designed as a comprehensive cultural center that will extend far beyond simple commemoration. Plans include a dedicated photography museum showcasing the evolution of photographic techniques and equipment, an art gallery for rotating exhibitions, workshop spaces specifically designed for photography and painting enthusiasts, and an open-air stage for hosting cultural events and educational programs. These facilities will serve both local communities and international visitors interested in photography's historical development.

A significant highlight of the memorial will be a 34-kilogram bronze statue of Niépce, which will stand prominently beside the recreated portion of his French residence. This substantial sculpture will serve as a focal point for visitors and a lasting tribute to the inventor's contributions to visual arts and scientific innovation.

Saji's dedication to this project extends beyond financial investment to intellectual contribution. He has authored a book about photography's history titled "Nischalam Nishabdham," demonstrating his deep research into the medium's development and his commitment to educating others about photography's origins. His unique perspective as both a technical professional and artistic practitioner brings valuable insight to the memorial's educational mission.

The memorial represents an unusual but meaningful cultural bridge between India and France, highlighting how artistic and scientific innovations transcend national boundaries. By choosing to honor a French inventor on Indian soil, Saji demonstrates the universal importance of Niépce's contributions to human civilization and the global nature of photographic art and science.