INTRO: A book ‘Birds of Odisha- A Pictorial Encyclopedia’ by father-daughter duo Pramod Dhal and Gloria Dhal was launched here recently. The work was a prized addition to various libraries in the state and a must for each Forest Division and Range. Having photographed 316 species of birds in their natural habitat, the duo has also highlighted key features of these birds. In a freewheeling chat with Nidhi Sinha of Orissa Post, the duo opened up about their passion for photography. Excerpts:
- (To Pramod) You have formerly served in the navy and are currently posted as a senior superintendent of Central GST and Customs. How were you drawn towards wildlife photography?
I was born in Argal village of rural Aali, Kendrapara, Odisha. I spent my early years in the midst of unspoiled nature, which nurtured my passion from a very early age. In the course of this professional journey, my love for nature and avian fauna never took a backseat, which has resulted in making me a highly acclaimed wildlife photographer today. Hence, when I got my hands on a good camera in 2011, I and my daughter started documenting birds.
- (To Gloria) Is this your first attempt to spread awareness about avian fauna?
No, our first exhibition was held back in 2014 at Orissa Modern Art Gallery, Bhubaneswar. Several school children attended this event. We went on to exhibit at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, wherein politician LK Advani was also in attendance. Most school children are not aware of Odisha’s diversity when it comes to birds, so this was an important step for us.
- (P) Photographing birds in their natural habitats needs skill and patience. Did you use any special technique during this endeavour?
One has to be still and silent, especially while photographing birds and yet, be careful of other dangerous animals. In the course of time, I became an expert snake catcher by employing these traits. You need to have tremendous patience to each and every shot. It’s almost like a meditation.
- (P) You said that you were interested in wildlife since childhood. Did you take pictures back then?
I used to keep birds as my pets. As I grew up in a village, I experienced handling many birds including Asian Koel (Koili), Common Mynah (Bani), Asian Pied Starling (Ghu Kalika), Black headed Oriole (Haladi Basanta) and White-breasted Kingfisher (Dhobani Chadhei). I caught and captivated the feathered species in cages and continued the practice until I left in 1978. Unfortunately, a majority of them died in the process, leaving a deep scar in my heart and mind. The current endeavour is an attempt to heal the deep scar I sustained once.
- (G)How is your work different from similar books?
The publication can be treated as a complete and single source of information on birds of Odisha and is a first-of-its-kind in the state. It is a milestone in developing public awareness on avian fauna of the state. It contains 1000 stunning images in 720 pages, bringing each bird to life on the pages; and highlights its key features. The book can be of great utility to growing numbers of bird lovers, bird watchers, photographers, students of natural science, forestry and wildlife as well as professionals, conservationists and those enforcing Wildlife law.
