Renowned Wildlife Photographer Yogesh Bhatia Engages with Aspiring Filmmakers at Ravi Sarin Film Institute"
New Delhi, India - October 2023 - Today, Delhi's celebrated wildlife photographer, Yogesh Bhatia, visited the Ravi Sarin Film Institute situated in Noida Film City to interact with students. Warmly welcomed by Film Institute Director Ravi Sarin and his wife, Deepali Sarin, the occasion marked a convergence of artistic talents with a shared passion for wildlife.
Ravi Sarin, known for his keen interest in wildlife, expressed his desire to join Yogesh Bhatia on a forest expedition to gain firsthand insight into the natural world.
The gathering was in commemoration of World Snow Leopard Day, observed globally on October 23rd. Yogesh Bhatia, among the fortunate few, has captured the elusive snow leopard through his lens. Overcoming the challenges posed by the snow-covered terrain, Bhatia's expertise allowed him to reveal the hidden beauty of this enigmatic creature.
Addressing the students, Bhatia shared that India is home to approximately 600-700 snow leopards, while globally, their population stands at around 5,000-6,000. These magnificent cats are found in the Himalayan region, thriving at elevations of up to 18,000 feet.
Bhatia emphasized that snow leopards are native to just 12 out of nearly 200 countries worldwide, with India, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and Mongolia being the primary habitats.
On the occasion of Snow Leopard Day, Bhatia and fellow wildlife enthusiasts pledge to persevere in their efforts to safeguard these creatures' lives.
Responding to a student's query about wildlife encounters, Bhatia remarked:
"As villages transform into towns, towns into cities, and cities into concrete jungles, we encroach upon their habitats. When a wild animal defends its territory, we label it as ferocious. It's imperative that we find harmony amidst this coexistence."
Yogesh Bhatia's name resonates in the realm of wildlife photography. Embarking on this journey after the age of 60, he defied conventional retirement norms. Though his passion for photography persisted since childhood, it was only after his children settled into careers in Germany that he turned his hobby into a professional pursuit, earning international recognition.
Bhatia's work not only influences fellow photographers but also ignites a passion for wildlife in younger generations. His dedication is evident in captivating photographs of a snow leopard family at an astounding altitude of 14,000 feet.
Bhatia's visual storytelling, amplified by cutting-edge equipment, has revealed the intricacies of African savannas and Indian jungles. Each photograph celebrates the resilience and uniqueness of wildlife.
Yogesh Bhatia's journey serves as a beacon for emerging wildlife enthusiasts, resonating across borders and cultures, and inspiring a renewed reverence for nature's grandeur.
As Bhatia's impactful work continues, it deepens our appreciation for wildlife and their ecosystems, affirming the profound connection between art, nature, and the human spirit.
In an encouraging message to today's youth, Bhatia expressed, "In this age of smartphones, I urge you all to capture nature's moments daily. It fosters a stronger bond with nature and instills a greater desire to protect it."
-Harish Sharma
