By Satpal Singh Gandhi
Dehradun, 2 Jan: On 31 December, 2016, a great soul departed while clicking images in a jungle. The late Rakesh Sahai, a great photographer, a mentor and a wonderful soul left for his heavenly abode while following his passion of photography. He shared the last sunset of 2016 and didn’t wake up the next morning leaving behind countless followers.
Rakesh Sahai — A Wildlife Photographer / Photojournalist and a well-known figure, was a Delhi-based wildlife photographer and photojournalist. He was known for his wildlife and nature photography, including work in the Himalayas and national parks. His photography was recognised and exhibited in public spaces in India and abroad.
He worked for “Time Inc.” And “The Straits Times” of Singapore. His photographs were placed on the cover of famous the US based “Time Magazine”.
He worked as a photojournalist with international publications and also did shoots in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
He passed away at the age of about 58 due to a heart attack while on assignment at Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh. After his death, photography exhibitions and tributes were organised in his memory, with mentees and admirers celebrating his contributions to wildlife photography.
Swami Bodhi Vartman, a well know photographer of Uttarakhand and an Osho Sanyasi, has curated an exhibition in the New Year to commemorate the departed soul. Manoj Rangarh, alias Swami Bodhi Vartman collects photographs from various photographers every year and holds an exhibition in Rishikesh in the memory of Rakesh Sahai.
Initially the exhibitions were curated in some hotel where selected people or special invitees could see the exhibition. Manoj wanted the masses to see the magic of photography. He came up with an idea to do the exhibition in open place where more people can see the art and magic of photography. So he started exhibiting at Triveni Ghat in Rishkesh where people from all walks of life come and enjoy the joy of photography.
On 1 January 2026, an Exhibition was held at Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh, where about 25 photographers contributed their photographs. A small stage was set up with personalities of Rishikesh present. Short speeches were delivered by the guest speakers. The exhibition started with ceremonial lamp lighting.
The viewers were local people, tourists, students, photographers, politicians, beggars, sanyasees, foreigners, etc. In all it was a wonderful show to celebrate and honour the great Mentor, the late Rakesh Sahai.
