Baiju Patil, Aurangabad
Citation
Vinod Patil (Baiju) is a living legend in the field of photography with respect to wildlife, conservation of biodiversity and natures manifestations of various forms of wildlife. Vinod Patil (Baiju) belongs essentially to a tribe which strives passionately to lead a different life. For last three decades Baiju has spent his energies, time in exploring the mysteries of forest, captivating ambience of the forests and the company of ferocious animals and soft singing birds. It is a tribute to his outstanding ability to bring out the best in the wildlife using his camera. As a photographer his entire application has been towards sharpening the effects on all objects which were the focus of the photography. His tireless efforts, perseverance and the passion for aesthetics enabled him to continuously perform better which was also recognised at the global level. He has to his credit a great honour of having represented India in 2016 at Serbia where he won the Gold Medal at World Cup Photo contest.
Vinod Patil (Baiju) is the only photographer who has won the prestigious Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer award twice. He won DJI Memorial International Award for wildlife photography in 2018. Vinod Patil (Baiju) has the honour of exhibiting his photographs at Royal Albert Hall, London. The world had recognised him as an ace photographer of nature. He combines the skills of photography with a deep insight into the nature’s mechanics. Vinod Patil (Baiju) continues to excel and has also been outstanding in garden photography. He was awarded International Garden Photographer of the year 2015 in UK. A number of awards ranging from Emirates to California make him rich in terms of acknowledgement by the world in the realm of exciting wildlife photography. Back home, Vinod Patil (Baiju) has been awarded the Wild Maharashtra, Photographer of the year, WWF Photography award and the Yugandhar Puraskar. Vinod Patil (Baiju) has been a dedicated and meticulous friend of birds and wildlife. His selfless love for animals and birds earned him Corona warrior tag for his courageous effort to feed them regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown when humans were deserting their own brethrens. These are only a few awards and recognitions out of 32 national and international awards that he has bagged so far. Baiju probably is the only photographer with multidimensional proficiency in industrial photography, products photography, portrait photography, but nature photography remains his passion. One salutes his conviction for a sustained campaign through his photographs to protect the wildlife which would in effect ensure protection of environment and sustainable use of natural resources. Vinod Patil (Baiju), therefore, becomes a champion of the cause for making our country safe and healthy for future generations. “Wildscapes”, a Coffee-table book, was launched on the August 2010, in the presence of Hon. Governor of Maharashtra, business tycoon Mr. Mukesh Ambani and many other dignitaries. He has established an inimitable communication with the natures beautiful kingdom. There is no denying the fact that all these efforts lead to a grand exposure. Vinod Patils Baijiu’s contribution is significant as it kindles the spirit of enquiry among the global community who come from different walks of life and different parts of the world and visit India for its diverse natural resources, fantastic biodiversity to enjoy, explore, learn in the forest, sanctuaries and several species of animals and birds. India’s diversity has been exceptionally photographed by Baiju, thereby giving a boost to tourism.
Besides of the passion for photography, Baiju is an outstanding sportsman. He is a skilled swimmer and a Kho Kho player at the national level who has led the Maharashtra State team thrice and won gold and silver medals. His holistic approach contributes to Photography in difficult terrains which demand tough physical endurance. Baiju has consciously combined these two aspects to achieve his goals.
Baiju, a successful and accomplished wildlife and nature photographer, has been a great motivation for the youngsters aspiring to be skilled and aesthetic wildlife photographers. His contributions encourage young boys and girls to follow his path that enables continuity of his great efforts and preserves his legacy of representing India’s rich natural habitat on global canvas. Baiju’s Wildlife photography also combines well planned awareness and academic programs to motivate the generation next. He has initiated graduate and degree programs at MGM University, Aurangabad since 2019 which will enhance his dedicated contribution towards the field of photography.
Vinod Alias Baiju Patils International Achievements
- 2010, Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the year
- 2011 Title winner, Better Photography Photographer of the year
- 2012, Pablo Picasso International Award Title winner
- 2013, The 7th Emirates Photography Contest Certification of participation
- 2013, NWF Wildlife Photography Award Second Prize
- 2014, Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the year Special mention
- 2014, Big Picture Award Honorable mention
- 2015, 17th FIP World Cup Bronze medal
- 2016, Black and White Spider Awards
- 2017, 18th FIAP World Cup, Serbia Gold medal
- 2018, DJ Memorial Photography Award Special mention
- 2018, DJ Memorial Photography Award Title winner
- 2018, Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the year Title winner
- 2019, Exhibition of Tiger photographs at Royal Albert Hall, London
- Shoot of The Wild Title Winner and other awards
Vinod Alias Baiju Patils National Achievements
- 2012 Sanctuary Wild Maharashtra Title winner
- 2012 Sanctuary Wild Maharashtra Joint third prize
- 2013 1st Yes Bank Saevus National Capital Awards Title winner
- 2016 India Photography Awards Certificate of merit
- 2016 India Photography Awards Certificate of merit
- 2016 India Photography Awards Certificate of merit
- 2017 Better Photography Photographer of the year Certificate of merit
- 2019 Nature in Focus Photography Award Second Runner Up
- 2019 Nature in Focus Photography Award Special mention and many more awards
Vinod Alias Baiju Patils State Achievements
- 2010 Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Nominee
- 2011 Yogandhar Puraskar, Aurangabad
- 2013 Environment Forum of India, Baramati Vasundhara Purskar
- 2017 Rotary Club of Aurangabad
- 2018 My FM Food and Lifestyle Award for Excellence in Photography and many more awards.