c4nindia-blog

[c4nindia-blog]

GuestWriter: Shweta Bhardwaj, a Certified Astrologer and Numerologist talks about Data Science and Astrology

An engineer turned certified Astrologer and Numerologist; Shweta Bhardwaj is the co-founder of PredictionsForSuccess, where she takes care of the Astrology and Numerology consultations. PredictionsForSuccess is aimed to educate about the science and logic behind Vedas. Founded by the engineer couple, Shweta and Vishal Bhardwaj, the Company offers different Astrological and Numerological Consultation, Vastu Consultation, motivational lectures, spiritual guidance, relationship counselling, career mentoring and much more.

All of us are surrounded by data and are Data Scientists in our own ways. We are wired to use the principles of Data Science in our daily lives even without realising it. You know that we come to this world as a blank slate, without any data. An infant does not have an understanding of what is going on around it. But it starts to absorb data from its surroundings from the moment of birth.

For instance, the infant would know that acting a certain way (crying and yelling when hungry), would increase the probability of being fed and comforted by the mother. No one teaches this to the infant, it interprets this data naturally by trial and error. Similar data like language formation, behavioural patterns, societal norms and relationship formation helps the infant to proceed into his formative years and eventually, adulthood. The infant will not be able to survive even for a day if it did not; absorb, process and apply the data for something as basic as survival.

Data science and Astrology are correlated. The base of both the fields works on three major principles; Extraction (collecting data) Transformation (transforming it into readable formats like charts, graphs, Vedas, reference books and studies) and Loading (keeping a track of them in the form of functional software and equipping professionals like Data Scientists and Astrologers to apply the principles to predict the future).

Data science works on predictions made by collecting highly calculated data from the past in the form of surveys, customer feedback, case studies, financial accounts and records etc. of an organisation. The predictions for which may or may not be true but the estimations are still taken for the sake of taking some form of steps for the future. For instance, a company’s sale for the year 2016 is worth INR 200, it increases to INR 300 in the year 2017 and INR 400 in the year 2018 so what do you think the predicted worth of sales for the company for the year 2019 would be? INR 500, right? But we still cannot be cent per cent sure about it, you never know, the sales could fall too in the year 2019 but still, a prediction is made based on data collected.

Same goes for Astrology; it has a database of anecdotal evidence, probabilities and first-hand data from people, feedback, and case studies that prove that a one’s planetary positions in their chart can affect their life. This data can predict the probability of the chain of events that are going to take place in a person’s life. For example, it is observed that 90 out of 100 people who have a Shani Dasha in their charts report having a stressful professional life. From this data, we can interpret that a person with a Shani Dhasha should take certain measures to prevent the professional stress that are probably going to face because of their planets.

Both, the fields of Data Science and Astrology radically function in a similar fashion. The difference is only that Data Scientists use programs and software to predict a company’s fate and Astrologers take help from Vedic texts and reference books to foretell the events and possibilities at a particular situation. The technical terms in both fields may vary but that does not mean that they operate on different concepts. There are innumerable reasons to shun away the predictions made by Data Science or Astrology but then there are also millions of reasons to use the data collected from the past to act on the present that eventually improvises your future.

www.predictionsforsuccess.com

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

BHAVIK SARKHEDI: AUTHOR OF 3 BOOKS ‘WRITES’ ‘RIGHT’. FIND OUT WHY.

Do you know that India’s favourite writers like Durjoy Dutta, Chetan Bhagat, Anand Neelakantan, Ravinder Singh, and Sudha Murthy, all are Mechanical Engineers? So basically, ‘Mechanical engineer turned writer’ story is ‘heard that, been there’.

And here we have Bhavik Sarkhedi who is all set to walk on the same path, except creating his own set of ‘stories’. I take the liberty to call him a child prodigy writer because he is probably the only person I came to know who has been maintaining the diaries since he was just 9-year-old. Being a writer, I know with what discipline and conviction you have to take up the responsibility of writing and this ‘Unproposed Guy’ (well, used to be!) has proved that if you know yourself enough, if you have recognised your ability and potential, then age is just a number and years are just the counts. All you need to do is keep working to fulfil your dream and you will reach where you are meant to be!

Aren’t we already excited to talk to Bhavik about his journey?

But first of all,

Who is ‘Unproposed Guy’?

It’s my pseudo name. Actually, it was. I am engaged now. The guy was introduced with a simple perspective in mind that there are plenty of single guys who fail miserably in an attempt to impress girls. I love sarcasm and humour, so I started comedy blog on Medium which has fictional stories of an imaginary guy who does his best to just on girls but fails. So, yes, cheers to all ‘Unproposed Guys’ out there, you all are strong as steel.

A mechanical engineer to a writer: what inspired you for this transformation?

I have been writing personal diaries since I was in 5th grade. The determination of a 9-year-old kid is often taken as a joke. In my case, the determination turned into a sweet stress relieving hobby as I was an introvert; I would not talk to humans around but write in my diary. While I was college, I used to get A, A+, but a few articles that got published in the Times of India gave me an adrenaline rush. It was undoubtedly more than A+ feeling. I somehow knew. Somehow, I would say. Aspiration — Umm, I gave my best in doing Mechanical Engineering job for a year but then I finally decided to quit because I realised that you can’t do something you don’t like, for a lifetime.

Becoming a professional writer is that roller coaster ride which terrifies you but you want to get on it anyway. I am sure you had this experience too…

Three lines — Three stages.

I always love to bring non-livings into life. I describe objects as a living and personify them and I love it. I nurtured diary writing (offline) into online writing (blog) to cope with the modern trends. My life has revolved around content, be it any form -Writing, Reading, Storytelling, Songs Rapping and Stand up Comedy.

Tell us more about your three published books:

The first book experience is a lot more than watching a horror film. For me particularly, I spent half of my savings in publishing The Weak Point Dealer and I Still get goose-bumps when I remember the moment I saw it on Amazon and FlipKart and across the globe online stores. It’s a bitter-sweet experience, though. Because of no knowledge in marketing and being a newbie, it was a total disaster. It’s disheartening because you are just 23 and your parents are not talking to you because you have suddenly switched the career. But, truly I feel pride in saying that I somehow motivated myself. I used to rap Eminem’s ‘Not Afraid’ and it gave me an ineffable feeling. The lyrics are my elixir. I still recite it like Hanuman Chalisa.

Then, I started working, earning full time and decided not to spend more money on the next books. Fortunate, I followed the same in Will You Walk A Mile? And The C to T of Content Marketing.

Writing is not an easy job especially when you begin. How did you manage to stay focused and persistent about it?

I love writing. I have penned down 9 diaries and still counting. I have published 3 books. Do you have any doubt now? Hahaha! It’s pure passion; I would say a holy passion.

You write for some of the leading blogs. How did you make it possible?

The sky is the limit. When I started writing blogs and publish it on my personal website www.bhaviksarkhedi.com, I felt that this is not available to the world as nobody knows me. So I started approaching high authority magazines like Huffington Post Tech in Asia Entrepreneur and so many sites. Magical period it was. Certainly, it proved that I am born to write, no matter what the obstacles are.

About ‘Write Right’, how did it take shape? What was the basic idea behind this?

I believe in minimalism. Like, I haven’t even used any complicated words so far being a writer..!! Write and Right is exactly what the world wants in the form of content. After the first book failure, another door opened and it was this. Write what people want, in a right way. I started hiring freelancers who wish to earn part-time and turn passion into profession like me. I am glad that ‘Write Right’ has been a home to many (100+ aspiring writers).

Apart from start-ups and entrepreneurs, which are the subjects you find interesting enough to write.

Psychology and philosophy are my favourites. Comedy writing is my bae, by the way.

Who are your favourite authors?

Just two: R K Narayan and Paulo Coelho.

Is there any hidden fantasy you would like to scribble one day? Any secret desire, subject or story you would want to write about?

Yes, it’s top secret. I won’t tell you about that. It’s about ‘Reality of Life: Neither Virtual nor augmented’.

In this world of technology and apps, how should the young generation get inspired for writing?

Inspiration is an excuse. I found out that if you have it in your veins, there’s no way anything can stop you. Yes, apps help. Technology is growing and so should the content, as per the trends.

As you focus on business writing, do you see technology and writing going parallel? Or if we can put in other words, how can technology influence or help young writers?

Umm, not parallel. Business writing is the intersection of content and technology. Very few meet at the point. Even, I am still trying to figure it out. Though it’s not easy for aspiring writers, it’s definitely not impossible.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

A 26-year-old boy lives in a village called Saladi in Amreli district in Gujarat with his mother and a sister. Viral Joshi, a born wanderer and an avid wildlife lover grew up with a unique hobby; birds voice recording. At such a young age, with clear determination and rock-solid motivation, he is not only working on some of the National level research projects, but he has become the TED speaker too.

Tell us something about your professional background:

Currently, I am working as a Project Assistant at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Tirupati on Avian Acoustics Project.

Your love for nature and wildlife; how would you describe it?

I have always loved birds, animals and reptiles since childhood. While growing up, I grew closer to nature more and more, I have rescued so many reptiles and birds form my area and conducted many awareness programs and nature education camps.

For birds, well I can say that I just love their song; of course, everyone loves singing birds as this is a pure sound of nature that can touch our soul.

How old were you when you started recording birds’ voice?

Around 2009–2010, when I was 17 years old and a student of class 11; I started recording birds’ voices around my village. It all started because of Sykes’s Lark (Galerida Deva) (Nano Chandul)!

I would regularly go for bird watching and listen to their calls around my village and I heard this bird’s song. I realised that it was mimicking other species call; even squirrels for that matter. I recorded that sound for the first time and since then, I have been recording all kind of natural sounds. I also travelled across the country to see and record bird calls and I am still doing that.

It’s a little unconventional and unique as a hobby of a young boy, and you were determined to pursue it. How was the support you got from your circle of people?

Yes definitely. I get extraordinary support and encouragement from my family and friends. My father always supported me economically and morally, and mother and sister are still that encouraging. I feel so lucky I have good friends who are always there for me.

Tell us about the strength and motivation which kept you going?

This is ikigai for me. I love to do this work I never get bored because there’s no end of it. There is always so much to do. You know, I think every time I hear or record a new species, it is always unique and that feeling makes me so excited every single time. I go out on the field for recording and come back with refreshed knowledge.

Let’s talk about your research work and projects:

Currently, I am working for the Avian community in Palani hills landscapes, Western Ghats. We are using Acoustics as a tool to understand the Avian community in this landscape. I am also working on some of the sky island endemic bird species like White Bellied Solaikili (Vulnerable, IUCN) and Palani Laughingthrush (Vulnerable, IUCN).

Apart from study, where can these recordings be useful? I mean, how do they help nature and wildlife conservation?

Apart from research, these recordings are helpful in nature education and awareness. I have given this recording to many awareness centres and I contribute wherever the nature education work is being conducted. During one nature education camp with children, they wanted to make their session more interactive with different aspects and elements of nature. So I provided them with my recordings. In this time, people living in cities and around industrial areas, they have no idea what a bird call sounds like. So when they get to hear such beautiful natural songs, they explore a new side of nature. It makes them happy. I have seen that. So in a way, to spread awareness or to conserve the species, my recordings often happen to be of great help.

Please share any interesting incident you have had during your work:

Nature keeps surprising you. You always learn something new and that’s the best thing about it. Once, I was trying to record one owl in high elevation in the Himalayas. It calls around after 12 in the night. I worked for one week and after so much effort, I got a 2-second call! Yeah, sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Just a 2-second call was all I got! But those freezing nights and such patience had earned me one of the rarest recordings of such species.

There was one more incident while recording in the Himalayas: I was trying to record some partridge in the Himalayas and a Bearded Vulture dropped a big bone from the sky in front of me. Though I was scared, I was lucky enough to see this rare natural phenomenon. So anyway, it’s not easy and you need a lot of patience and passion which I believe are enough to motivate me.

The recorder you built for the birds’ voice; how did you get the idea and how did you execute it?

