My name is Hardika Subhash, and I am 8 years old. Nature has always been my best friend. My journey into its beautiful world started with my mother, who is a nature educator. From a very young age, she introduced me to the wonders of forests, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Whenever she talked about trees, flowers, or tiny insects, her eyes sparkled with joy, and I soon shared that joy.
I have been lucky to visit many forests in Kerala and other parts of India. Each trip has opened a new door of wonder for me. I still remember the first time I stood under the tall trees of a forest. The air felt different, filled with sounds of birds and buzzing insects. It was like a living classroom where every leaf, wing, and drop of water had a story. These experiences made me curious and inspired me to observe nature more closely.
One of the biggest turning points in my journey was joining “Walk With VC,” a social media community focused on studying, documenting, and conserving biodiversity. As the youngest member, I found myself surrounded by nature lovers who shared their knowledge. They encouraged me to start documenting biodiversity on my own. Gradually, I began taking photographs of butterflies, birds, and especially dragonflies and damselflies. Holding a camera and closely observing these tiny creatures made me feel like a little explorer discovering hidden worlds.
Through this community, I had the chance to participate in the Odonata Challenge for Kids, which was very exciting. I began observing and identifying different species of dragonflies and damselflies, learning about their behavior, colors, and habitats. At that moment, I realized how fascinating odonates are, not just beautiful, but also important indicators of healthy ecosystems.
n 2024, my project on Dragonfly Diversity brought me one of the happiest moments of my life. It won 3rd place in the Bioblitz Challenge: Dragonfly Diversity 2024, organized by WWF-India. For me, it was not just about winning a prize; it was about showing that even children can make meaningful contributions to understanding biodiversity. This achievement gave me the confidence to continue my journey more seriously.
The following year, I took part in the Young iNaturalist Challenge 2025 and was thrilled to secure 1st place. Documenting species for this challenge was both fun and challenging. Every day felt like a treasure hunt, and I learned how patience and keen observation are essential in nature. Standing on the winners’ list brought me great joy, but what mattered most was knowing that I was helping to create records that might be useful for conservation.
My passion has grown into three main loves—birds, butterflies, and odonates. Birds fascinate me with their colors, calls, and migration stories. Every time I hear the lovely song of a sunbird or see the swift flight of a kite, I feel inspired. Butterflies make me believe in magic; their transformation from tiny caterpillars to beautiful winged jewels teaches me about change and hope. Dragonflies and damselflies, on the other hand, are like flying acrobats. Their incredible colors, delicate wings, and secret lives near water have made me a true admirer.
With each observation, I also began keeping records – photographs, notes, and species lists. At first, they were just personal memories, but I soon realized how important such documentation is for biodiversity conservation. Every small record adds to the larger story of how species survive in changing environments. Even as a child, I feel proud to contribute to something bigger than myself.
Of course, there have been unforgettable experiences along the way. Once, while walking in a forest, I spotted a dragonfly with shimmering blue wings that I had never seen before. My heart raced as I took photographs and later learned that it was a species not commonly recorded in that area. On another occasion, I waited for over an hour to capture a butterfly that kept fluttering around but never rested. That day, I learned that patience is a key quality for every wildlife photographer.
Sometimes, people ask me why I enjoy spending so much time outdoors instead of playing regular games. My answer is simple: nature itself is the best playground. Every day, it offers something new, a bird’s song, a butterfly’s flight, a dragonfly’s dance over water. Unlike computer games, nature never repeats; it always surprises me.
Looking ahead, I have many dreams. I want to continue my journey as a young wildlife photographer and biodiversity documenter. I wish to visit more forests in India, especially the Western Ghats, which are rich in plants and animals. One of my biggest dreams is to travel to national parks and sanctuaries, documenting rare species and sharing their stories. Through my photographs and writings, I hope to inspire other children to observe the natural world around them.
I also dream of contributing to conservation efforts. I believe that if more children start observing and documenting, we will have stronger voices for protecting nature. I want to show my friends that photography is not just about beautiful pictures—it is also about caring for the living beings we share our planet with.
My mother often tells me that every small step counts, and I truly believe that. Whether identifying a butterfly in my garden, photographing a dragonfly near a pond, or recording the call of a bird in a forest, each act of observation is valuable. It makes me happy to know that children like me can be part of something as important as conservation.
When I hold my camera and step into the world of nature, I feel free, happy, and full of wonder. The forests of Kerala, the colourful wings of butterflies, the swift flights of birds, and the shining eyes of dragonflies have all become part of my life’s story. I know this is just the beginning, and I look forward to all the adventures, discoveries, and lessons ahead.
I am grateful to my parents, my community “Walk With VC,” and organizations like WWF-India and iNaturalist for giving me opportunities to grow. Most of all, I am thankful to nature for being the most patient teacher and the best friend.
