THE PASSION OF DHIRAJLAL

Dhirajlal Damodar’s passion for birds in particular and nature in general is commendable. And the efforts he endures, at the ripe old age of 75, to satisfy his inner calling will put many young ones to shame. With camera in hand, he roams around clicking photographs of subjects that call his attention.

Born in Mozambique in the year 1934, he came to Goa with his father Damodar Juthalal, mother and siblings a good decade after his birth. Having set up an exports and mining firm under the banner ‘Damodar Mangaljee & Co. Ltd.’, Damodar handed over the reins of the flourishing business to his able progeny Dhirajlal and Manoharlal.

Along with following in his father’s footstep Dhirajlal followed his heart. Having bitten by the photography bug after receiving a Kodak Box Camera in his teens, there was no looking back after that. With the passing of age and acquisition of superior and worlds renowned brands of cameras, Dhirajlal ventured mainly into wildlife photography and began documenting various varieties of birds.

With innumerable miles of travel behind him, Dhirajlal has a vast collection of pictures ranging from scenic beauty of the region to specific and unique animals and birds. His repertoire of bird pictures is mainly from Bharatpur, Kutch, Gir, Ahmedabad, Karnataka and Goa region. He doesn’t merely stop at the visuals, but instead pushes further to understand and research on the factual details of the subject. And if needs to he refer to books by celebrated ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.

He even attempts compare the subjects from varied regions. Many of the pictures are from his recent tour to South Africa.

Despite being the Chairman and Managing Director of Damodar Mangaljee & Co. Ltd., he spares his Sundays and holidays for his passion. Music, especially Indian and Western classical interests him and he finds operas fascinating.

The proceeds of the show, hosted by Ruchika's Art Gallery, Miramar, will go to the homes for the orphans.