This unique hobby needed some expensive equipment. They are available, of course, but cost in lacs, which I can’t afford. So I decided to make my own recording equipment with a bit of research. After some fail prototype (of course!) and finally I came up with my recording equipment set which costs me just 300 rupees!

This innovation of yours opened the door to TEDx for you. How was it?

That was a wonderful opportunity for me to speak about bird calls on such a great platform. I got an excellent response from the audience as well.

Give us some ideas about your next projects. Is there any interesting research going on?

Nowadays, in the environment research field, acoustic is making a great contribution. And I want to continue this work for the long term and I hope in the future, we can expand on a larger scale with multiple species which would be wonderful. I would like to explore more and like to work on other taxa as well.

Your message to the people, especially youngsters who would find a direction toward the wildlife and Mother Nature:

Today, we need many hands to save our self (if we can save this planet). If each one of us can contribute even a bit of effort, it will help the environment. There will be many difficulties, of course, but if you have enough motivation and passion, you will find your way!

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

Report this

[c4nindia-blog]

IN CONVERSATION WITH: MICHAEL STEVERSON, AN AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Steverson, an American documentary and travel photographer based in South China’s Guangxi Province. Introduced to the wonder called camera from a very young age, he could never stay away from it. According to him, ‘The best photographer out there is the one having the most fun.’ He loves meeting people and captures their stories. He has a deep connection with India and Indian people. We, the photography enthusiasts follow his work and learn something new every day. Here, Michael talks about his family, work and his affection toward India…

Let’s hear him:

Tell us something about yourself:

I’m an American documentary and travel photographer based in South China’s Guangxi Province, where I’ve lived and worked for the past 13 years. Most of my work focuses on people in their everyday environment. While I do photograph landscapes and iconic architecture when I travel, and I also love street photography, I seem to gravitate toward people. For me, it’s the people who make a place appealing or special. I love the interaction, the connection, and I want to tell those stories.

Tell us something about your family:

I’m married to the most remarkable woman, Lily. She’s Chinese and the primary reason I’ve stayed in China all these years. We have four adult children spread out across the globe and we’re very proud of them. They’re each remarkable. We’re also blessed to have two lovely granddaughters in California. Oh, and there’s our little dog, Elvis.

How did your journey as a photographer start?

I was a very small boy when I first picked up my dad’s Rolleiflex TLR. I must have been 8 or 9. I played around with it for a few years but never anything more than snapshots around my grandparents’ house on the Kentucky River, where we lived at the time. I do remember loving the way the camera felt in my hands, the heft. I was intrigued by all the dials and settings and tried to read and understand the manual, but of course it was a struggle at that age. I did figure out how to load the film. I would shoot anything and everything and most of the results were absolute rubbish. My dad was a career soldier and had used the camera wherever his assignments took him. He was killed in Vietnam in 1967 and the camera remained a connection to father. My infatuation with photography wore off after a while. I was told we couldn’t afford the film and processing. As we all do as kids, I moved on to something else. I was hooked though. To this day I still “see” a lot of shots in square format! I wish I knew what happened to that camera.

How much Street Photography does take place in your routine?

Well, I do love street photography, but I’m not really a street photographer per se. As I said earlier, I’m typically more interested in meeting and talking with people as opposed to being strictly candid. Still, I do love it and I hope I have managed to catch some decent street images over the years. It’s without a doubt the most difficult genre of photography to do well. It’s evolving for sure.

Interesting! Let’s talk more about it:

How was the response you received to Street Photography in the early years and how has it changed with time?

I think early on, a lot of people didn’t really “get” some street photography, surely myself included. At first glance, it can be easy to miss the details, or to not see the connections that form a story. I mentioned before the evolution of street photography. These days it seems everyone is chasing juxtaposition or layers or something “extra”. At times it feels to me almost gimmicky now. The problem is, only a few people can actually “see” those shots. Guys like Vineet Vohra, Siegfried Hansen and Tavepong Pratoomwong come to mind. These are all special photographers with unique vision and talent. They’re freaking unicorns and most of us will have a difficult time trying to reproduce their styles. I’d encourage folks to forge their own path. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take lessons or study great photographers or their images and I don’t mean we shouldn’t strive to get better via workshops and the like. I’m nearly 62 and I learn stuff every day and I’m still attending workshops! I just mean that at some point we all need to be true to our own creative vision.

Street Photography is challenging. Please share the critical situations you had to face during your photo-walks:

It can be challenging, yes. I have to say I’ve had very few “critical” situations arise on the street. We are all going to get those people who say no, and some folks are certainly more aggressive than others. I find that 98% of the time; a smile and a nod will go a long way to defuse those situations. I’m pretty open with folks and will even approach them after they’ve said no, hoping to perhaps break the ice. When that doesn’t happen, I simply walk away. I’ve rarely been afraid on the street. That said, there was this one night in Bangkok (song reference). I was out very late by myself; I was just exploring and not really aware of my surroundings. I turned a corner into an alley and suddenly found myself surrounded by a group of about 7 or 8 young men. It was instantly uncomfortable and they were definitely thinking about taking my camera. I quickly brushed by a couple of them and made it back to the corner where there was some foot traffic and got out of there. It was foolish. I admit I was scared at the time but didn’t panic. I’m a fairly big guy and they were all smaller guys and they hesitated just long enough for me to move. Still, they were a group. From that day I’ve become acutely aware of my surroundings and I’m no longer foolhardy in the pursuit of the shot. Be confident in your posture but yeah, be aware. Again, 98% of the time you’re going to be fine.

In how many countries do you work?

Wow. Too many. I’ve been just about everywhere in Asia now. 75% of what I do is China-based and more than half of that is produced specifically for the Chinese market. I’ve also developed a strong relationship with India over the last 6 years or so.

Please share your photography experience in India with us:

The India connection actually began with my affiliation with the Vohra brothers and APF (Artphotofeature) Magazine. I’d met Vineet on 500px and we just kind of hit it off. Soon afterwards, I met Rohit via Facebook and when they began their Facebook street photography group, I joined their admin team. Through that group, I met thousands of Indian photographers and soon enough made my way to Delhi and Varanasi. Since then I’ve made another return to Delhi, been to Agra and have been back to Varanasi twice more. My wife has joined me in India twice now and our daughter was able to make the last trip with us, where we got to experience the magic of Kumbh at Allahabad. Then there is Kolkata.

Lily and I have developed a special affinity for The City of Joy. I’ve been there four times now and have been treated like family every time I’ve visited.

I have to single out Sabya and Lopa Talukdar, as they’ve been instrumental in introducing us to the Kolkata photography community. There is something so special about India. It’s beautiful to be sure but it’s developing so rapidly that the infrastructure is hard-pressed to keep pace and that, of course, creates some unique problems. It’s the people though, who make India unique. There is something genteel about Indians, something genuine in their concern for their fellow man. I’ve never been treated with more kindness than when I’m in India.

Tell us something about APF (Artphotofeature) Magazine and your role in it:

It’s funny. APF has, in some ways, become something of a runaway train. I don’t think any of us, when we started that FB street group years ago, foresaw how big or influential it would become, especially in Asia. The magazine continues to produce quality work and the FB street group is still going strong. Officially, I’m a Senior Contributing Editor at the magazine and I’m still an admin in the FB group, but man, it’s so large now that it is truly difficult to keep up. We (the admins) all have our own photo careers to maintain and let’s face it, Vineet and Rohit have become authentically famous in the street photography world. I’m not sure what the future holds, but I know I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of APF.

How do you see the future of Indian Photography according to your experience?

The future is bright. India has so many great young photographers and there are so many strong photographers to serve as mentors and stewards for the next generation. Honestly, there are kids doing things today with smartphones that I can’t even approach. So, yeah I think the future is in good hands, and not just with street photography. I discover amazing young Indian photographers on Instagram every day.

And about Indian Street Photography…

As for street photography, in particular, India is producing a hugely talented pool of young photographers. I’d name some of them off, but inevitably I’d leave someone out. India has to have the highest level of photography talent per capita, than anywhere else in the world. One unique thing to India, at least in my experience, is that people on the street are fairly amenable to having their photo taken. It’s much more so than in most other places and I hope that doesn’t change anytime soon.

What would be your advice to the young photo enthusiasts?

Over the years I’ve been asked for advice, especially from younger photographers, on just about everything you could imagine. The obvious things come up, like exposure settings, composition, what equipment I use, how I process my work, how I get published. Then there are the esoteric questions like, “What were you feeling when you took this shot?” Man, I’m 61. I can barely remember what I had for breakfast. I do my best to answer thoughtfully in ways that are relevant and helpful, but honestly, I’m not sure how effective or useful it is. I think all too often we let ourselves get bogged down in the details, the minutia, looking for shortcuts or magic bullets. Too much thinking, too much analysis, can be paralyzing. There is no substitute for just getting out there and shooting and remembering why you picked up a camera in the first place. You picked it up because it was fun.

The best photographer out there is the one having the most fun. Follow your own creativity, your own creative vision, your own passion and desire to create. Trust yourself. As long as you love what you’re doing, everything else will come with time.

What are your future plans ( Do they include India   )?

I’m slowing down some, but I still have things I want to do. I’ve got two long-term projects from here in China that will be published this summer, both of them more than a decade in the making. I just this week began a new relationship with arguably one of the best photo tour companies in the world, Photo Workshop Adventures. I’ll lead three or four photo tours a year for them. It’s a quality outfit and I’m really looking forward to it. Personally, I’ve kind of been thinking about visiting every Province in China and documenting the journey. Certainly its ambitious but I’d still like to try. I want to explore more video work and I definitely want to buy a drone. I also want to stay married, so the drone may take some work. As for India, I have a dream to somehow do something to give back to the people that have given me so much. It will involve another long-term project and the details are still being sorted out but I’m very excited about the possibilities. It would involve a move to India for an extended period, perhaps twice over the next few years.

Oh, did I mention I want a drone?

[Photographs By: Michael Steverson]

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

Zankhana Mehta is a science graduate. She is a wildlife film-maker. After becoming a wife and a mother, she found the perfect balance between her family and her passion. She talks about her inspiring journey and her camaraderie with her wildlife photographer husband, Mr Bhasmang Mehta.

“I am a short film-maker who makes films on ‘wildlife’. Besides this, I and my husband run a wildlife tourism company called ‘Wildlife Sojourns’,” says Zankhana.

Let’s hear her story in her words:

Tell us something about your earlier life:

I am a science graduate. As a child, I was very active in participating in extracurricular activities. I am a trained “Bharat Natyam” dancer. Since childhood, I was fascinated by birds and butterflies and that fascination eventually led me to this field where I am right now.

‘Wildlife Sojourns’, the company you and your husband, Mr Bhasmang Mehta founded; tell us more about it:

As a couple, we have been visiting various national parks and sanctuaries of our country since 2001. In all these years we have acquired thorough knowledge about each and every sanctuary and the wildlife seen there. We have been working with the same set of guides and drivers in all these places over these years. So there is a good rapport with them. Before starting the company we used to hear many complaints from friends and relatives who used to visit some of the sanctuaries that “we visited so and so sanctuary and couldn’t see a tiger, how come you guys go and get to see them so well”. So our answer was, “You need to be at a right place at a right time with a right person and when all these ‘3 rights’ meet your chances of sighting a big game increases”. So these questions prompted us to start this company so that we can make use of our knowledge and contacts at these sanctuaries and try to make trips into the wild more pleasurable for our guests. See nobody can ‘guarantee’ sightings of any kind of wildlife in the national parks and so can’t we. But yes our guides and naturalist work hard and use their best of knowledge to make our guests’ safaris more pleasurable and fruitful. Besides personal, family and corporate trips, we organize workshops in these national parks too, where we teach the participants about the basics to the advanced level of wildlife photography. We have been working for Asiatic Lion conservation and House Sparrow conservation since almost a decade now and we share our knowledge about that too and teach how as an individual we can make efforts to save and care for wildlife around us.

When did you start filming wildlife? What did inspire you?

