Prakruti Photo Exhibition at Mandvi | Secure Nature Society

Prakruti Wildlife Photo Exhibition

One of the Biggest Photo Exhibition in Mandvi

In winter evening of coastal town of Mandvi, Kutch, where the Arabian Sea whispers secrets to the desert winds, a vibrant tapestry of India’s wild heart unfolded. The Prakruti Photo Exhibition, organised by Secure Nature Society under our Paryaaksha Initiative, opened its doors at Mandvi Nagar Seva Sadan, transforming a simple community hall into a gateway to biodiversity’s untold stories. As the lead organiser, we witnessed firsthand how art, awareness, and community spirit can weave the threads of conservation into the fabric of everyday life. This wasn’t just an exhibition—it was a symphony of generations harmonizing for Mother Nature.

A Visual Feast: Capturing the Soul of the Wild

Imagine walls alive with the untamed pulse of life: over 200 stunning wildlife photographs, each a portal to the hidden realms of 150+ species. From the majestic stride of the Asiatic lion in Gir’s shadows to the ethereal glide of the Snow leopard Ladakh’s arid and cold expanses, these images spanned mammals, rare birds, elusive reptiles, and those fleeting behavioral moments that reveal nature’s quiet poetry—a mother Tiger teaching her cubs to pounce, or a flock of flamingos painting the seashore pink at dawn.

At the heart of the display was a curated gem: the Top 105 entries from our nationwide Love of Mother Wildlife Photography Competition. These weren’t mere snapshots; they were love letters to the wild, evoking gasps of awe and murmurs of “How did they capture that?” Visitors lingered, eyes tracing the intricate patterns of a Frogmouth or the fierce gaze of a marsh crocodile emerging from Kutch’s lakes. As Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Here, in Mandvi, that depth came alive, reminding us that India’s biodiversity is not a distant dream but a living legacy right in our backyards.

Waves of Wonder: Engagement Across Ages
What set this exhibition apart was its magnetic pull on every soul who crossed the threshold. Children, with their boundless curiosity, parked themselves for what felt like hours before frames of iridescent kingfishers or playful elphantselephants, firing questions like fireworks: “Do these birds visit our beaches? What do they eat?” and one 3 years 3-year-old pointing at a stepped eagle photo while saying, “I will capture a photo of this bird one day.” The youth debated about which animal they liked the most. Families huddled in animated clusters, sharing tales of local sightings—a desert fox darting under moonlight, or the rare sight of a sarus crane in the wetlands. Even our elders, with weathered eyes that had seen decades of seasonal shifts, nodded in quiet recognition, reigniting sparks of youthful wonder.
The footfall was a beautiful mosaic: over 750 visitors in three hours, from 1-year-old children to senior citizens, each leaving with a piece of the wild etched in their hearts. It was a testament to why nature-based events like this are vital—bridging the knowing-doing gap in conservation. As one young attendee whispered to her father, “Where can I find them? Why are they not here ?”—echoing the very ethos we champion: awareness blooms into action.

A Timeless Moment: Passing the Torch

Amid the chatter and clicks of cameras, one scene etched itself eternally: Shri Vasantbhai Sanghavi, Kutch’s oldest active wildlife photographer at 88, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Soham Solanki, the region’s youngest.

Vasantbhai, whose lens has captured magical birds for over half a century, shared whispers of dawn vigils and patient waits. While Vinodbhai Maheshwari , eyes alight with digital-age zeal, countered with tales of smartphone photography and ease of capturing with new age phones and sharing it over social media sparks. Their embrace symbolized more than mentorship—it was a generational handoff, a promise that the flame of passion for Kutch’s wild heritage burns eternal. In that instant, the exhibition transcended frames; it became a living lineage.

Honored Guests and Steadfast Hosts

We were profoundly graced by the presence of esteemed visitors who amplified our message:

Smt. Pallaviben Anirudhbhai Dave, wife of Hon. MLA Shri Anirudhbhai Dave (Mandvi–Mundra), whose insights on community-led conservation inspired us all.
Smt. Aprnaben Vyas, a beacon of local advocacy.
Shri Satish Sanishcharya and Shri Jitendrabhai Solanki, pillars of environmental dialogue.
Shri Jayeshbhai Bheda, Head Clerk of Mandvi Nagar Seva Sadan, who not only hosted but infused the event with heartfelt support.

Hands-On Harmony: Eco-Actions Take Flight

To ensure the inspiration soared beyond the walls, we distributed over 100 eco-friendly birdhouses and water pots—crafted from sustainable materials by local artisans. Families clutched these treasures, envisioning them as sanctuaries for sparrows, in their courtyards. These tangible takeaways empowered attendees to become everyday stewards, fostering micro-habitats amid urban sprawl and reinforcing that conservation thrives in small, collective deeds.

The Ripple Effect: From Exhibition to Movement

This Mandvi chapter of the Prakruti Photo Exhibition Marathon rippled far beyond its frames. It wasn’t confined to admiration; it ignited dialogues on Kutch’s unique ecology—the interplay of deserts, coasts, and wetlands that cradle endangered species like the Rhino from Assam or the Indian wild ass. By demystifying the wild, we planted seeds of stewardship in fertile soil, urging visitors to advocate for protected corridors and sustainable tourism. In a world racing toward disconnection, events like this reaffirm our bond with the earth: a reminder that every photograph is a call to safeguard the unseen, every conversation a step toward resilience.

Gratitude: The True Architects of Magic

None of this enchantment would have materialized without our incredible ecosystem of supporters. A resounding thank you to:

Mandvi Nagar Seva Sadan for their gracious hosting and unwavering warmth—Shri Jayeshbhai Bheda, your personal touch elevated us all.
Our stellar volunteers, the heartbeat of the event: @jigs_2392, @kutch_mobi_grapher, @vasudev.b, @deepvelani_, @dhairya_b_mehta, @mm_joshi, @meet__gori, @milan_joshi_bhuj, @portraitiste, @hiren_gadhavii, Veer Priyaan, and @dharmik_bhatt3. Your energy turned logistics into legacy.
The photographers of Love of Mother, whose lenses gifted us these windows to wonder.
Every visitor—your presence was our greatest validation.

Together, we’ve not just hosted an exhibition; we’ve sparked a movement. Secure Nature Society remains committed to these marathons, bringing the wild closer, one community at a time.

Join the Symphony: Your Role Awaits

As we carry Mandvi’s magic forward, we invite you: photographers, educators, families—submit to Love of Mother, host a pop-up in your space, or simply install a birdhouse today. Small actions cascade into mighty waves. What wild story will you amplify? Share your thoughts below, and let’s co-author the next chapter.