Meet the first and youngest Indian woman to win the wildlife photographer of the year

In a historic achievement, 23-year-old Aishwarya Sridhar became the first and the youngest Indian woman to win the wildlife photographer of the year award in its competition for the adult photographers. Among 50,000 entries from 80 different countries, Aishwarya’s name came on the top in the Behaviour-Invertebrates category.

The award show was organised by the National Museum of History, London on October 13,2020.

This was the 56th year of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award. The competition was very tough, however Aishwarya’s unique photograph won her the Highly Commented Award under Behaviour-Invertebrates category.

Her photograph, titled as ‘Light of Passion’, featured a tree with fireflies forming a starry galaxy in the sky. The photograph was taken during a trek in Bhandardara in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Aishwarya hails from Panvel city of Maharashtra. A writer, wildlife photographer and filmmaker by profession, she was first introduced to photography at the age of 12, when she used to accompany her father in forest treks and click photos of the site. Gradually, the childhood interest turned into a profession.

Aishwarya is also a conservationist and her efforts and contribution in wetland conservation were awarded the Diana Award in 2019, organised by Princess Diana Foundation.