Initially, I was into wildlife photography only. When we started out, as and when we used to get time off from our schedules we (I, my husband and our son Mudit) used to go and visit national parks of India. After a while, I realized that when 3 of us are doing photography together more often, not our angles of photographs will be the same. Moreover, photography has its limitations especially “wildlife photography”- imagine you are seeing a beautiful Indian Peafowl (Peacock) dancing with his feathers opened up. It’s a different thing to look photos of those action-packed moments and it is altogether a different experience to see a video of that whole process where he opens up the feathers, dances around the peahens and shakes his feathers- this is something which you can only “capture” if you are “filming” …!!!

Do you remember your first experience as the wildlife film-maker?

I was sitting in my garden when I saw a small bird called “Tailor Bird” moving about in my garden, looking for ‘nesting material’. I started following her to take photos. After a while I found a place where she was building a nest, I clicked a few shots but then soon I realized that if I take a video of this whole process where she brings in the sticks and “weaves” the whole nest by “stitching” two leaves together it will be fascinating to see. So I did that, so yes this was the first time I did the filming.

Are there any difficulties you had to face while establishing yourself as a wildlife film-maker?

Well, if you ask me about “establishing” myself as a wildlife film-maker – nope I don’t think I faced any difficulties as such as Bhasmang was into this profession already. But yes being a married woman you do face challenges to pursue this hobby for sure. We are a big family and as a “bahu” (daughter-in-law), you have to take care of the family and social engagements too. Plus my son Mudit was a toddler when I started out in 2003, so I had to take care of him and later on his studies also. So initially there were lots of challenges in terms of finding time to go and pursue this hobby. But I must say both my parents (my in-laws and my parents) supported me immensely and of course Bhasmang was always there by my side and now Mudit as well.

How do you prepare yourself before going for the tour?

Initially, I enjoyed whatever I used to get in the wild, as the time passed by and I started doing more and more filming and getting to see more and more of wildlife, expectations got higher. So sometimes out of 4 Safaris if I miss seeing something in even one safari, I used to get disappointed. Now after all these years of being in the wild, I know it for sure that “you are going to see whatever you are destined to see”. So just enjoy being in the wild and do your work. I must add here that “Mother Nature has always been very kind to us, and in all these years, we have never returned without seeing big game in the wild ever.” I always believe- “Mother Nature reveals her secrets to only those who love her”…

Some of Zankhana’s work:

How do you see the dominating role of ‘Women with Camera’ in wildlife?

It will happen for sure- slowly but surely…

From your experience, what would be your suggestions to all those aspiring women photographers and film-makers?

I urge all those aspiring women photographers and film-makers that – please continue to love and follow your passion, there might be hindrances but don’t let them stop your progress, continue to live your passion and also learn to create a good balance between your family duties and your work. When your passion becomes your profession you are bound to get success.

How do you describe your camaraderie with your photographer husband in the field?

Well, we have been together for 19 years. We are friends first; we met in college and got married after the graduation. So we have that “rapport” that is very essential when you are working in tandem.

What are your future projects?

There are lots of plans for the future- but I always leave it to the Goddess to shape them. She is a “master planner”…!!!

Your message to the world:

“Mother Nature always protects us, now it’s our turn to protect her”…!!!

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

Rammohan Paranjape: the first and only surf-photographer of India

“I didn’t want to simply end up graduating, finding a job, getting settled and working a desk job for somebody.” – Rammohan Paranjape

How do you see your life at the age of 16? Where do you think of your life would head?

We might not know what the life has in offerings for us, but lucky are those who know what they don’t want for sure. Rammohan Paranjape is one of those lucky ones. At the age of 16, this college dropout was all set to lead his life how he had seen. Dismissing the stereotypical methods provided by the society, he chose his subjects to carve his life, his career for him. He chose a sport like surfing and a passion for photography. Today, Rammohan is the first and only surf-photographer who has captured world’s best surfers in his camera. He has surfed across many oceans of the world and made adventure and travelling his lifestyle. What we say- Like a boss!

Let’s here Rammohan’s story in his own words:

Who is Ram?

Haha! Good question. This is a question which I ask myself from time to time. I truly believe that we are all on a path of self-discovery in our lives where we evolve as a person with our goals, aspirations, personalities, relationships and so on. The idea is how well or positively we can do that and how we can make this world a better place to be in. Hence, Who is Ram is a thought I deeply engage in from time to time to be better at what I do.

Tell us about your earlier life:

My earlier life was that of a student until I dropped out of college at the age of 16. My student life was very much like any other normal teenager. I was good at both academics and sports and truly enjoyed the time I spent in high school.

‘India’s first and only Surf Photographer’ – where did this journey begin? How did you become the surfer first of all?

After finishing my high school and securing distinction in my 10th grade, I took up science in my pre-university. But somewhere between all that, I was able to see where things were going and what was in store for me. I didn’t want to simply end up graduating, finding a job, getting settled and end up working a desk job for somebody. Around the same time, some of my childhood friends had just started surfing and were one of the first generation surfers in India which got me interested in surfing, apart from that, I was also very inclined towards spirituality. I basically followed my instincts from there onwards.

How did you combine photography and surfing?

Surfing & Photography kinda happened at the same time. These were the two things I was introduced to when I dropped out of my college. Surfing was something very exciting and new and photography was to fulfil my creative longing. I pursued both with a lot of passion and interest and tried to learn as much as I could and still do. Surfing has provided me with an opportunity to carve a career and business interests in India as the sports grows. Surf photography has got me immense recognition and appreciation in what I do. What do you say about Indian Surf Destinations?

India has plenty of good surfing spots or destinations one can experience from beginners to advanced level. It will never be like Bali, Hawaii or Australia but I believe that surfing being a huge lifestyle sport, many of these surf towns will play a major role as surfing hubs and make surfing more popular.

Which is your favourite surf destination in India?

My favourite will always be my home break which is Mulki, 30 km north of Mangalore. That’s where I learnt to surf and is considered as the home of surfing in India.

Why do you think we don’t have many celebrated surfers in India?

Since surfing is still a new sport, it is yet to catch the imagination of many Indians but there are a few surfers who are doing well in terms of recognition and popularity.

Which was the longest surf trip you have had?

I have had few long trips but I think my first ever surf trip to Andamans was quite long and painful in the sense we camped in the middle of nowhere in some remote island for 2 weeks where we surfed, carried water for 2 miles every day, cooked our own food and had to survive the summer heat with mosquitoes and sand fleas. At the end of it, we were completely exhausted, mentally and physically.

Please share one of your most memorable experiences till now in surfing:

A couple of years ago I was in Fiji at Cloudbreak, one of the most dangerous waves on the planet and watched some of the best surfers in action. I didn’t surf but took plenty of photos. The experience of watching the action from a boat in the middle of Pacific Ocean was quite a memorable experience.

Which is your most favourite surf trip and photograph you have clicked till now?

One of my favourite trips was about 6 years back when I did a surf trip with Craig Anderson to Lakshadweep Islands, that trip had some of the most amazing surfers and big names. Some images of Craig Anderson surfing are of my favourites.

You swam with Rajan, the elephant. Please share your experience with us.

Ahh… Swimming with Rajan is something which I will always cherish in my life. One of the greatest experiences of my life I would say. It happened on a trip with Godrej Cinthol to Andamans. I think I had won their blogging contest and we had gone to Havelock Island where Rajan was. We were lucky on that particular day; he came out to swim and spent about 30 minutes gently swimming in the sea. I, fortunately, had all my camera gears and was ready to capture some photos. Mind you, it’s very expensive and the caretakers don’t force him to swim if he doesn’t want to swim, we were lucky that day!

Tell us more about your love for adventure and travel:

I love adventures and growing up as a kid, I only used to read books of various travellers and their adventures which always left a huge impact on me. Today I am so fortunate that I am able to live that dream of travelling and having many adventures around the world. I feel I still have lots to do, see and experience but I know I will be chasing adventures for the rest of my life.

About your Surf Photography Exhibition:

When did you arrange it?

Having my own solo photo exhibition had always been my dream but I never took the step of organizing one until my good friend Mr Arun Vasu, CMD of TT Group in Chennai actually organized this photo exhibition for me; the venue, invitees, PR etc….. All I had to do was just choose my photos and get them printed.

How was the response you received?

The response was incredible! We had Gautam Menon, an acclaimed movie director in South film industry open the exhibition. We had lots of media and press who covered the 2-day exhibit. This was for the first time most of my surf photos were printed that big and were displayed. People really appreciated the effort taken behind these photos. I sold quite a few prints as well. Overall, it was a big success and I plan to take it to Bangalore and Mumbai later this year. Tell us about your future plans and projects:

I am going to keep working on promoting and developing the sport of surfing in India. I have always enjoyed working on new things and the challenges which come with it. I am also in the process of making a surf movie – a travel documentary series which I am in talks with a few production houses. It’s an ambitious venture but I am quite determined. Otherwise, we are also working on opening a surf camp in Andamans in the hospitality industry. Let’s see how it goes

You can see Rammohan’s work here as well: Facebook Profile Instagram Handle

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

Bhasmang Mehta: An industrialist turned into a wildlife photographer

“I was destined to become a wildlife photographer.”

– Bhasmang Mehta

After finishing his graduation in science in the year 1997, Bhasmang joined his family’s pharmaceutical manufacturing business as per everyone’s expectations. But when you know that there is something else waiting for you, that ‘tickling’ which makes you look out for that ‘something else’ never stops. Sooner or later, you reach where you are supposed to be. Bhasmang’s journey as an industrialist lasted for long 11 years and that was the time when he finally pursued his dream of becoming a wildlife photographer.

Let’s hear Bhasmang’s story in his own words:

Tell us something about yourself: your earlier life.

I am born and brought up in Ahmedabad in a family of doctors. My father is a doctor and so were my grandfather and great-grandfather. I started learning and playing Tennis from my school days and participated in various tournaments in Gujarat. I was a captain of my college’s Tennis team. I am a science graduate. Immediately after getting my bachelor’s degree in science in the year 1997 I joined my family business of pharmaceuticals. Even though I knew this is something that I am not made of to do, I had to continue doing it since there was no one else other than me to run the industry. So I pursued my hobby of wildlife photography as and when I used to get time off from my very hectic life as an industrialist. I did it for almost 11 years before winding up the industry. I took to professional wildlife photography in the year 2011.

When was the first time you realized that you wanted to become a photographer?

I would say I was destined to become a photographer. I have been fortunate to be born in a family of travel enthusiast and have been even more fortunate that my wife, Zankhana loves travelling too. So we have been travelling to places, in the year 2003 we had gone to Switzerland, I photographed some 35 rolls of Cameras on that tour. Those were the days of Film SLR cameras and Digital Cameras were just out. After showing the photos to my friends and families even I also realized that I have that eye to become a good photographer. So you can say it was in the year 2003.

Do you remember your first click?

If you ask me about my first click in the wildlife photography, yes… I do. It was in the month of February in the year 2001! The venue was Gir National Park, Gujarat and it was a sub-adult female Lion that I saw and photographed for the 1st time ever in my life. Actually, we had gone to attend a wedding of my cousin in a town called Amreli. Since we were close to Gir National Park, we decided to go and spend a couple of days there. This was my 1st trip to Gir and it started the never-ending love affair between me and the wildlife…

How has your love for wildlife changed you as a person?

I was a very impatient person to begin with; absolutely restless- a person who would never wait. After taking to wildlife photography the biggest change that I have seen in me is “patience”. As a wildlife photographer, I have to and I do sit for hours together to get that perfect shot or that perfect angle. I remember spending 12 hours at a lake in Punjab to get photos of “Red-crested Pochard” in the year 2012, and returning empty handed as the birds I was looking for were there but didn’t come close enough to get the shots I wanted and there was no other way to approach them. Yet another thing I have learnt as a wildlife photographer is “perseverance”- never stop trying until you get that perfect shot. And despite trying if you don’t get that shot, don’t feel “disappointed”… just enjoy being in the wild.

