Alert All the Time by Nirupam Roy

Captured in the Snake Garden of New Digha, this poignant wildlife photograph highlights the constant, instinctual vigilance of small creatures living in fear of predation. The photographer observed these animals during a moment of quiet activity, only to witness their sudden, defensive retreat upon being disturbed. This image serves as a sensitive reflection on the human impact on nature, capturing the fleeting intersection between a photographer’s curiosity and the survival instincts of the wild. It is an award-worthy piece for its ability to evoke deep empathy, transforming a simple wildlife encounter into a powerful narrative about the vulnerability of life.