A catapult in a child’s hand can harm.
A camera in the same hand can protect.

On 6 and 7 June 2026, we conducted the first Catapults to Cameras workshop of the year with 10 children from Bakshibandh and Dhabra villages in southern West Bengal. For many of them, it was the first time they had ever held a camera.

The Catapults to Cameras programme was born from a simple idea that has since grown into an annual initiative helping change how young boys from hunting communities perceive wildlife.

In parts of rural West Bengal, recreational hunts conducted under the garb of tradition have evolved into large-scale, indiscriminate killing of wildlife. Many children are introduced to hunting at a young age, often accompanying adults and carrying catapults of their own. By replacing catapults with cameras, we encourage them to see wildlife not as targets, but as subjects of curiosity, appreciation and pride.

During this first workshop, the children learned the basics of photography and explored nearby forests and open spaces with cameras in hand. They also watched nature documentaries and took part in activities designed to deepen their connection with the natural world.

One of the most rewarding moments for us was seeing older participants from previous batches return as mentors, guiding the younger children and sharing their own experiences.

We are grateful to the Rao Family Trust (RAFT) for supporting this project for the coming year and helping us strengthen a growing community of young environmental stewards.