Tell us something about ‘Wildlife Sojourns’:

“Wildlife Sojourns” is a company that I and my wife Zankhana Mehta have founded. As a couple, we have been visiting various national parks and sanctuaries of our country since 2001. In all these years we have acquired thorough knowledge about each and every sanctuary and the wildlife seen there. We have been working with the same set of guides and drivers in all these places over these years. So there is a good rapport with them. Before starting the company, we used to hear many complaints from friends and relatives who used to visit some of the sanctuaries that “we visited so and so sanctuary and couldn’t see a tiger, how come you guys go and get to see them so well”. So our answer was… “you need to be at a right place at a right time with a right person”, when all these 3 ‘rights’ meet, your chances of sighting a big game increases”… So these questions prompted us to start this company so that we can make use of our knowledge and contacts at these sanctuaries and try to make trips into the wild more pleasurable for our guests. See nobody can ‘guarantee’ sightings of any kind of wildlife in the national parks and so can’t we. But yes our guides and naturalist work hard and use their best of the knowledge to make our guests’ safaris more pleasurable and fruitful.

Besides personal, family and corporate trips, we organize workshops in these national parks too where we teach the participants about the basics to the advanced level of wildlife photography. We have been working for Asiatic Lion conservation and House Sparrow Conservation since almost a decade now and we share our knowledge about that too and teach how as an individual we can make efforts to save and care for wildlife around us.

How was the initial response from people?

The response has been brilliant. We have successfully organized over 25 workshops since October last year in 11 national parks of India.

Tell us about the difficulties and challenges you faced in pursuing your dream:

Well, the most difficult part was to quit the family business and take up wildlife photography as a profession. Sadly in India, still most people believe that if you are not a doctor, engineer or a chartered accountant – you are good for nothing. So it was a tough call to make, in fact, the toughest…

What has been your strength?

My strength has been my wife- Zankhana. She stood by me and my decision of quitting the family business. Zankhana is a wildlife filmmaker. Our journey into the wild started together only, and while I do the photography she makes films on wildlife. Also if I have to mention more about my strengths- yes I am blessed with immense self-belief.

Please elaborate on the photography tours you conduct: the places and subjects.

We arrange and organize wildlife viewing and photography tours to major national parks of Central, Western and Southern India. We organize these photography tours for families, school children and corporate people too. See, these tours are for everyone- even non-photographers who have interest in seeing and enjoying wildlife can also come. Besides these, we also organize ‘photography learning tours’ where we teach different intricacies of wildlife photography to our participants and help them to become a better photographer.

Please share one of the most memorable experiences you have had during the tour:

There have been many to share… but just to share 1, on one of the tours to Gir National Park, we had a guest who was a senior citizen- an ardent lover of wildlife. He had been on safaris on a number of occasions without seeing any wildcat in the wild. He said if I can break the jinx on this trip I would be happy. On the very first game drive with us he got to see 2 Lionesses, he was excited and satisfied that the jinx was broken, the next day, however, was a special one- it was his birthday and on that day, he got 5 more wild cats to his tally. 3 Lionesses, 1 Lion and 1 Leopard… at the end of the evening game drive, he said, “These sightings are the best ever birthday gift that I have ever received”…!!!

You have talked about the animal attacks and the precautions to be taken to avoid them. Have you experienced such attack while any of your tours?

None. We take utmost care in not crossing that line of comfort between ourselves and wild animals, after all, we are in their home, they are the hosts and we are visitors.

Apart from wildlife, which is your favourite genre in photography?

I used to do a lot of abstract photography back in 2005-06 along with wildlife, but not anymore.

What are your future plans?

Future plans, well, I let the master planner “God” decide about it and I enjoy the present.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

Shantanu Patel, a pianist and former student of A. R. Rahman, Dr Adam Grieg and Prof Fali Pavri, shares his life story

Shantanu Patel is an aspiring pianist, based in Ahmedabad. The music came into his life when he was just 7-year-old. First, he learned Harmonium in Hindustani Classical Music. At the age of 17, he was introduced to Piano and then, there was no looking back. Like any other teenager, Shantanu had a day when he was supposed to make a choice; in which direction he wanted his life to head. He had the options: ISRO or Music. And like we can anticipate here, he decided to pursue his career in music.

Shantanu is the former student of the Oscar Winning Music Composer, Dr A. R. Rahman and Dr Adam Grieg. After finishing his school, Shantanu had joined KM College of Music and Technology in Chennai, founded by Dr A. R. Rahman. He completed his 3 years of BA (Hons) Music specializing in Piano performance under his Guru, Dr Adam Grieg.

This musician’s journey is no ordinary. Let’s hear it from him:

Tell us something about yourself and earlier life:

I am Shantanu Patel and I am a professional concert pianist and a conductor. Well, talking about earlier life, I was a science student and a “wanna-be” astronomer. Being raised in Ahmedabad, of course, I have all the traits of an Ahmedabadi and am the biggest foodie!

What is Music to you?

Music to me is, of course, my bread and butter, my profession, my passion! But more than that, it is a kind of meditation, worship and food for my soul.

How did you start your journey with music?

Well, to begin with, I was forced into this field by my mother. I basically started off with Indian Classical music, learning harmonium under a private tutor, and gradually shifting to Western Classical Music theory and keyboards. I was still forced (hahaha!). Well, to be honest, I was forced until my 10th standard.

Tell us something about your earlier training:

My earlier training was quite weak. I am opening up here because right now it’s of utmost importance to get proper basic training in music such as proper musicianship, sight reading, and ear training along with performing and theory of course. During my time it was just believed that practical knowledge is everything and hence even now, I sometimes face a bit of difficulty in things which do not involve playing/theory but just listening and scanning music through ears or just by looking at the score. Hence it is very important to have training in all aspects of music and not just playing your instrument.

Do you remember the day when you realized that music is the ultimate goal?

Yes, it was right after 12th standard when I had to choose between opting for ISRO and Music career. Though my parents never forced me to choose one or the other, it was my elder brother’s role that kind of persuaded my parents to let me go for a music career. It was decided right after my boards that I will be opting for what I love and what I consider as food for my soul.

Tell us something about being the student of the legend, Mr A. R. Rahman:

It is always a moment of pride to recall studying at KM College of Music and Technology. Those unplanned and surprise visits from Dr Rahman, those inside talks about industry, music business, etc, impromptu Biryani sessions with him made my experience quite enjoyable. But more than that, I finally found my “Guru” there. Dr Adam Grieg from Scotland who not only taught me how to play the piano but also taught the tiniest details in the music, how music is expressed, perceived, thought and passed on. He changed me completely as a human being also. Getting him as my teacher was the best thing KM and my life offered.

Do you remember your first interaction with Mr Rahman?

Of course, that magical moment! Well, the first interaction wasn’t a long one as he appeared out of nowhere in our college and I was printing my assignments. But after few days, we were joined by him during our award ceremony for the first year and it was the best feeling to receive “The Best Performer of the Year” award from his hands which luckily continued for all the 3 years of my study there.

Please share your most memorable experience with your Guru, Mr Rahman:

Well, I do consider him as my teacher, but guru would be Dr Adam Grieg. The best experience with Dr Rahman was receiving awards for all 3 years from his hands and with my guru, Dr Grieg, was when he gave the closing speech at my graduation for me. Adam said, “I can remember this guy, belting and punching the piano as hard as he can without any musical note coming off, but in these 3 years, he has put me in a dilemma of what to teach him more. I guess I have given whatever I can and now it can be the other way around where he teaches me something. Well, every teacher learns from his students but teaching Shantanu shaped me here in India.”

Tell us something about your favourite instrument:

Of course, Piano! Piano! Piano!

Do you remember the first time you performed on the stage? How was it?

Yes, I started learning piano quite late at the age of 17, though I used to play keyboard and harmonium. My first appearance on stage was on harmonium at the age of 4 for a charity concert at Blind Association of Ahmedabad. As a pianist, I played my first concert in front of Dr Rahman at KM annual day 2011.

Tell us about your achievements:

Haha! I kind of feel shy or feel “not to boast” about my achievements. But here it goes! The true journey began at KM and the first achievement was to actually be able to play the piano at an international standard followed by best performer’s awards for all 3 years from the Hands of Dr Rahman. I went on to pursue my BA Music final year in London, and found out to be the best pianist in my batch and was offered to perform my debut concert with The London Firebird Symphony Orchestra, for which I performed Mozart’s Concerto in D minor with my own cadenzas (incorporating Indian classical music as well). This didn’t stop, I went on to audition myself for Masters degree in music at world’s top 4th Music Conservatoire i.e the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Of course, didn’t think I would get through but to my surprise, I did and that too with a scholarship which was more than anything for me. Again found my second guru; this time, an Indian in Scotland. He was Professor Fali Pavri who, like Adam, changed me completely. I got many performing opportunities in the UK and participated in many piano festivals which are limited to few pianists only. And now, I am touring this country, performing throughout, and giving master classes. This is more than an achievement for me. Still, many things await. In a couple of years, I will be back at RCS for my PhD in performance.

Tell us something about yourself as a teacher: Your journey from a student to a teacher:

This is a very enjoyable job, with great responsibility, of course. As the movie, Spiderman says, ‘With great power (knowledge) comes a great responsibility’, I strive to be a teacher like Dr Adam Grieg; understanding each student’s mindset, strength, weakness and tackling it according to individuals. I also strive to teach whatever I missed learning in my basic training. Hence, it’s a nice balance between the mandatory things as well as student’s interest. It’s a job of great difficulty as well as you have to yield future generations of musicians in the most correct and fruitful appropriate way.

Which part do you enjoy the most: learning music or teaching one?

I enjoy both equally. First of all, musicians are learners for their whole lives. As Horowitz (legendary classical pianist) said, ‘I love to be a musician as I get to be a student for a lifetime.’ He said this at his last concert at the age of 89. So yes, teaching also teaches me, so perhaps I’ll say I may enjoy learning more.

An artist needs to be inspired and motivated. Which is the element in your life that keeps you going? What inspires you the most?

First of all, competing with me helps me in a healthy way. That keeps me going, no matter how well I did in the past concert, I always raise my bar in the next. Also, watching stories of other pianists and musicians help. Especially my own teacher Fali Pavri, Norman Beedie (conducting teacher) and one of my seniors, Petrica Ciobanu (International Concert Pianist). Also, listening to music helps, connecting with the inner emotion and connecting that with your own incidents in life.

Tell us about the challenges you have faced to reach where you are today: what is your strength?

There were a lot of challenges, rectifying things, learnt here in Ahmedabad, learning basics when your fellow students are learning advanced stuff at your level itself. When I went to Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, though I was in masters, I was rectifying my very basics which put me off sometimes. But again, knowing that will kick your level to a higher standard kept me going. In KM as well, starting piano at the age of 17 is considered very late; usually, people at my level at that time would start playing the piano at the age of 4-7. And that was the biggest challenge; to develop technical side, to gain that many years of experience, etc, was not an easy task. I literally had and still have to practice 6-8 hours a day depending on my timetable. So being a musician is not an easy task. It requires the same, in fact, more amount of work than engineering, or any other field.

How do you see the impact of music, particularly in India, in today’s time? Is there anything you would like to change or improve in today’s music?

Yes, a lot! A huge change is needed especially in Gujarat and further North. Classical forms are dying. Bollywood music is ruling currently. It’s good, no doubt, but just sticking to Arijit Singh and Pritam and not exploring other genres like Jazz, Classical (Indian and Western) electronic music, metal, rock, or any form of instrumental music is sad. Also teaching is of utmost importance. I have seen people in Ahmedabad opening up their academies just after completing, say, 5-6 grades of music examination, which in turn proves bad for their students. Grades are like school, you don’t start teaching engineering or medical science right after the school and thus the same thing goes with music. This needs to be changed, people need to know the correct teaching methods. All the teachers need to update themselves regularly and see what the standards they are competing with. Yes, for the western music, it was a start by trial and error method as western classical is relatively new, but now in Gujarat and mostly all over India, this has become a sort of business, playing with people’s future.

The advice you would like to convey to the next generation of the learners:

Find a good teacher.

Have patience, practice regularly, boredom is bound to come get over it, manage your time.

Explore all forms of genres of art. Being a musician I love to explore sculpture, paintings, acting and I find inspiration from that as well.

Never underestimate yourself or let anyone do that. Always see the positive side. And learn to tackle the negative as well but in a positive way.

