Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Education · PIB Ahmedabad · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- IIT Gandhinagar Hosts Wildlife Photography Workshop to Promote Biodiversity Awareness and Conservation
IIT Gandhinagar’s Dr Kiran C Patel Centre for Sustainable Development (KPCSD) organised a three-day hands-on workshop on “Wildlife Photography and Filming for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development” from October 2 to 4, 2026, as part of National Wildlife Week 2026. Bringing together students, staff and residents from the IIT Gandhinagar community, the workshop aimed to foster a deeper appreciation of wildlife and biodiversity while exploring how photography and filmmaking can serve as powerful tools for nature documentation, awareness and conservation.
Prof C N Pandey, Coordinator, KPCSD, delivered the welcome and inaugural address highlighting the significance of National Wildlife Week and the need to develop a deeper connection with nature and wildlife. He connected the spirit of wildlife conservation with Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of ahimsa, emphasising compassion, respect and love for all forms of life.
“Appreciation of nature should ultimately translate into greater care and responsibility towards our natural environment. Developing a deeper connection with wildlife allows us to understand not only its beauty but also our responsibility towards protecting it,” said Prof C N Pandey, Coordinator, KPCSD.
This was followed by a workshop overview by Mr Mukesh A Acharya, renowned wildlife photographer, visual artist and nature educator with over four decades of experience. He spoke about the importance of bringing together “action, story, and science”, where photographs are supported by scientific understanding and can communicate important conservation messages.
“The coming together of action, story and science allows photography to go beyond visual appeal and become a meaningful medium for understanding nature and communicating conservation messages,” said Mr Mukesh A Acharya.
The resource persons included Mr Mukesh A Acharya, Mr Wilkis James, Mr Aayush Dudhiya and Mr Arijit Reeves, who shared their knowledge, experience and passion for photography, filmmaking and nature conservation with the participants throughout the three days. Participants were also encouraged to learn more about the Wildlife Protection Act and, more importantly, understand the value of the natural resources and biodiversity around them.
Over the three days, participants explored the fundamentals of photography and composition, camera equipment and techniques, wildlife behaviour and field craft, photo editing, and responsible wildlife photography. Participants were provided with a chance to see biodiversity and experience wildlife photography first hand through a field visit to Indrora Nature Park, Gandhinagar and photography sessions at IIT Gandhinagar campus.
The resource persons stressed that photography needs a lot of patience and constant learning. It takes years of practice and observation to learn light, exposure, ISO and the many tools of photography.They also mentioned that IIT Gandhinagar itself is rich in biodiversity and participants have a great opportunity to continue observing, exploring and learning through photography on the campus.
The workshop concluded with a photography exhibition showing enthralling images based on two themes, Wild Feet & Fur and Colors and Textures of Nature & a special photography exhibition of the photographs of Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand by Mr Mukesh A Acharya on the theme of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
The workshop demonstrated that taking pictures of nature can be the start of a deeper journey of understanding, valuing and conserving biodiversity.It encouraged participants to look more closely at their surroundings, to appreciate the natural resources around them, and to recognize their role in protecting them.
Through such initiatives, the Dr Kiran C Patel Center for Sustainable Development at IIT Gandhinagar aims to promote a higher level of environmental consciousness and strengthen the bond between people and nature, thus contributing to a more sustainable future.
This is an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), reproduced as issued.
