GENCF POTY
Mr. Santanu Majumder
He is a retired Indian Air Force Officer and a self taught photographer. In the last 20 years, he has delved into multiple genres of photography. However, over the last several years, he developed special interest and expertise in landscape and Wide-field Astrophotography. His passion for shooting star trails and wide field astro-landscapes has ensured that he has travelled to the farthest corners of the country from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari and from Nagaland to Gujarat and Rajasthan in search of dark skies. He has written a couple of e-books on shooting star trails and the Milky Way.
His images have been published in magazines like Asian Photography, Smart Photography, Chiz, Bon, Hello 6E (Indigo)etc. and have also received several awards in national and international exhibitions and photo salons. He was recently awarded the Silver Medal in the World Nature Photography Awards, 2025.
Mr. Sandeep Dutta
Welcome to Sandeep’s world of the untamed. A storyteller, Sandeep has chosen his camera to convey the beauty of nature. Documenting India’s wildlife for decades, Sandeep’s treasure chest contains unparalleled moments from the wild and today follows his passion uninhibited.
His journey into photography has evolved from a hobby into a serious pursuit, where he not only captures wildlife moments but also contributes actively to the photography community. Beyond being a photographer, Sandeep has taken on roles as a mentor, judge, and teacher, indicating his influence and expertise within the photography sphere.
His extensive travel experiences to various parks in India and abroad further enrich his portfolio and knowledge base. Sandeep also holds the distinction 'Associate of The Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) which was awarded to him for his maiden attempt in March 2012.
In his own words:
I used to trek a lot in my younger days and trekking through Himalayan wilderness got me close to nature. Beauty of nature is what hooked me on & I got started on my photography journey with a film camera. The jungle is full of surprises! It’s the sheer feel of the jungle and the excitement of observing natural history moments that wants you to keep going back. Wildlife Photography inspires my love for wildlife and an intense desire to protect it.
Mr. Hymakar Valluri
Hymakar Valluri is a Chartered Accountant by profession, a wildlife photographer by passion, and a budding scuba diver. His love for wildlife has led him on an extraordinary journey across India, capturing the country’s rich biodiversity. As his passion evolved, so did his explorations. Over the past seven years, he has traveled across all continents, except Antarctica, thereby, documenting the mesmerizing wildlife that inhabits diverse ecosystems. From the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the sweeping savannas of Africa and the icy landscapes of the Arctic, his photography is a tribute to nature’s breathtaking beauty.
Beyond his adventures, Hymakar is committed to using photography as a powerful tool for wildlife conservation. Each of his images tells a compelling story of resilience, survival, and the delicate balance of nature.
In his own words:
"My work has been recognized on global platforms, earning prestigious awards such as People’s Choice in the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year 2017, Best 25 Wildlife Images of 2018 by National Geographic, 35 Awards, Title Winner of Better Photography, and Monochrome Awards, among others. Through my lens, I hope to inspire people to appreciate and protect the wonders of the natural world."
URMIL JHAVERI
Urmil Jhaveri is a renowned wildlife photographer and filmmaker whose 12+ years in the field have left a powerful mark on the natural world through breathtaking visual storytelling. Inspired by his grandfather, Urmil’s journey into wildlife photography became a pursuit of artistry, conservation, and storytelling.
Specializing in photographing elusive species, Urmil is celebrated for capturing raw and candid wildlife moments, demonstrating both technical precision and an emotional bond with his subjects. His unique style, which merges technical mastery with an intense reverence for nature, is seen in his ability to capture animals in their most intimate moments. His filmmaking further expands his reach, producing dynamic visual narratives that spotlight India’s rich biodiversity and pressing conservation issues.
As a Nikon India Creator, Urmil actively shares his knowledge through events and workshops, inspiring photographers and wildlife lovers alike. His commitment to conservation shines through in every shot, proving that his work goes beyond mere artistry—it’s a mission to awaken awareness and action for wildlife protection. Urmil continues to venture into nature’s depths, Nikon camera in hand, driven by a profound respect for the wild and an unwavering dedication to preserving it.
