Campaignin for the wild

A former Union minister, member of the Parliament and wildlife enthusiast, Kamal Morarka's foray into wildlife photography deserves a dekko

Travelling through the forests of Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, Kanha and Pench, 65 year-old politician Kamal Morarka engaged in canvassing of a different kind. He captured the beauty of the wild in his camera and at the exhibition, The Nature Trail, that opens today at the Jehangir Art Gallery, you get to see tigers from Ranthambore, Cheetahs from Kenya, Siberian cranes from Bharatpur and plenty more.
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Tigers quench their thirst at the Bandhavgarh National Park

A politician and industrialist, Morarka's association with wildlife photography goes a long way. But, it was after his term in Parliament ended in 1994, that he decided to explore his love for wildlife photography. The dwindling numbers of Siberian cranes led Morarka to the Bharatpur sanctuary in Rajasthan. "I wanted to capture them in photographs before they were gone for good. Two to three years later they stopped coming," he says with exasperation.

Soon, he was drawn to Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where his fascination for tigers manifested in a set of brilliant photographs of India's national animal. "I had a feast. I got the opportunity to do some amazing photography," he reminisces.

Extremely perturbed by the recent tiger census, he says, "If it is true that there are just 1,400 tigers left in the country, it is a major cause for worry. A lot needs to be done for wildlife conservation." In fact, through this exhibition he hopes to sensitise people and generate awareness about wildlife conservation.

More than the common man, Morarka feels that the government needs to take a lot of initiative to save the tiger. "There is a lot the government can do, but they are not doing. I was myself part of the Wildlife Society of India and not a single meeting was held in three years. Wildlife conservation is not on their priority list," he says.

Apart from being a politician, industrialist and photographer, Morarka has also spearheaded Morarka Foundation, an NGO, which works to create wealth for the nation through innovations in resource management and capacity building of the people. He is also the chairman of Sariska Tiger Foundation, an NGO working for saving the tigers.

Till June 30;
At Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, MG Road, opposite Elphinstone College, Fort;
Call 22048212