Bird photography showcase in Kochi honours naturalist Neelakantan

UPDATE - follow-up to Photography exhibition by Induchoodan Foundation showcases the birds of Keralam: The Durbar Hall art gallery in Kochi is currently hosting a bird photography exhibition titled Parannuyarunna Malayalam, which runs until September 27. Organised by the Induchoodan Foundation, the event pays tribute to KK Neelakantan, an English professor, naturalist, and ornithologist whose 1958 book Keralthile Pakshikal remains a foundational work on the State's bird life. The showcase features over 50 photographs captured by 26 artistes across three halls, accompanied by bird descriptions from Neelakantan's book and a background soundtrack of avian sounds. M Ramachandran, the curator of the exhibition, notes that the foundation has held 15 similar exhibitions across Keralam over the past two years, marking this as the third Kochi edition. Participating photographers include students, professionals, and retired individuals, with school and college groups actively invited to foster youth engagement. Notable contributors include Suresh Elamon, a disciple of Neelakantan who shared memories of spotting the Crab-plover, and retired Air Force personnel Dijumon Komanthakkal, whose displayed works include the endangered Banasura Laughing Thrush, Malayan Night Heron, and Oriental Pratincole.