Profile: From Commanding Frontiers to Capturing Places and People: Col. (Dr.) Amitabh Thapliyal

-Profile-

From Commanding Frontiers to

Capturing Places and People:

Col. (Dr.) Amitabh Thapliyal

Before Col. (Dr.) Amitabh Thapliyal began pursuing photography with passion and purpose, he dedicated 34 years of distinguished service to the nation. An alumnus of GSVM Medical College, he served as a medical officer in the Indian Army and rose to the rank of Colonel, commanding three key military hospitals, including a field hospital in the North East.

His military career took him across some of India's most extraordinary landscapes—long before he started capturing them through the lens. From the icy heights of Siachen to the coastal serenity of Kanyakumari, and from the vast salt deserts of Kutch to the mist-laden hills of Arunachal Pradesh, he experienced the country's remarkable diversity firsthand.

The Creative Journey:

Following his retirement, Amitabh transformed his lifelong passion for travel into a dedicated pursuit of photography. Determined to build a strong artistic and technical foundation, he sought guidance from accomplished photography mentors who played a pivotal role in shaping his creative vision. Since then, he has remained a committed learner, regularly participating in workshops, refining his technical expertise, and continually expanding his artistic horizons. His primary interests lie in nature, landscape, and travel photography, where his extensive travels and disciplined approach enable him to portray the beauty of places with authenticity and sensitivity.

His dedication to the craft has earned him the prestigious ALMG distinction from the Lens Maestro Group.

When he is not chasing the perfect light or engaging with the photography community, he enjoys spending time on the golf course, where he applies the same focus and precision that have defined both his military and photographic journeys.
--Dr. Pankaj Sharma