Bengaluru, September 28: The eagerly awaited wildlife photography exhibition – Encounters in the Wild 2.0 – is set to enthrall audiences as it commemorates the Golden Jubilee of India’s landmark conservation success story, Project Tiger, and also celebrates the remarkable diversity of wildlife and nature from across the globe. This solo exhibition by MN Jayakumar (retired Addtl Principal Chief Conservator of Forests), in partnership with the Karnataka Forest Department, features 231 photographs.
Encounters in the Wild 2.0 stands as a testament to the paramount importance of wildlife conservation and the resounding success of Project Tiger in India. In addition to the photo exhibition, there will be free talks and presentations every evening (5.30 pm – 7.30 pm) by experts in the fields of wildlife conservation, photography, and filmmaking who will share their experiences with the audience.
The exhibition is on at Chitrakala Parishath for 11 days from September 28 – October 8, from 10 am to 7.30 pm. Entry is free for all.
Earlier this month, the Karnataka Forest Department conducted a state-wide photography competition with ‘Biodiversity of Karnataka’ as the theme. Of all the entries received, 40 of the best images will be displayed in Chitrakala Parishath’s D Devaraj Urs gallery during the exhibition period.
In addition, the Karnataka Forest Department is also organising its annual Wildlife Week activities that include a vintage car rally, walkathon, quizzes, debates, workshops, and movie screenings during this time. The much-awaited Wildlife Quiz will be inaugurated by Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Maharaja of Mysuru on October 4 and the distribution of prizes to all winners of various competitions will be held on October 7.
On October 8 – the last day of the exhibition – 8 Green Warriors of the Karnataka Forest Department will be felicitated at Chitrakala Parishath.
According to MN Jayakumar, “Through Encounters in the Wild 2.0, we aim to transport visitors into the heart of the wild, showcasing the beauty of our natural world while paying homage to the invaluable legacy of Project Tiger. Visitors can scan the QR code for each photo and get more information about the photo, including some fun facts. For those who are visually impaired or would prefer to listen to the information, they can plug in their headphones for an audio narration. This exhibition is not just a celebration but a call to action, urging us to be stewards of our planet’s biodiversity and protect our apex predators and their habitats.”
Rajiv Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force said, “The Karnataka Forest Department has always been proactive in involving all stakeholders for creating awareness about conservation of forest of the state. ‘Project Tiger’ has been a grand success in Karnataka and now the state is bestowed with 563 tigers, which is 2nd highest in the country. Karnataka is at the forefront of the preservation and conservation of the critical wildlife habitat of Western Ghats, which is a Biodiversity Hotspot. Karnataka is successful in managing important flagship species such as Elephants, Tigers, and Leopards in its natural landscape. I request everyone to visit the exhibition and other events organised during Wildlife Week to witness the rich natural heritage of Karnataka, India, and around the world.”
Encounters in the Wild 2.0 is sponsored by Pygmalion Wealth, Karnataka Bank, Brigade Group, and Discovery Village. Highlighting the association, Mr Venkateswaran Ramanan, Founder and MD, Pygmalion Wealth said, “We wanted to explore the wealth of our natural world and be part of preserving it. Pygmalion Wealth believes in bridging the Wealth of Financial Security and Environmental Sustainability.” For more information about Encounters in the Wild 2.0, Wildlife Week activities, and other events during this time, please refer to the enclosed brochure and schedule.
