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Kalimpong, Feb. 15: Hemlata Pradhan, a botanical illustrator here, will host an exhibition of her work at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi from February 18 to 28.

It will be the first time that Pradhan is going to hold an exhibition in the country. “Preparations are going on fine, and yes, I am a bit nervous,” said the 32-year-old alumni of St. Joseph’s Convent and Dr Graham’s Homes here. While the first day will be meant for invited guests only, the remaining days will be open to everyone.

“Through this, I aim to highlight Indian orchids and other plants,” Pradhan told The Telegraph over phone from Delhi today.

Pradhan boasts of an impressive curriculum vitae, having won gold medals from Royal Horticultural Society (England) and the 18th World Orchid Conference for her paintings of Indian Jewel Orchids and the Indian Wild Orchids in habitat.

A graduate in fine arts from Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan, Pradhan did her diploma in botanical illustration from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England with a scholarship from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation, Canada. In 2000, she did her masters in natural history illustration and ecological studies at the Royal College of Art, London.