MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran has offered words of encouragement to a young Malaysian photographer who was recently misled by a fake National Geographic acceptance letter.

“When one door slams shut, ten others swing open,” Vigneswaran told 32-year-old Tinesh Sritharan, who had believed he was selected for National Geographic’s prestigious Explorer program in Kenya.

The incident came to light several weeks ago when news of Tinesh’s supposed selection began circulating online. Excited by what he thought was a career breakthrough, Tinesh had reached out to Senator Dato Sivarraajh Chandran via Instagram to share the news, presenting an acceptance letter and email correspondence that appeared authentic.

Impressed by the story, Sivarraajh arranged for Tinesh to meet Vigneswaran, who was inspired by the young man’s ambition and pledged RM15,000 to support his trip to Kenya.

However, the situation took a turn when National Geographic confirmed that the letter was a forgery.

“Look, if the kid got conned, we feel bad for him. Nobody should have their dreams messed with by scammers,” Sivarraajh said. He added that MIC does not blame Tinesh for the incident.

“The scam is in the letter, not the kid,” said the former Cameron Highlands MP, stressing that the episode should not diminish the young photographer’s talent or determination.






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In a world where dreams often seem too distant or too wild to chase, Malaysian photographer Tinesh Sritharan is proving otherwise, one photograph at a time.

This August, Tinesh will stand on the vast, golden plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, witnessing one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the savannah in search of greener pastures. And he won’t just be there as an observer, but as a newly named National Geographic Explorer, tasked with documenting this awe-inspiring event through a still-photography project titled “Echoes of the Savannah.”

But this achievement wasn’t born overnight. It’s the result of over a decade of passion, persistence, and a deep-rooted love for the natural world.

“Growing up in Malaysia, we are surrounded by incredible biodiversity, but it’s easy to take it for granted. That realisation sparked a deeper purpose in me to use photography not just to document, but to tell stories that reconnect people with nature,” said Tinesh.







Tinesh’s journey began in 2013, sparked by weekend visits to Zoo Negara and the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. But like many dreamers, he had to pivot. For years, he photographed weddings and concerts until one day, he stumbled upon the Instagram page of Malaysian wildlife photographer Mohan Raj (Mohan Wildlife). That digital encounter reignited the fire within him, leading to a bold pitch to the National Geographic Society, a pitch that would be accepted in April this year.

“The pitch wasn’t just about taking photos. It was about telling a deeper story, one that speaks of ecological dynamics, climate change, and the critical role of local communities in conservation,” he explained.

Set to depart for Kenya on August 10, Tinesh plans to spend ten days in the field, capturing both the grandeur and the intimate details of the migration. While most are drawn to the iconic river crossings and predator-prey chases, Tinesh hopes to go further to spotlight the emotional undertones of survival.

“I want to capture the quieter stories - the exhaustion in a wildebeest’s eyes, the tense stillness before a lioness strikes, and the eerie silence after a kill. These moments show us not just the brutality of nature, but also its vulnerability, resilience, and beauty.”

Beyond the wildlife, Tinesh aims to include the voices of local conservation officers and elders of the Maasai community, whose traditions offer powerful lessons in sustainable living and environmental respect.

His project, though backed by National Geographic, is unfunded. Tinesh has been working tirelessly to raise approximately RM16,000 to cover his travel, accommodation, local guides, and basic needs. Gratefully, he has received support from individuals and organisations who believe in his mission.

“I’m thankful to my family and in-laws, they’ve been my emotional rock,” he shared. “Special thanks to Pratab and Rajen from Wedding Professionals Alliance Malaysia, Sony Malaysia, Steve Yap from Affinity Realty, and Mr. Arvend Appalasamy for their unwavering support. The Indian community in Malaysia has shown me such warmth.”









For Tinesh, this isn’t just a career milestone. It’s a message to every young Malaysian who dares to dream.

“Your background doesn’t define your limits. You don’t need privilege to pursue passion. What you need is courage, consistency, and purpose. If your story matters to you, it will matter to others.”

Inspired by global names like David Yarrow and local mentors like Mohan Raj, Tinesh hopes that Echoes of the Savannah will be more than a project, it will be a bridge. A bridge between people and the planet. A call to feel, care, and act.

“We all belong in the stories we wish to tell. And sometimes, the most far-fetched dreams lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.”


Thank you Tinesh for making us proud and putting Malaysia on world map. Long way to go and best wishes for your upcoming adventures!

Source : TRP