Don’t get satisfied with anything (knowledge wise). There should always be a thirst for learning.

Tell us about your future plans and upcoming concerts:

Well, currently I am performing across the country, raising and aiding the standards of live western classical music and providing master classes at different schools of music. After a couple of years, I wish to go back to Scotland for my PhD in performance. I also conduct choirs and small ensembles here.

There are a couple of upcoming concerts; one in Bangalore (21st April at Bangalore School of Music) with two singers: Jonas Olsson (Baritone) and Ankna Arockiam (Mezzo Soprano). Ankna will also join me in Ahmedabad concert which is on 23rd April (Monday) at Ouroboros theatre hub at 8 pm sharp. We will be performing Operatic works and musical works with some contemporary music. Ankna is also providing a vocal master-class on the 22nd evening at 5:30 pm (venue to be confirmed- see my facebook posts for that). Ankna was my colleague studying at the same college in Scotland and now, she is doing her PhD in Music there. Later this year I will also be participating in international piano competitions in Thailand and New Zealand and also the Con Brio national piano competition in Mumbai.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

In Conversation with Niren Bhatt: "Find your stories. Tell them with passion"

"Find your own stories. Tell them with passion. Break the norms; try to create something that will mesmerize people."

When a person dares to listen to his instinct and follow his heart, he can achieve what he has been dreaming of. Mr Niren Bhatt, the writer of ‘Bey Yaar’ and ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma’ had a different life back then. But with each step, the writer in him had always walked along like a shadow. A sharpened writer with years of experience of writing for theatre, Mr Bhatt talks about his journey from a corporate employee to the successful writer:

Your early life when you were dreaming to become a writer:

"As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster. To me, being a gangster was better than being President of the United States”

– Nicholas Pileggi, Goodfellas (1990)

These are the opening lines of Scorsese’s Goodfellas. Like the character of Henry Hill, who always wanted to be a Gangster, I always wanted to be a writer. And most part of my life, I was one. I started writing very early in my life. I wrote songs, plays, essays in school and college, whenever I got the opportunity. The problem was, I never knew exactly how I could convert it into a career. So I kept on doing theatre along with my studies, I did M.E. and MBA and ended up in a corporate job.

I had a cushy corporate job but I started realizing that this is not a life I meant to live because even then, I was only interested in cinema, theatre and music. Even while working as a Business Consultant I was writing constantly and doing plays. I had a growing fear of turning into a cynical person. But the risk was high, I was living in Mumbai and I hardly knew anyone there, so the opportunity cost was also high. I already had a monthly salary of a few lakhs plus an increment per year. For a writer starting out in media, the money was not high... but...

…I had a background in theatre, and I was exposed to a lot of existential plays in my theatre life. THEATER OF ABSURD was my thing. I read and re-read plays of Samuel Beckett, Ionesco, Albert Camus etc. So philosophically I thought, this life is a Theatre of absurd and we all are Vhaldimirs and Estragons from “Waiting for Godot”. We are waiting for GODOT (dead god), who is never going to come. We are not born with a great purpose in life. But we need to find our great purpose. Each one of us has to. Your passion is your own purpose in life, for it gives you the meaning. It gives meaning to your existence. For me, it was writing, and I realised that if I waste my life doing something else, I will lose my meaning. And my life would be as futile as Sisyphus trying to push the boulder on top of the mountain.

Do you remember the moment when you decided to leave your corporate job and pursue your dream as a writer?

It was not a moment, it was always there. I would say ‘part of the plan’. Every moment of my corporate life I thought of leaving the job and becoming a writer. But the thing is- you don’t always have the courage to leave what is easy, let go of your worldly comforts and start a new career with a sea of uncertainties. Slowly but surely, you gather courage and then you take the big step.

Building a career as writer demands patience; what did keep you going?

Writing itself requires patience. And building a career in writing requires more patience. It damages your ego to no end. You have to be prepared for that. You have to be prepared for all the rejections, insults and criticism that will come your way. At the same time, you need to believe in yourself and keep at it. But, ultimately at the end of the day, what keeps you going is the burning desire to write, to create something and the immense joy it brings you. That’s worth all the trouble.

How were your family’s response and support?

The family was always supportive. My wife Palak is a practising artist, so she supported me at all steps of my career. My parents always supported me since my childhood for all these co-curricular activities, which became my hobbies and ultimately became my passion and career.

You have written for Television and Cinema. Which has helped you more to grow as a writer?

Each medium comes with its own challenges and changes something in you. Television made me appreciate the value of building the great characters, regardless of story, plot or any other thing because, in Television, people come back to those characters, not to the story or the plot. Cinema is a different beast altogether, it teaches you the value of structure, story and scene construction and doing everything within a very strict time frame. So yes, I have grown as a writer with both the mediums.

You have written for many Gujarati films. How was your first experience writing in your mother tongue?

My first experience of writing for a movie in Gujarati was "BEY YAAR". As they say, ‘a writer’s purest expression is always in his mother tongue’. I started realizing it as I started writing. The flair of the language, colloquial words, and vernacular slang gave a whole new perspective to the narrative. The title ‘Bey yaar’ itself is a quintessential slang of Ahmadabad. Colloquially, it’s a short form of ‘Abey Yaar’, and literally, it means ‘2 friends’.

Almost all the characters came from our real lives. They spoke our language; they had dialects, they had our sensibilities. I guess that’s why it worked.

After writing for theatre for years, how was your first experience of writing for a movie? What is its impact on a writer’s creativity?

I think theatre is a base for acting and writing both. It helps a lot if you have written for theatre before you write films. It’s like you have already done most of the hard parts. You know the story construction, scene construction, flow of the dialogues etc. You just need to learn how to write for a visual medium, for a film is not a story told through dialogues but a story told through visuals.

Writing lyrics demands a far different craft. How do you balance that?

It’s a natural thing. I don’t think it can be taught or learnt. It comes from your deep-rooted love for poetry and appreciating/reading poetry in all forms for your entire life. Writing lyrics is a specific task. Not all poets can be lyricists and vice versa. You need to understand the script, the characters, the tone of the movie, sound etc; in short a lot of things apart from the poetry part of it. My being a screenwriter helps me a lot as a lyricist. I can use my poetic license and express the feelings of the characters through songs, which they wouldn’t be able to express in the script.

Is there any film in Hindi or Gujarati which you wish you had written?

Many Many films, not only in Gujarati and Hindi.. but all the languages. But fantasies are fantasies. You appreciate the greats, learn from them and try to do something as great as they have done. That’s writing, that’s life!

Is there any other language would you like to explore as a writer or a storyteller?

I only know Hindi, Gujarati and English. So, I can write in only these 3 languages. But stories need no language, visuals need no language. I can write the screenplay for any film, regardless of the language. I am already planning to write a story and screenplay for a Tamil film.

Is there a dream story you would like to tell the world in future?

I am dying to tell a story about the evolution of Indian film music, I hope I will be able to write it soon.

Your message to the budding writers:

First I would like to quote Baz Luhrmann –

"Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.

"Advice is a form of nostalgia….dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth."

So dear budding writers – don’t take my advice. Do your own thing. Find your voice. Find your own stories. Tell them with passion. Break the norms; try to create something that will mesmerize people. Don’t think how you can be better than others, just try to be different, because you are different, rest will fall into place. Be fearless, be creative and work hard. Wishing you all the luck you’ll need if you are to succeed as a professional writer.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India's Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

#WRITEROFTHEWEEK : POOJA KOCHAR TALKS ABOUT HOW MOTHERS ARE EXPECTED TO HIDE IN A TOILET TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN

“Women are emotionally very vulnerable during pregnancy. Nothing prepares you for how raw and exposed you feel post childbirth. When a woman enters motherhood, the learning curve is massive. She is not just creating a new life but is also completely responsible for their wellbeing and nourishment. New moms struggle with a lot of self-doubts, lack of body confidence and guilt mainly because we are unsure about everything.

“There are women who may have never had a bad experience with nursing their child in public and I am glad they escaped the negativity but there are many who did face it. The issue exists and it’s high time we acknowledge it without bias.

“It takes a while to figure out that there is no right or wrong way of dealing with parenting issues. Breastfeeding in public has always been a touchy topic, and being shamed for nursing your child in public is not a rare incidence. Apparently, a woman feeding in public is more offensive than a man eve-teasing in bright daylight.

“Taking my own example, it has been three months since I delivered and I haven’t gathered the courage to go out with my son because I know that if he is hungry, I have no place to nurse him unless I am back home. For me to start getting back to my normal life, run errands, and start working again, I need to have the freedom to nurse my child whenever and wherever. Breastfeeding is a natural act, but there are so many stigmas attached to it that the mother is automatically put on a guilt trip. “How can you flash it in public?” This is a massive issue which will take decades to change, but all we need is some empathy and a secure space to nurse and not feel judged.

“As a mom blogger, I tried to make a list of areas reserved for nursing your child in public places, and the results were as expected – disappointing! Few malls have a table reserved to change and nurse in the restrooms; we are expected to feed our child in a public toilet, the most unhygienic place there is. A lot of mothers prefer feeding in dark car parks to avoid public attention. Most of the airports also follow a very similar pattern, barring only a few where there is a large area blocked for mothers to bond with their young toddlers while feeding them.

“The problem is that we are living in a culture that has sexualised breasts so much that it is hard to look beyond it and accept the fact that they serve a bigger purpose in our lives. I am a millennial parent belonging to the privileged, well-educated section of our society. Yet I do not have the confidence to fight the stares and the unwanted attention that may come my way if I decided to feed in public.

“I am more comfortable staying home and waiting to lead a normal life until my child grows older, but is this the right way to treat yourself? Shaming women who refuse to nurse their child behind a dirty wall or a toilet is very judgemental, especially because everyone has been a part of this natural cycle at some point in their lives.”

Pooja Kochar was trolled massively for her point of view regarding breastfeeding; nevertheless, she is going to continue writing about issues that need a voice. She stood by her opinion hoping to make a difference for all those women who go through the same uncomfortable situations.

Pooja’s blog 30ish and Her  Facebook page.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

AN AMATEUR ASTRO-PHOTOGRAPHER PROMOTES THE IDEA OF ‘DARK SKY PARK’

Global warming and climate change are not just words; they are situations or conditions, majorly caused by human activities. Different types of pollutions add more to it. Excessive utilization of any form of energy and natural resources is responsible for the damage to the climate. Many examples are there and many of them you experience in your day-to-day life.

And the light is one of these factors.

“Light? You mean the one that illuminates?”

Well, YES. It is called ‘Photo Pollution’ or ‘Light Pollution’.

Dhaval Harsora is an amateur Astro-Photographer and engineering student. He is a stargazer and promotes the idea of ‘Dark Sky Park’ in the state of Gujarat.

Here, he talks further about the concepts: ‘Photo Pollution’ and ‘Dark Sky Park’,

What is Light Pollution or Photo Pollution?

Most of us are familiar with air, water, and land pollution, but did you know that light can also be a pollutant?

The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light — known as light pollution — can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate. Components of light pollution include:

Glare — excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort

Skyglow — brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas

Light trespass — light falling where it is not intended or needed

Clutter — bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources

How did you come to get aware of it?

Meanwhile, in my starting college days, I and my friend Milan Patel had a chance to go in the nearest jungle of Vadodara for the outing where we saw lots of stars which we have never seen in the city. The light sources of the city affect our visibility to see stars.

Tell us about the concept of Dark Sky Park:

A dark-sky Park is an area that restricts artificial light pollution. The purpose of a dark sky park is generally to promote astronomy.

How many of such dark sky parks are available in the world and in India?

In 1993, Michigan became the first state in the United States to designate a tract of land as a “Dark Sky Preserve” at the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area.

In 1999, the first permanent preserve was established at Torrance Barrens in the Muskoka region of southern Ontario. Nevertheless, protection zones around observatories existed well before the creation of that preserve.

IDA recognizes protected areas worldwide. The Mont Mégantic Observatory in Quebec is the first such site to be recognized (in 2007) as International Dark Sky Reserve. IDA has also recognized Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah as the world’s first International Dark Sky Park.

