Shri Natarajan Kalpat (Late)

Natarajan Kalpat 1929-2017

Late Shri K N Natarajan, fondly known as Natarajan Kalpat, began his photographic journey as a member of the Andhra Pradesh Photographic Society (APPS) between 1966 and 1972. His keen eye and dedication quickly distinguished him among peers. During his professional tours, he often took fellow members along for weekend bird photography outings.

Closely associated with Raja Triambak Raj Bahadur, the founder of APPS, Natarajan spent long hours in his darkroom, which inspired him to set up his own at home. In Hyderabad, he worked alongside doyens such as Bhagwandas, OC Edwards and Rajan Babu. Later, in Madras, Trichy, and Bengaluru, he forged strong ties with stalwarts like Dr G Thomas, C Rajagopal, E Hanumantha Rao, and TNA Perumal, joining them on birding and other photographic expeditions.

In his autobiography, Natarajan recalled how he carried a small ladder in his car during birding trips. In the era before telephoto lenses, photographers had to approach birds within a few feet to capture them. His patience and skill allowed him to gain the confidence of even evasive species, sometimes close enough to touch them. These methods produced remarkable images that remain admired to this day.

Natarajan served with Burmah Shell and later Bharat Petroleum, retiring as a senior executive. Despite his professional responsibilities, his true passion lay in photography—particularly bird studies during the film era. His meticulous work earned recognition among naturalists and photographers alike.

His residence in Trichy became a hub for photographic, wildlife conservation, and ornithological discussions. It was here that he founded the Wildlife Conservation Society of Trichy (WILCOS), which played a pioneering role in grassroots conservation. Notably, the legendary ornithologist Dr. Sálim Ali once visited his home, a testament to Natarajan’s standing in the field. His family fondly remembers being invited as children to Raja Triambak’s residence for dinner, a cherished memory of those times.

In May 1977, WILCOS under Natarajan, conducted a systematic Blackbuck census at Point Calimere Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, documented in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. In 1972, Natarajan was awarded the prestigious AFIAP distinction, presented by the then President of India, Shri V V Giri, cementing his place among India’s respected photographic artists.