Mumbai to play host to wildlife photography exhibition - 'ATR - All Tiger Reserves'

Mumbai: The iconic Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai would play host to Aarzoo Khurana’s wildlife photography exhibition - 'ATR - All Tiger Reserves’, however, there would not be any formal inauguration as a tribute to late industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata.

The 'ATR Through the Lens' project is the result of a six-and-a-half-month expedition covering over 37,000 kms.

Aarzoo, a wildlife photographer and lawyer, is the first person in India to have covered all the 56 tiger reserves.

Aarzoo’s work has been published in publications such as National Geographic, BBC Earth, Discovery, and Reader’s Digest.

The exhibition’s debut in Delhi from September 6-10 at Bikaner House garnered immense appreciation, where it was inaugurated by Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

However, the Mumbai leg of the exhibition from December 11-15 will have no formal inauguration.

It was on May 23, 2024 that Aarzoo met Tata and requested him to inaugurate the exhibition, which the late Chairman-emeritus of Tata Sons and Chairman of Tata Trusts agreed. However, now since Tata is no more, she feels that it is not right to have anyone else to inaugurate it.

Known for her evocative imagery and commitment to conservation, Aarzoo recently achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first individual to cover all 56 tiger reserves in India, a feat that has captivated wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Aarzoo’s ambitious project, ATR – All Tiger Reserves, was a 37,000-kilometer road trip traversing the length and breadth of India. At the time she began, there were 55 tiger reserves listed by the NTCA, but she also covered Guru Ghasidas National Park, the 56th reserve, which was added later. The journey was a dream come true for Aarzoo, allowing her to shed light on the lesser-known tiger reserves, often overshadowed by more popular parks like Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh.

“It was not just a journey—it was a mission to bring attention to the hidden gems of India’s wildlife,” Aarzoo said.

“Many tiger reserves are under-appreciated and under-visited, yet tourism could play a crucial role in their conservation,” she added.

The inspiration for ATR goes beyond photography. Aarzoo’s vision was to bridge the gap between India’s diverse tiger landscapes and the broader audience through her powerful social media presence of over 2 million followers. “I wanted to show people that there is so much more to India’s wildlife than the well-known names. Every reserve has a story, a unique ecosystem, and its own challenges,” she said.

Starting from Sariska, a park celebrated for its successful tiger reproduction model, she traveled through western, central, southern, northeastern, and northern India. Each reserve brought a unique perspective—whether it was the fractured terrains of Sariska or the biodiversity of reserves like Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh. Along the way, Aarzoo connected with villagers, forest officials, and locals, listening to their stories and understanding the intricate balance between human life and wildlife conservation.

“This was probably the best road trip of my life,” she said. “It wasn’t just about exploring the forests; it was about learning—about the people, the ecosystems, and the issues that need attention.”

One moment that stands out to her happened in Bharatpur Keoladeo National Park when a young boy recognised her from Instagram. “He told me he saw my picture of a sarus crane and was inspired to visit the sanctuary. That moment made me realise the power of a single photograph to inspire change,” Aarzoo said.