There is no such dark sky park in India but there are places from where you can see the clear night sky with astronomical objects.

How many dark sky parks are there in Gujarat?

There are no dark sky parks in Gujarat but there are places between the dense forests from where you can see the clear night sky.

Urbanization and Industrialization’s effect on the forest and animals:

Life on Earth existed in a rhythm of light and dark that was created solely by the illumination of the Sun, Moon and stars. Now, artificial lights overpower the darkness and our cities glow at night, disrupting the natural day-night pattern and shifting the delicate balance of our environment. The negative effects of the loss of this inspirational natural resource might seem intangible. But a growing body of evidence links the brightening night sky directly to measurable negative impacts including,

Increasing energy consumption

Disrupting the ecosystem and wildlife

Harming human health

Effecting crime and safety

Light pollution affects every citizen. Fortunately, concern about light pollution is rising dramatically. A growing number of scientists, homeowners, environmental groups and civic leaders are taking action to restore the natural night.

Birds that migrate or hunt at night navigate by moonlight and starlight. Artificial light can cause them to wander off course and toward the dangerous nighttime landscapes of cities. Every year millions of birds die colliding with needlessly illuminated buildings and towers. Migratory birds depend on cues from properly timed seasonal schedules. Artificial lights can cause them to migrate too early or too late and miss ideal climate conditions for nesting, foraging and other behaviours.

Many insects are drawn to light, but artificial lights can create a fatal attraction. Declining insect populations negatively impact all species that rely on insects for food or pollination. Some predators exploit this attraction to their advantage, affecting food webs in unanticipated ways.

According to you, what are the required actions to solve the issue on a regular basis?

I have been to all the dark sky places in Gujarat. All of these places are mostly in a remote area which is surrounded by dense forests. Nowadays urbanization is on hike people have started making resorts hotels between the forests which should be ban. There should be particular kind of lighting which should be available to only where it needs. Use lights only when you need it. Don’t forget to switch off after use.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

Chumki Datta, the woman with courage awarded by Honourable President of India

Chumki Datta was born into an educated family. She received Diploma in Advertising & P.R. from Bhavan’s College of Journalism, Kolkata in 1990.

She was active in missionary social services while in school. She loves meeting people and in making friends. She wants to be remembered as a noble soul who cared for others.

She got married to Prof. Tathagata Datta in July 1991. Prof. Datta resigned from lectureship with St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata in 1992 due to his passion for social development and upliftment of the underprivileged and decided to settle in Bhubaneswar. Prof. Datta died in Sept 2011 after a successful period of social impact in lives of people in Odisha.

Chumki started her career as a trainee Accounts Executive in a national advertising agency – Delta Advertisers (P) Ltd. She was promoted to an Accounts Executive and national presentation team. She left Delta in 1989 and after a short stint with Citi Bank, Kolkata, Joined U. D. I Yellow Pages, Kolkata and continued until July, 91.

She started own advertising agency – Mastermind Advertising Services, in Bhubaneshwar in late 1992.

In 2003, the fate took a turn when Chumki met with a car accident while returning to Bhubaneshwar from Kolkata. Since then she is using a wheelchair.

Read:   CHUMKI DATTA: THE JOURNEY ON WHEELCHAIR

But Chumki has never been someone who would surrender to the unfair show of fate. She took control of her life again and decided to smash the rock of challenges. She was all set to conquer the difficulties.

Today, Mastermind Advertising Services is handling regional accounts of several national and multi-national companies.

Chumki also designed and constructed “Excel Home“, capital’s first personalized guest house in Bhubaneshwar.

She started “Mastermind Livelihood” to train and provide livelihood support to the differently-abled people in 2017 along with SSEPD, Government of Odisha.

On 3rd December 2017, International Disability Day, Chumki was awarded by Honourable President Shree Ram Nath Kovind in the Category of  “Best Employee/Self Employed with Disabilities  in Locomotor Disability”. It was organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Chumki’s story was also published in,

“Chumki Datta: The Wheels of Life“, the story was published in “YES, WE CAN!, an initiative of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is a collection of 100 inspiring stories of Differently Abled Entrepreneurs by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

“Chumki Datta: Riding Against the Tide“, the story was published in the book, “The Achievers“, an initiative by Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities [SSEPD], Government of Odisha.

Apart from her courageous efforts and being a successful entrepreneur, her work was always highly appreciated:

Mastermind Advertisement Agency is among Top 10 Advertisement Agencies of Odisha – Certificate of Appreciation from Samaja, a popular daily of Odisha, continuously from the year 2004 to 2014.

Mastermind Advertisement Agency is among Top 20 Advertisement Agencies of Odisha – Certificate of Appreciation from Sambad, another popular daily of Odisha, in 2009.

Mastermind Advertisement Agency is among Top 10 Advertisement Agencies of Odisha – Certificate of Appreciation from Dharitri, another well-known daily of Odisha continuously from 2008.

Awards & Honours for she received for Social work for differently-abled people,

Awarded in the category of “Role Model” on International Women’s day in Odisha, 8th March 2017.

Awarded with “Certificate of Appreciation” from Sakha, a voluntary organisation at Cuttack for shelter care.

“Guest of Honor” from Basundhara, an organization working for orphan kids in Odisha.

We truly appreciate and respect the achievements Chumki Datta has earned with a strong will and courageous heart.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

DHARMENDRA TRIVEDI TALKS ABOUT SNAKE RESCUE, BELIEFS, MYTHS AND FACTS

Dharmendra Trivedi is a translator in Gujarat Vidhan Sabha, and at present deputed to CM Office, Gandhinagar. He is a reader, a writer, a photographer, and a nature lover by nature. There is one thing which he takes extremely seriously, and that is Snake Rescue. He is especially skilled in that.

Dharmendra has been rescuing snakes for around 30 years. He rescued the first snake in 1986.

In India, we have so many beliefs, conceptions, misconceptions and myths regarding snakes which need to be clarified. Understanding any species in Mother Nature and treat them with the proper parameters is extremely important for the eco-system. On the basis of misconceptions, we often harm the eco-system, unknowingly, though.

So, let’s hear about the actual concept: ‘Snake Rescue’ and the beliefs, myths, and conceptions-misconceptions regarding this in Dharmendra’s words:

What are the precautions you take before the catch?

During any Snake Call, it is my priority to identify the Species of the Snake I have to rescue. The ID-ing of the Snake will make it clear whether the Snake is Venomous or not.

What instruments do you use to catch the snake?

If the Snake is venomous and small in size, we use an instrument named Hook, which is very efficient in holding the Snake very delicately and still doesn’t injure or stress the snake and keeps the Snake and the Rescuer both safe. There are also other instruments like Snake Tongs. But, personally speaking, I prefer using Hook over the Tongs.

Where do you put the snakes after catching?

The different species of Snakes prefer different sort of topography as their habitat. Normally as per our knowledge of the different species, we find out the suitable habitat out of the city which is suitable to the snake and release them over there. The common practice is to find out a place near water body and ample opportunity to hide. Moreover, we prefer to release the rescued snakes either during Morning Time or Evening Time, so that they can find a hiding place before it gets too hot or too cold.

The most challenging act you have ever faced:

Once I had to carry out a rescue in a small Gully between two houses in a nearby village. It was almost 10 in the Night and the Gully between two houses had a dead end. As people had chased a real big Cobra, which was about five feet in length and very thick in size, the Cobra was cornered there and it had coiled up its body and reared its hood and was in the defensive mood. The Gully was so small that I had to enter it sideways and can’t face the cobra straight. My body cross and the furious cobra was attacking the Hook I was extending to lift it up from the coiled up body. It was a dangerous situation where I can’t even keep my body straight and had to move sideways like a crab. But due to my observation of body language of the Cobra and its reaction towards the sudden movement, I kept my composure and let it get calm and then slowly hooked up the Cobra’s coiled body in the Hook and came out sideways out of the Gully and bagged the Cobra in a Cotton Bag. The pressure of the situation and natural right of the Snake in the real odd situation was released then after and my body started shaking with the release of the stress and relaxation. It was one of the scariest still thrilling experiences for me.

Which are the most common or visible species?

The Most Common species around the Human Habitat are Common Cobra (Venomous), Common Krait (Venomous), Russells and Saw-scaled Vipers (Venomous), Rat Snakes (Non-Venomous), Common Wolf Snake(Non-Venomous), Common Cat Snake (Non-Venomous), Bronze-backed Tree Snake (Non-Venomous), Red Sand Boa and Russell’s Earth Boas (Non-Venomous) etc.

Your views on worshipping snakes:

My perception towards the Snake Worship differs from the traditional one. People keep on worshipping snakes because their ancestors have worshipped the snakes because one single species namely Cobra is attached to Lord Shiva as his ornament. I, before I knew very little about the snakes, used to fear the Snakes just like all the common people. Gradually as my knowledge regarding the Snakes deepened, I came to know them more closely and my fear for them slowly vanished and was replaced by the respect for them. This respect for them led me to worship them with a true sense of their usefulness and importance in the Eco-Cycle. My worship is not a blind faith springing out of my blind religious beliefs, but it is a result of my knowledge and respect for them.

What are the misconceptions you have heard about the snakes?

There are many that I have come across during my walk of life and encounters with the people from all walks of life-like Rural, Urban, Literate, Illiterate masses etc. Few of the most famous beliefs are:

(1) The Cobras have Diamond under their head skin and they put it out at some high place in the dark nights to hunt their prey.

(2) The Snake will be blinded if the shadow of a pregnant woman falls on it.

(3) The Snakes drink milk directly from a grazing cow.

(4) If you kill a cobra, it will capture your images in its eyes and later on the female cobra will hunt the person down and kill him/her to take revenge for the death of her mate.

And at last, the worst kind of belief I have ever heard is,

(5) You will have Punya (good deeds) in your religious account if you kill a snake because a Spirit is given birth in a snake’s body as a punishment as it will have to drag around the land all its life, and It will be freed from this torture if you kill it.

Snakes are worshipped and it is considered a curse to kill them knowingly or unknowingly. Your views on it:

The ways of the sages who created our traditions and beliefs were mystic but truly scientific. The Rishi-munis, who constructed our religious structure, were well aware of the Human psyche of intolerance towards the animals on earth. That is why animals are wisely connected with almost all the animals with one or other deity. We all know that as per our religious beliefs, there are 33 billion deities in this world and there are lacs of followers and worshippers of every single one. Thus, they connected wildlife with religion, which will obviously be respected with the respective deity of the mass. Thus, the vision of the Indian Sages was meant to protect all the living beings on this planet. The fundamental was to protect animals being thoughtlessly harmed by the people.

The ‘myths’ regarding snakes and religions?

The Myths were created to invoke either fear or respect for snakes in people. Snake as an Ornament of Lord Shiva, the myth of female Cobra taking revenge, Snakes drinking milk, Snakes having a sparkling diamond etc are created either to create fear or respect for snakes so that people don’t kill snakes.

Your message to the world:

I firmly believe that the God almighty or Mother Nature are the creators of this world, you can choose either of one. There is nothing that was created in vain; everything is useful and interdependent for the healthy environment. If we, just out of our illiterate fear of Snakes, keep killing them, there is great danger of the entire species of snakes vanishing from the face of the earth. Thus, the snakes, which are very important factors in maintaining the balance of the eco-cycle, have to be protected and given them a fair chance to survive. Moreover, as far as I know, most people are Snake Illiterate and have heard the scary stories of people dying of snake bite. This era is of Knowledge and Education. If we literally believe that we are educated and cultured, why should we kill an animal when we know almost nothing about them? We should, at least try to know them more closely and then judge the Fear Factor prevailing around the Snakes. It is my claim that any man or woman, who is scared just on seeing a snake, will be not afraid of them after obtaining only basic facts about them. My Message to the World is “Don’t Kill, Just Call”. I appeal all not to kill snakes and call your nearby Snake Rescuer and please try to obtain at least basic knowledge regarding the species of Snakes, their being or not being venomous. Be nature-friendly and you will be a step nearer the omnipresent God as you call the Mother Nature.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

DHARMENDRA TRIVEDI TALKS ABOUT SNAKE RESCUE, BELIEFS, MYTHS AND FACTS

Dharmendra Trivedi is a translator in Gujarat Vidhan Sabha, and at present deputed to CM Office, Gandhinagar. He is a reader, a writer, a photographer, and a nature lover by nature. There is one thing which he takes extremely seriously, and that is Snake Rescue. He is especially skilled in that.

