A remarkable achievement by Shreyovi Mehta, a 9-year-old girl from India, has gained international recognition as she was awarded the runner-up position in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
During a morning walk at the Keoladev National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Shreyovi, a fifth-grade student from Faridabad near Delhi, encountered a pair of majestic peahens. Enthralled by the sight, she hurried back to her father to grab a camera and seized the moment, capturing what would become an award-winning photo.
Her photograph, titled “In the Spotlight,” features two peahens against a backdrop of trees bathed in dappled sunlight, perfectly showcasing the birds’ elegance amidst nature.
Recognition in a Prestigious Global Event
Shreyovi’s Mehta photo was selected as the runner-up in the “10 Years and Under” category of the 60th edition of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Competing against nearly 60,000 entries from participants across 117 countries and territories, her image stood out for its beauty and simplicity.
Grateful for Support
In an Instagram post, Shreyovi Mehta expressed her overwhelming joy, crediting her parents, Kahini Ghosh and Shivang Mehta (a photographer himself), for their support. She shared, “My heart is filled with immense joy and gratitude. I am so proud to represent my Bharat on this global stage.” She added that India’s rich wildlife and heritage are her source of inspiration, and she aspires to capture more of it in the future.
Future Aspirations- Shreyovi Mehta
In an interview with PTI, Shreyovi Mehta expressed her dream of bringing more recognition to India’s wildlife, stating, “I will continue to practice so that one day even our national animal—the tiger—gets the same recognition.”
Award Ceremony and Exhibition
Shreyovi will receive a medal at the award ceremony on October 8 at the Natural History Museum in London. Her photo will also be part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, which opens at the NHM on October 11, 2024, and runs until June 29, 2025.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Shreyovi’s accomplishment not only highlights her budding talent but also serves as an inspiration to young photographers worldwide. Her passion for nature and wildlife, combined with her skill at such a young age, showcases the power of youth in bringing attention to environmental conservation and beauty.
