‘Passion and prioritisation are keys of productivity’ – Vyankatesh Metan, surgeon and wildlife photographer

In Part II of this photo essay, we feature more of the creative works of Vyankatesh Metan, along with his insights into nature and zest for conservation.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 230 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vyankatesh Metan is an efficient and talented multi-tasker. He says he divides his time between surgery (60 percent), family (20 percent), and social and environmental causes (20 percent).

His hospital has special provisions for needy patients, and he also devotedly promotes wildlife photography. “Passion and prioritisation are keys of productivity,” he explained, in a chat with YourStory.

Vyankatesh fell in love with nature when he saw his first flamingo at Hipperga Lake in Solapur – and has dedicated a considerable portion of his time and energy over the last 22 years to master wildlife photography and promote nature conservation. “My motto is to share my knowledge, data, photographs, and experience with society so that we all enjoy, respect and protect nature,” he explained.

His recent photography exhibition at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat in Bengaluru featured a stack of handouts for all attendees (see Part I of the photo essay here). There were three resource-sheets on Wildlife Etiquette, Preparing for Bird-Watching, and Tips for Bird-Watching.

Practical tips include map out migration patterns of birds, scope out neighbourhood parks, do not disturb birds, be respectful of mother birds with their young, learn how to mimic some birds, keep a diary, document your work systematically, be active in nature clubs, don’t litter the jungles, keep learning about wildlife, share your knowledge widely, and have lots of patience.

Vyankatesh has documented over 300 kinds of birds in Solapur. But there is more to wildlife than checking off names on lists, he explains. There’s a lot to learn and admire from patient and long-term observation of animal behaviour patterns, as seen in his series of photos on foxes near their dens.

Photography and public exhibitions are great platforms for increasing awareness about nature, particularly among youth. “We need to connect more citizens to nature and admire the wealth of lessons it has for us to live happily and peacefully,” he signs off.

Now what have you done today to explore how your skills can help connect us all to the wonders of nature?

Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at [email protected]!

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