A special marine life photography exhibition titled “A Footprint In The Deep Sea” was inaugurated at the AJK Group of Institutions, Navakkarai, here on Thursday by Pollachi Member of Parliament K. Eswarasamy.
The exhibition, organised at the AJK College of Arts and Science campus, was presided over by Prof. Dr. Ajeet Kumar Lal Mohan, Chairman and Secretary of the AJK Group of Institutions. The event witnessed participation from academicians, students and environmental enthusiasts.
As part of the inaugural programme, floral tributes were paid to the late marine biologist Dr. R. S. Lal Mohan, recognising his pioneering contributions to marine mammal research and conservation in India.
An exhibition booklet highlighting the life cycle, feeding habits, migration patterns and acoustic communication of dolphins, whales and the rare sea mammal dugong was released by Dr. R. Nandini, Chairman of G.R.G Educational Institutions and Executive Director of the Chandra Group.
The exhibition showcases high-quality photographs of rare marine mammals, including dolphins, whales and dugongs, supported by scientifically validated information gathered through extensive field research. One of the key attractions is an immersive virtual reality experience that offers rare visuals of dugongs, explaining their lifestyle, feeding behaviour, migration routes, population decline and the need for urgent conservation.
Organisers said the exhibition aims to create awareness about the dugong, an endangered and largely unfamiliar marine mammal, while also educating the public on broader marine biodiversity and conservation challenges.
The exhibition also honours the legacy of Dr. R. S. Lal Mohan, who conducted India’s first long-term scientific study on dugongs along the Mandapam coast near Rameswaram. His work brought global recognition to dugong habitats in Indian waters and contributed significantly to dolphin and whale research. He also documented over 21,000 scientific publications related to the Indian Ocean and identified new fish species.
The exhibition offers a valuable learning platform for school and college students, researchers and the general public, promoting environmental awareness and marine conservation.
The exhibition will remain open from January 23 to January 27 at AJK College of Arts and Science, Navakkarai, from 11 am to 7 pm. Entry is free.