Mr. Senaritra Dutta
Senaritra Dutta is a seasoned software professional with over 14 years of experience, but his true passion lies in capturing the wonders of the world through his lens. His photography journey began in 2015 as a self-taught nature photographer, evolving into a focus on travel, landscape, and astro-landscape photography. Senaritra's dedication to his craft has earned him recognition in the photography community.
Since 2019, he has been sharing his expertise through workshops, guiding over 10 photography sessions across both Indian and international landscapes. With each workshop, Senaritra aims to inspire photographers to see and capture the beauty of our world with fresh eyes, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature through their lenses.
In his own words:
"Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to receive numerous accolades, including recognition at the Indian Photo Festival 2022, the Camerena Academy awards, the DCP Annual Award 2023, and Nisi's yearly photography contest, DJMPC 2025 finalist special mention and DCP Award for Astro Landscape category winner. Since 2020, I’ve had the honor of being a brand influencer for Nisi India and Vanguard India, as well as a proud Nikon Professional Services (NPS) member with Nikon India since 2021."
Senaritra continues to push the boundaries of his artistry while inspiring others to do the same.
Dipanwita SARKAR
Dipanwita Sarkar, a nature enthusiast from Onda, a quaint village near Bishnupur in Bankura District, has transformed her passion for wildlife into a self-driven journey of discovery. A BA graduate, her sharp observation skills and love for the natural world make her a standout figure in her community.
Her interests range from the avian world to small mammals like Golden Jackals, Bengal Foxes, and other species native to Onda. She spends early mornings and weekends on self-guided surveys with her photography friends, honing her ability to study animal behavior and document her findings.
Her dedication has earned her a role in the Global Exploring Nature Conservancy Foundation, where she leads the Facebook Forum and serves as a Travel Planner and Tour Leader for Exploring Nature Call of The Wild, focusing on general nature tours. Her enthusiasm for wildlife and ability to inspire others make her a valuable addition to the team.
In her own words:
My house feels like a Jurassic Park, with fascinating creatures popping up at unexpected times. I have a flair for macro subjects, where I love exploring the intricate beauty of smaller subjects. My ancestral home, over 100 years old, provides endless inspiration for my passion for nature.
RAKSHANDA RASHID
Rakshanda Rashid is a Kuwait-based Indian wildlife photographer and storyteller whose journey began in 2010, when the “Save the Tiger” campaign stirred a deep love for the wild. At 13, while others found joy in parties and hangouts, she found her peace in animals, nature, and the forests.
Academically, Rakshanda started out in Biotechnology but later shifted to Business Management, eventually earning her MBA. Even as she adapted to the expectations of family and society, her passion for wildlife never left her side. During her MBA, she took an online photography course, where she discovered her gift for capturing wildlife moments. With the guidance of her mentor, wildlife photographer Harsha, she began turning passion into purpose. After completing her MBA, she chose not to walk away from her calling. With her first salary, she invested in a Zoology course, bridging science with her love for the wild. She further gained hands - on exposure working remotely with Toehold, immersing herself in the world of wildlife tourism and learning the ecosystem of conservation-focused travel. She is currently employed as a Product Manager in Kuwait.
Rakshanda describes her passion for nature as a “beautiful craziness” - the kind of love that makes her go miles to see, learn, and share the untold stories of the wild. Today, she blends her work as a marketing professional and certified life coach with her photography, inspiring people to reconnect with nature. Through her images and words, she strives to give the voiceless a platform and remind the world that wildlife deserves not just to survive, but to thrive.
Dyuti Karmakar
With a blend of art, research and communication, Dyuti aims to educate the common masses about the environment. She believes, research should travel beyond peer-reviewed journals or elite magazines to the medias that are accessible to everyone. She has started a series named Dyuti’s Nature Comics, a comics journalism initiative, where her art simplifies the complex world of conservation for a diverse audience. She has won various poster making competitions and bagged prizes for creative writing while solidifying her foundation in Zoology. Her interest to know and deal with real world problems related to wildlife conservation, shapes her dreams, whereas creativity and knowledge pushes her forward. So far, her achievements are few, but her passion remains intact.
In her own words:
I want to acquire knowledge about wildlife conservation and spread awareness. Only a few percentage of people are privileged enough to learn about wildlife conservation. Once we educate more people about Mother Nature, the feeling of gratefulness for her resources shall be instilled in the minds of many.
