On a pleasant day in 2014, I was cycling around Jakkur and accidentally met up with a team of 8 people near Jakkur Lake. The common discussion among us was about the conservation of the lake. We took a decision to do something to protect this lake. The very next Sunday morning we all met up again and decided to clear the plastic deposit near the lakebed. Subsequently, we extended our work to nearby schools to make the students understand the importance of the conservation of this waterbody. Dr Annapoorna was the leader of our group, and her dedication and consistency were commendable. We took a decision to spread awareness about this waterbody to each one. The only way to spread awareness is to make the people come to the lake. We encouraged a lot of photographers to visit and take photos. Some of the schools like Delhi Public School started bringing their students to do the projects. Corporates started coming to do the team-building exercise by planting trees and making floating islands. Some of them started making organic gardens and butterfly parks. Students actively participated in the biodiversity survey. Dr Annapoorna would have taken at least 300 + classes at the lake in 3 years for students. Initially, we planted 1500 trees. It was a challenging task to water all these plants during summertime. Today we sit under these trees and remember our efforts. A lot of photojournalists published their work about the lake. Our aim was to save this lake from people who encroach and spoil the waterbody. It was a journey of getting to know some of the people who were living in a 2 km radius and coming together for a common cause. Our bureaucratic system would not identify the need for these kinds of preservation, and we cannot wait for them to act or blame them. It was a class example of what a small citizen group could do for a social cause and create a Real Impact. Later government authorities supported us very well. Today it's the most preserved waterbody in Bangalore with so much diversity. It's become a nesting paradise for birds.
I started learning photography here. Be it Landscapes, Macros, Birdlife!! Nature has so much to give, and we have every responsibility to preserve it.
CREATING SYMBOL LOVE
One Evening Lake towards the wetland area with my Camera. I heard some sound of dry leaves getting crushed from the nearby bush. I was curious and I spent some more time observing. My waiting and curiosity really paid off. these two coming out from the bush towards the walkway. They were not even aware of their surroundings and were fully focused on what they were doing. I got my camera ready and sat on the ground to create a beautiful frame. A lot of people say this is an art of love, for some others it's a territorial fight. My observation - Whether to fight or to Love, you need a partner. In this case, I wanted to believe that it's an action of Creating a SYMBOL OF LOVE with the upper part of the body.
DANCING KING - There is a small platform projected into the lake and it's properly fenced. It's an amazing place to sit and relax. Artists come and perform light music and Dance on this platform. I was sitting and enjoying the beauty of the lake. As usual, my camera was kept next to me. Suddenly Somewhere this Kingfisher appeared and started performing some action with sound for me!! I thanked God for sending the KING and creating this frame.
BREAKING THE FAST
Jakkur lake has good birdlife, especially Pelicans. One thing I noticed is that they come in the morning and move around the lake. I was so curious and wanted to take a photo of a pelican eating fish. My 3 years of waiting paid off. On a fine morning, a Pelican, Sun, and a Fish came together to fulfil my dream shot.
Breaking the fast
HIGH-RISK HIGH REWARD
One fine morning I was sitting at the entrance of a lake with my camera. There is a water outlet from lake to another lake. Also, there is a net to stop fish going outside. Egrets found this an opportunity, but the competition was extremely high as a lot of egrets were lined up on the net. This smart one decided to take extra risk by diving into the water and get his high reward!!!
GOLDEN GRASS OF ART
Golden light from the sun is a blessing. I was fortunate to frame these beautiful grasses near the wetland of the lake. Whenever we walk in any nature park, we need to do a mindfulness walk to enjoy every ART work of God. Pay attention to every small creation. I have been going to the Lake side for the past 7 years. Still, every day is a new day for me at the lake. Mother Nature has so much to give to us. TAKE TIME TO LIVE.