Dharmendra has been rescuing snakes for around 30 years. He rescued the first snake in 1986.

In India, we have so many beliefs, conceptions, misconceptions and myths regarding snakes which need to be clarified. Understanding any species in Mother Nature and treat them with the proper parameters is extremely important for the eco-system. On the basis of misconceptions, we often harm the eco-system, unknowingly, though.

So, let’s hear about the actual concept: ‘Snake Rescue’ and the beliefs, myths, and conceptions-misconceptions regarding this in Dharmendra’s words:

What are the precautions you take before the catch?

During any Snake Call, it is my priority to identify the Species of the Snake I have to rescue. The ID-ing of the Snake will make it clear whether the Snake is Venomous or not.

What instruments do you use to catch the snake?

If the Snake is venomous and small in size, we use an instrument named Hook, which is very efficient in holding the Snake very delicately and still doesn’t injure or stress the snake and keeps the Snake and the Rescuer both safe. There are also other instruments like Snake Tongs. But, personally speaking, I prefer using Hook over the Tongs.

Where do you put the snakes after catching?

The different species of Snakes prefer different sort of topography as their habitat. Normally as per our knowledge of the different species, we find out the suitable habitat out of the city which is suitable to the snake and release them over there. The common practice is to find out a place near water body and ample opportunity to hide. Moreover, we prefer to release the rescued snakes either during Morning Time or Evening Time, so that they can find a hiding place before it gets too hot or too cold.

The most challenging act you have ever faced:

Once I had to carry out a rescue in a small Gully between two houses in a nearby village. It was almost 10 in the Night and the Gully between two houses had a dead end. As people had chased a real big Cobra, which was about five feet in length and very thick in size, the Cobra was cornered there and it had coiled up its body and reared its hood and was in the defensive mood. The Gully was so small that I had to enter it sideways and can’t face the cobra straight. My body cross and the furious cobra was attacking the Hook I was extending to lift it up from the coiled up body. It was a dangerous situation where I can’t even keep my body straight and had to move sideways like a crab. But due to my observation of body language of the Cobra and its reaction towards the sudden movement, I kept my composure and let it get calm and then slowly hooked up the Cobra’s coiled body in the Hook and came out sideways out of the Gully and bagged the Cobra in a Cotton Bag. The pressure of the situation and natural right of the Snake in the real odd situation was released then after and my body started shaking with the release of the stress and relaxation. It was one of the scariest still thrilling experiences for me.

Which are the most common or visible species?

The Most Common species around the Human Habitat are Common Cobra (Venomous), Common Krait (Venomous), Russells and Saw-scaled Vipers (Venomous), Rat Snakes (Non-Venomous), Common Wolf Snake(Non-Venomous), Common Cat Snake (Non-Venomous), Bronze-backed Tree Snake (Non-Venomous), Red Sand Boa and Russell’s Earth Boas (Non-Venomous) etc.

Your views on worshipping snakes:

My perception towards the Snake Worship differs from the traditional one. People keep on worshipping snakes because their ancestors have worshipped the snakes because one single species namely Cobra is attached to Lord Shiva as his ornament. I, before I knew very little about the snakes, used to fear the Snakes just like all the common people. Gradually as my knowledge regarding the Snakes deepened, I came to know them more closely and my fear for them slowly vanished and was replaced by the respect for them. This respect for them led me to worship them with a true sense of their usefulness and importance in the Eco-Cycle. My worship is not a blind faith springing out of my blind religious beliefs, but it is a result of my knowledge and respect for them.

What are the misconceptions you have heard about the snakes?

There are many that I have come across during my walk of life and encounters with the people from all walks of life-like Rural, Urban, Literate, Illiterate masses etc. Few of the most famous beliefs are:

(1) The Cobras have Diamond under their head skin and they put it out at some high place in the dark nights to hunt their prey.

(2) The Snake will be blinded if the shadow of a pregnant woman falls on it.

(3) The Snakes drink milk directly from a grazing cow.

(4) If you kill a cobra, it will capture your images in its eyes and later on the female cobra will hunt the person down and kill him/her to take revenge for the death of her mate.

And at last, the worst kind of belief I have ever heard is,

(5) You will have Punya (good deeds) in your religious account if you kill a snake because a Spirit is given birth in a snake’s body as a punishment as it will have to drag around the land all its life, and It will be freed from this torture if you kill it.

Snakes are worshipped and it is considered a curse to kill them knowingly or unknowingly. Your views on it:

The ways of the sages who created our traditions and beliefs were mystic but truly scientific. The Rishi-munis, who constructed our religious structure, were well aware of the Human psyche of intolerance towards the animals on earth. That is why animals are wisely connected with almost all the animals with one or other deity. We all know that as per our religious beliefs, there are 33 billion deities in this world and there are lacs of followers and worshippers of every single one. Thus, they connected wildlife with religion, which will obviously be respected with the respective deity of the mass. Thus, the vision of the Indian Sages was meant to protect all the living beings on this planet. The fundamental was to protect animals being thoughtlessly harmed by the people.

The ‘myths’ regarding snakes and religions?

The Myths were created to invoke either fear or respect for snakes in people. Snake as an Ornament of Lord Shiva, the myth of female Cobra taking revenge, Snakes drinking milk, Snakes having a sparkling diamond etc are created either to create fear or respect for snakes so that people don’t kill snakes.

Your message to the world:

I firmly believe that the God almighty or Mother Nature are the creators of this world, you can choose either of one. There is nothing that was created in vain; everything is useful and interdependent for the healthy environment. If we, just out of our illiterate fear of Snakes, keep killing them, there is great danger of the entire species of snakes vanishing from the face of the earth. Thus, the snakes, which are very important factors in maintaining the balance of the eco-cycle, have to be protected and given them a fair chance to survive. Moreover, as far as I know, most people are Snake Illiterate and have heard the scary stories of people dying of snake bite. This era is of Knowledge and Education. If we literally believe that we are educated and cultured, why should we kill an animal when we know almost nothing about them? We should, at least try to know them more closely and then judge the Fear Factor prevailing around the Snakes. It is my claim that any man or woman, who is scared just on seeing a snake, will be not afraid of them after obtaining only basic facts about them. My Message to the World is “Don’t Kill, Just Call”. I appeal all not to kill snakes and call your nearby Snake Rescuer and please try to obtain at least basic knowledge regarding the species of Snakes, their being or not being venomous. Be nature-friendly and you will be a step nearer the omnipresent God as you call the Mother Nature.

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

MENSTRUATION: MYTHS AND MISUNDERSTANDING

“Those days”, “Monthly”, “Not clean days” or simply “Period” and “Menstruation” to be precise. One system and many names, based on the- beliefs, of course!

Menstruation is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The first period usually begins between twelve and fifteen years of age, a point in time known as menarche. (Source: wikipedia.org)

Up to 80% of women report having some symptoms prior to menstruation. Common signs and symptoms include acne, tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes. (Source: wikipedia.org)

Menstruation is a female reproductive cycle. It makes eggs available for fertilization. It’s the most normal process of a female’s body. There is a science behind this cycle. It is not a curse even. It has nothing to do with your yearly pickles which may turn rotten if a menstruating woman touches it. Unhygienic sanitary practices during the period are more dangerous than a menstruating human. It’s natural.

Now, we have our own version of this most normal system of a female body. We have changed the perception towards it and have made daughters, daughters-in-law and sisters to do the same. There are various myths and misunderstanding about the menstruation, but here some of them are discussed which women face in their regular lives.

In earlier days, there were no enough knowledge and awareness about menstruation. No sanitary napkins were invented. No hygiene was considered. No facilities were provided to the menstruating women. So at that time, our ancestors made some traditions or you can call them rules, like, women could not do hard work, they could not cook, they would sit in one corner of the room and food would be served to them. To kill the pain, one could take the pain-killer pill was out of the question. So to provide some rest, these rules were made.

Humans are fast at advancing life and lifestyles. And for this, they can easily accept changes. So with this behaviour, we have changed the perception or belief about the menstruation and women who menstruate.

With the first period of a girl’s life, her mother tells her how lucky she is. She is capable of becoming a mother one day. She is capable of producing a human being. But that girl, who has no idea what has just happened to her body, is already confused or scared, to be honest. She is learning to use pads (if lucky enough! It takes another article!). She is learning to walk, sit and sleep in the pads. She is trying to handle the cramps and aches. She is learning to hide the packets of the pad from rest of the family; even she has to learn how to discard the used pads safely.

Now, this was not enough of the beginning of learning the changes in her body, she was put on restrictions. She is told that she is not allowed in the kitchen during ‘those days’. ‘Period‘, the name she was just told, has suddenly changed. She is banned in the kitchen, where she was taught she belongs to, during her periods. She can’t even take a glass of water on her own. She is given an old piece of cloth and supposed to sit in a corner where she will get a plate of food and water. This will continue for three or more days.

I am not exaggerating. I have heard these examples from so many friends. But with the changing time and progressive mindset, we have many influencing people come up and talk and write about it. Even women are also wording about it. People are willing to spread awareness on subjects like menstruation and use of sanitary napkins. The subject which is still considered a taboo in many parts of the society is now being discussed openly. Honestly, I am happy about it.

A few days back, we had published an interview with Mr Arunachalam Muruganantham who had developed the Low-Cost sanitary Napkin Making Machine.

In the time of such revolutionary steps, one day, some words fell on my ears. Two middle-aged women were discussing:

Woman 1: “My daughter-in-law is having those days. So I am supposed to do all the house chores for next five days on my own.”

Woman 2: “So do you follow this for five days? We follow only for three days.”

Woman 1: “No no. We follow for whole five days. We don’t even let her touch our used clothes to wash. Why make our clothes dirty with her touch when she is in her periods?”

Woman 2: “We allow washing clothes. We just don’t allow her in kitchen and temple.”

Woman 1: “No. I believe that if you are following it then follow completely.”

Sorry, did I just say ‘Progressing Mindset?” Still, in many parts of the society, people actually take pride in believing these manipulated myths.

Many families don’t believe in such myths. Yes, these are nothing but the myths. The rules were made for women so that they could get the compulsory rest during their periods. But what have we done? We started relating it to god. In the name of god, we have declared human beings dirty, untouchable for the same function which is responsible for giving birth to another human being.

God, Mother Nature, Power, whatever you call it, has created living beings, including us, the humans, including females. That nature has created our bodies. No one has created his organs himself. It’s just us, the humans, who have always differentiated and discriminated other humans based on various things: bodies, gender, colour, religion and money. In a way, we make others’ lives miserable, and we don’t hesitate about it.

Humans have power: the power of the mind, the power of speech, the power of intelligence. But it is a shame that we use it to diminish other humans for something very natural, very obvious, for something which should be celebrated.

Not everyone studies science. But you need to get yourself informed instead of believing in myths and lies which you are told at a very young age. The girl would consider herself dirty during her periods because that’s what her mind was filled with at a very tender age. Did you just see that? We, the ill-informed people made a person discriminate one’s self. And trust me, an ill-informed human is more dangerous than a dumb.

Cover Photo: Google Search

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

[c4nindia-blog]

Myvets Trust inventions have got noticed in International media for the smart use of wildlife-human conflicts mitigation.

In the earlier Chapter, PROJECTS OF MYVETS, We talked about the sectors and countries MYVETS work in and the List of our projects and wildlife conservation work: by MYVETS.

In this Chapter, we are going to discuss the innovative wildlife technologies developed and used by MYVETS in order to protect and conserve the wildlife with smart inventions which will reduce the response time during the Wildlife-Human Conflicts and aims to provide protection to forest frontiers working in protected areas in India.

