Lifestyle

Wildlife photographer Pranay Patel’s advice to his 5-year old self is nothing but inspiring. Read to know!

Published

4 years ago

December 22, 2020

When we talk about the extremely successful people, there’s one thing which is common among all. It is their willingness and ability to kick-off their career at an early age. At an age of playing with friends, there was one exception who discovered his passion for photography. Pranay Patel is the name who started his professional career as a wildlife photographer at the age of 13. In the year 2011, he made up his mind to become a wildlife photographer. An animal lover since childhood, the talented guy started clicking pictures of animals in his locality including that of dogs, cows and birds. Their movement and body functioning always left this guy in awe of nature’s most beautiful creatures after which he started capturing them through his lenses.

The Ahmedabad-based guy who has spent almost a decade in this field has now become a past master through self-learning in wildlife photography. However, the calling to become a wildlife photographer came when he visited Ranthambore National Park along with his family. Since then, the wildlife enthusiast started clicking pictures of wildlife and built a portfolio of nature and wildlife covering the exotic wildlife of India and other countries of the world including New Zealand, USA, Australia, Kenya, Africa among others. With having done more than 100 safari and sanctuary visits in the last five years, Pranay seems to cover the wildlife from all over the world.

His frequent visits have been to Gir, Tadoba, Ranthambhore, Kabini, Little Rann of Kutch, Blackbuck National Park Velavadar and Thol. However, due to the unfortunate coronavirus pandemic, there have been travel restrictions and Pranay is spending quality time with family at home. Getting his hands-on camera at a very tender age, Patel has learnt all the technicalities and is well-versed with wildlife photography now. He always says that he followed his passion and listened to his heart. With the main goal of representing India on a global level, the photographer through his beautiful clicks has shown the beauty of India’s nature and wildlife.

When asked a piece of advice he would give to his 5-year old self, Pranay came up with a very interesting reply. He said, “I would tell him to cherish the beginnings in photography. Always be a child and be more curious to know about the vast field of photography. Embrace that sense of amazement you have with the world. Click anything that interests you. This is the best time because you don’t worry about the world. Gladly, you still haven’t discovered ‘social media’ yet, which also means that you will be shooting for yourself with all focus on your passion. Make the best of time and have fun while doing that.” Through self-training, Pranay Patel has surely come a long way in his journey. With being an official photographer for Gujarat Tourism, this talented guy has got a lot to achieve in his life. Our best wishes are with Pranay and may he bring India’s wildlife on a global map in the years to come.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.