"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
25 Oct 2023
A young prodigy from Bengaluru, Vihaan Talya Vikas, has emerged as the winner of the Best Photographer Award in the under-10 category at the renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition held in London. This exceptional achievement has garnered widespread attention and admiration for the budding talent.
Vihaan's passion for wildlife photography was ignited by his father's influence, and his dedication and creativity have set him apart at such a tender age. His winning photograph, captured on the outskirts of Bengaluru, beautifully depicted a spider alongside Krishna's carving, showcasing his artistic vision and connection with nature.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition received an overwhelming response this year, with submissions pouring in from 95 countries across various categories. Out of the staggering 50,000 images received, only the top 100 were considered for the competition, and Vihaan's remarkable work stood out among them.
As a reward for his exceptional achievement, Vihaan's photograph will be included in the prestigious WPY59 collection and displayed at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, hosted by the Natural History Museum. This exhibition will tour 25 venues across four continents, aiming to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
Vihaan's journey as a photographer began when he was just seven years old, with his father providing guidance and support. Dhritiman Mukherjee, a renowned wildlife and conservation photographer and a competition judge, praised Vihaan's winning image for its artistic, conceptual, conservation, and scientific value. The young boy's thought process and composition were also highly commended.