Shot down by the camera !
Wildlife Photo Exhibition in Elegance
Lucknow witnessed its first ever solo wildlife photography exhibition by Mr. Aditya Havelia. It was inaugurated by Mr. Anil Risal Singh, MFIAP, ARPS, Hon. FIP, Honb’le President of Federation of Indian Photography on Saturday, 18th April 2015 at Kala Srot Art Gallery, Aliganj Lucknow. Mr. Rupak Dey, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest was also present at the inauguration. There were 47 stunning images of wildlife and nature on display. The exhibits were curated by Mr. Trilochan S. Kalra, renowned Photo Journalist and Assistant Professor, Amity School of Communication, Lucknow. A large number of enthusiastic Wildlife lovers were present at the inaugural ceremony.
The unique features of this exhibition are the photographs of the Gavial Hatchlings taken at Katerniaghat, a rare Rothschild Giraffe taken at Kenya, a pack of 12 wild dogs and a Lion feeding on an elephant kill. These were amongst some of the rare and stunning photographs.
The exhibition had been organized to commemorate International Earth Day on 22nd April 2015 and was dedicated to the thousands of environmentalists, wildlife conservatives, scientists, researchers, geologists and lovers of flora and fauna. This event had been organized in consonance with an international appeal to all people to raise their voices for protection of this planet. It is said that if we are not conscious to preservation of nature it may take recourse to devastating repercussions, as such, it is important for all not only to appreciate the beauty of nature and care for Mother Earth but also to protect and preserve its natural characteristics so she can continue to take care of us.
Mr. Aditya Havelia said, that he was most comfortable looking through his lens at a tiny insect in scorching heat or at a good specimen of mushroom in dense forest. His love for nature has made him travel extensively through the forests of India and Africa. He still feels that one cannot learn more if one considers his glass as full. He said that his glass is still empty, hence, he needs people to help him to fill it up with creative, meaningful and out of the ordinary work.
Interacting with the press persons, Mr. Aditya informed that he had already covered vast areas of forests in Africa and India to collect some of the finest images.
Places covered in Africa:
Kenya:- Masai Mara, Samburu National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park
Tanzania:- Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara
Ethiopia:- Awash National Park
Places covered in India:
Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan), Sariska National Park (Rajasthan), Keoladeo national park (Rajasthan), Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Sunderbans (West Bengal), Bhitarkanika National Park (Orrisa), Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh), Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh), Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh), Gir National Park (Gujarat)
The convener, Mr. Manoj Singh Chandel added that very soon a Coffee Table book based on his encounters in the wild is also in the making and is expected to hit the stand at Lucknow Book Fair to be held from 17-27 December 2015.
(Published in The Lucknow Observer, Volume 2 Issue 14, Dated 05 May 2015)