Dr Tushar Ambadkar wins top honour in National Geographic India Photography contest

His powerful image, capturing two Wood Sandpiper birds engaged in a territorial clash, received the top honour in the ‘Capture in Motion’ single-photo category, surpassing thousands of submissions from participants across the country.

Beyond his achievements in photography, Dr Ambadkar has been serving as Managing Director of Dr Tushar Ambadkar Advanced Homeopathy Clinic since December 2010. An alumnus of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, he completed his studies at Takhatmal Shrivallabh Homoeopathic Medical College, Amravati, further strengthening his professional journey that combines medical practice with a passion for wildlife photography.

Dr Ambadkar started his wildlife photography journey in 2011, not with expensive gear, but with a very basic point-and-shoot camera —the only thing he could afford at that time, with the company of his close friend, another healthcare professional, Dr Prajakt Raul.

“I didn’t have money, many connections, or exposure. All I had was curiosity, patience, great zeal & a deep love for birds, wildlife & nature. My first subjects were the birds around my backyard of Amravati and the nearby forest. Every click was slow, imperfect, and full of learning. While others upgraded cameras, I upgraded my vision, Pre-Visualisation. I waited. I observed. I failed. I tried again. There was one dream that stayed with me through every doubt and delay: “One day, my work will be featured by National Geographic,” the doctor mentioned in his social media post.

He further added, “Years passed. Seasons changed. From local forests to distant wetlands, from early morning wake-ups to golden hours, I kept reminding myself of one belief that shaped everything: I always believed in “Chase the light,” which motivated me to capture the raw beauty of the jungle of India, and finally, today in 2026, that dream found its moment.”

Delivering a message for all such aspirants, he added, “Being selected as the Winner of National Geographic India’s ‘Capture In Motion’ Photography Contest, among thousands of entries from all over the world, is not just a win—it’s a reminder that dreams do come true. This honour & award belongs to every early morning wake-up, sleepless night, every missed shot, every limitation that taught me patience, and every time I chose passion over comfort. To anyone starting small, waiting long, or doubting themselves, keep chasing the light. It knows your name.”