1. WILDLIFE RESCUE AMBULANCE

A technology-led innovation and philanthropy work by TATA TRUSTS & MYVETS TRUST for Leopard – Human Conflicts Mitigation, in INDIA

World’s first smart “Wildlife Rescue Ambulance” for Leopard – Human Conflicts Mitigation in India was conceptualized by Dr. Madhurita & Dr. Yuvraj; they invented and innovated it under MYVETS TRUST in collaboration & financial support from SIR DORABJI TATA TRUST (TATA TRUSTS).

This is a technologically advanced solution to rescue the Leopards during the conflicts and comes with:

Horizontal Squeeze Operation Theatre.

Hydraulic System to prevent Manual Lifting of Wildlife

Safe release of Big Cats during the release

Public Addressable System to address and manage the gathered crowd.

“Forest Guards were facing problems during rescue, release and accidental cases of wildlife, to prevent casualties and traditional approach we designed this Wildlife Rescue Ambulance which will require less man power and aims on zero casualty.”

2. WILDLIFE RESCUE BIKE

Low-cost innovation for Safety of Indian forest guards.

The World’s first “WILDLIFE RESCUE BIKE” was invented by Myvets Trust with a mission to safeguard & equip the rescuer during Leopard Rescue Operations & conflicts as India stands number one in maximum deaths of the forest guards during the Leopard – Human Conflicts, the Wildlife Rescue Bike comes with 360 degrees panoramic view to tranquilize the leopard from all the angles and will provide protection to the forest frontiers during the Leopard Rescue Operation.

It aims towards the zero causality of forest guards and wildlife during Leopard-Human Conflicts Mitigation.

Features

Funding support required for equipping all Forests of India with Wildlife Rescue Bike (Technological Solution to Save Lives & Wildlife Conservation)

We aim that frontline staff of Indian Forests have the Wildlife Rescue Bike and the equipment they need for surveillance and safe patrolling.

Provides complete cover during the Wildlife Rescue Operations

The adjustable LED lights makes it useful in Day & Night patrolling Surveillance & Rescue Operation safe

The Cage is fixed and gives complete protection to the forest guard during tranquilization

Vertical Anchoring is provided for stability during the rescue operations in field

All the safety gears are provided inside (Blow Gun, Tranquilization Dart, Backpack with essentials like ropes, thick cotton cloth as blinds, ropes, sticks, torch, binoculars, hand gloves, Anti Venom Kits, First Aid Kits)

The Wildlife Rescue Bike is invented for the safety & equipping of women forest guards in protected areas as well as safe rescue operations of wildlife during the conflicts. On an average day each Forest Women Guards patrols over 25Km of forest area in GIR without any safety measure on the bikes with an overall population of 523 Asiatic Lions which puts these women on a constant field-based operational threat to overcome this issue and to promote safe patrolling by women forest guards we designed this Wildlife Rescue Bike which will provide them safety during patrolling during harsh climatic conditions and supplement them with safety equipment for the rescue of Lions, Tigers, Leopards & other Wild Animals.

FOREST RANGERS PLAY A KEY ROLE AND PROTECT THE FOREST WITH NO WEAPONS AND ONLY WITH THE MOST BASIC EQUIPMENT WITH THEM AND MOSTLY PATROLLING IS DONE INSIDE THE FOREST BY WALK AND ROUGHLY EACH FOREST GUARD TRAVELS 15 KM EVERY DAY FOR PATROLLING ON FOOT.WILDLIFE RESCUE BIKE – PROTOTYPE – IIFOR TIGER – HUMAN CONFLICTS MITIGATIONS IN INDIA (TADOBA TIGER RESERVE)

THE WILDLIFE RESCUE BIKE FOR TIGER – HUMAN CONFLICTS WAS DESIGNED & CONCEPTUALIZED BY DR. MADHURITA &DR.YUVVRAJ KEEPING IN MIND THE SAFETY OF THE FOREST FRONTIER.

·        The prototype is first of its kind and comes with all necessary equipments for surveillance, patrolling

·        DYNAMIC STRUCTURE & CONTEMPORARY DESIGN·        IT IS COMPETENT FOR ALL SORTS OF FOREST TERRAINS WITH GROUND CLEARANCE OF 200 MM·        HEADLAMPS FOR NIGHT PATROLLING·        CONTEMPORARY DESIGN·        360 DEGREES ANGLE FOR TRANQUILIZATION OF LEOPARDS & TIGERS IN NATIONAL PARK 

WILDLIFE RESCUE BIKE – PROTOTYPE – III

We have developed the new prototype of “Wildlife Rescue Bike” under our conservation research program and Wildlife Research & Development for one for Ranthambore forest & one for Gir Forest.

World’s first smart “Wildlife Rescue Ambulance” for Tiger & Lion-Human Conflicts Mitigation in India is conceptualized and designed by Dr Madhurita & Dr. Yuvraj; they invented and innovated it under MYVETS TRUST in collaboration & financial support from RELIANCE FOUNDATION

3.  MARINE SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION & RESEARCH CENTRE

“MARINE SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION & RESEARCH CENTRE” IS ESTABLISHED UNDER MYVETS TRUST.

The objectives are to improve and reduce the negative impact created by the lack of awareness in the care of these marine species and the environment that surrounds them, in the same way, to encourage social responsibility.

The protection of this species is of utmost importance, because of its role in the ecosystem. For our organization, it is one of the main objectives, which we try to encourage through the participation of volunteers, the local communities, in addition to building in nest protection, nurturing nesting beaches and raising awareness of populations with that we collaborate.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

WE ARE WORKING TO DEVELOP THE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE LIFTING AND TRANSLOCATION OF DEAD MARINE MAMMALS WHICH POSES AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT NEAR THE BEACHES WHERE THEY ARE BURIED.

RESEARCH GOAL WE CONDUCTED THE STUDY TO LEARN THE BIOLOGY OF THE MARINE MAMMALS: HUMPBACK DOLPHIN: BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN) TO KNOW THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE STRANDING AND DEATHS IN MUMBAI COASTLINE IN CORRELATION WITH THE LUNAR EFFECT AND TO RULE OUT THE ANTHROPOGENIC EFFECT ON THE RECENT MORTALITY OF MARINE MAMMALS. THE STUDY HELPED US TO DEVELOP SUITABLE STRATEGIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE MAMMALS IN INDIA.

INNOVATIONS, TECHNOLOGY & SOLUTIONS FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IS OUR MISSION

R & D on technological solutions for marine mammals necropsy – (FUNDING SUPPORT REQUIRED FOR PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT )

R & D on preservation of whale skull & other marine mammals skeletons

R & D on logistics for transportations of dead marine mammals

R & D on deaths of dolphins & whales in Mumbai coastal line

4 CROCODILE FLOATING TRAP CAGE

Crocodile-Human Conflicts Mitigation, Community Based Conservation Programme

Floating Trap Cage is conceptualized by MYVETS TRUST to trap the Man eater Crocodiles (CrocodylusPalustris) from Krishna River Ghats and other affected areas in Maharashtra as a tool for crocodile – Human Conflicts Mitigations and for the conservation of the Mugger Species of Crocodiles with technology. These Muggers are considered as a threat for the communities living near the Ghats and they kill them in retaliation, Population of muggers are declining in wild considerably.

Myvets Trust aims to develop these communities as a grassroots level programme for the conservation of the crocodiles and for the safety of the community by Education & Awareness.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES:

Floating Trap Cage – TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTION

Crocodile Rescue Centre

Solar Lights at the Ghats

Public Addressable System

CCTV Surveillance at the Ghats

5. SOCIAL INNOVATION – WILDLIFE STRAY REPORT RESCUE MOBILE APPLICATION

Under the DIGITAL INDIA & MAKE IN INDIA initiative MYVETS TRUST is bringing the revolutionary technology of WILDLIFE STRAY REPORT RESCUE APP as a Mobile Application to streamline and organize the Wildlife Stray Reporting for the immediate rescue operation and to inform the Nearest Animal Welfare Organisation /Veterinary Hospitals/Fire Brigade/NGO’s/Forest Department/Concerned Authorities/Elected Members and others, if there are any Stray is in distressed or in need of medical help or rescue operation nearby your area. This APP will also highlight the status of the animal with respect to various Act is concerned e.g. IUCN; The Wildlife Protection Act, SPCA Act, etc. This Mobile Technology will be very useful as it will provide vital information in Real Time to provide all technical as well as Veterinary support to save the stray animal it may Dog, Cow, Cat, Tigers, Leopards, Whales, Dolphins, Turtles, Birds, Reptiles & others and the tool will immediately provide rescue assistance to the site. Reporting a Stray Animals directly through App with all vital information & updates along with Photographic Notification directly through an app on the stranded wildlife is a completely new concept and is very user-friendly. Reporting Stray Animals directly through App with all vital information & updates along with Photographic Notification directly through the app on the stranded wildlife is a completely new concept and is very user-friendly.

WILDLIFE REPORT RESCUE APP (WRRA) FOR LEOPARD – HUMAN CONFLICTS MITIGATION:

This app will be very useful for reporting the sighting of wild animal like leopard, tiger, lion, bear or other, which will help the forest department to take the corrective measures to prevent the Human-Wild Animal Conflicts.

TIGER – LEOPARD HUMAN CONFLICTS MITIGATION

The Wildlife Report Rescue App is a breakthrough technology to prevent Leopard or Tiger Human Conflicts Mitigation in and around National Park. The App is designed for keeping in mind the challenges faced by SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park) during the Leopard Rescue & Conflicts Situation.

Ø  Users can report a sighting of the Leopard with Photo Capture Technology along with GPS location with multi-lingual options viz. Marathi, Hindi, English, etc.

Ø  Forest Rescue Team / SGNP Rescue Team can reach the site of the Leopard conflict at the earliest with smart reporting system which automatically connects the user with forest department/police department & etc to control mob during Leopard – human conflicts

Ø  Sensitization of the public on Leopard – human conflicts would be done digitally through this technology

Ø  WRRA will help the Forest Department with corrective measure to prevent Leopard – Human Conflicts in a smart way

Ø  Forest officials can be informed about illegal poaching, wildlife crimes in real time with photo evidence which will save time and help in capturing the poachers

Ø  Any latest technology news on Wildlife Technology will be shared for public education, forest official education and will act as instrumental tool in public education & awareness

Ø It will also help in pre-planning for managing the Leopard or wildlife conflicts in National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

We are looking for funding support for this APP

Coming up Chapters …..

CHAPTER 4.

SHELTER FOR STRAYS

RURAL DEVELOPMENT’

Women healthcare & sanitation

Rural healthcare program

Sustainable livelihoods program

CHAPTER 5.

Adya Krantiveer VASUDEV BALWANT PHADKE RURAL SPORTS ACADEMY

[c4nindia-blog]

ABOUT THE FUNDRAISER

Somewhere on the outskirts of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is a 12-year old girl who has never seen an actual tiger.

Worse: she’s never seen a rupee of the gate fees, guide tips and lodging costs from the thousands of tourists that have.

Govardhan Meena and Kids For Tigers are working to change that.

Why Kids For Tigers?

KFT is a national organization that uses the charisma and natural appeal of the tiger to turn kids into advocates for the environment at large.

Over a million KFT kids have carried a simple message across the country, in conversations with their families and congregations on New Delhi:

By saving the tiger, we save our forests;

By saving our forests, we save our rivers, our climate, and ourselves.

It is about the tiger, but it’s also about so much more. Tigers regulate the complex food webs that are essential to healthy forests; these forests act as sinks for harmful carbon, and sieves for healthy rivers. Tigers also bring tourism revenue that can transform remote communities.

Why Ranthambore?

Ranthambore is conservation ground zero. One of the original nine tiger reserves established in 1972, it’s still the most iconic. Even as tigers went extinct in neighbouring Sariska, they continued to thrive in Ranthambore, alongside leopards, wolves, caracal, hyena, sloth bear, crocodiles, and millions of other assailed Indian life forms.

In the early 2000s, KFT decided to take its mission out of the cities and to the front lines of the war to protect nature. Kids in tiger country have the most to give the movement: they’re the future forest guards and tour guides and field biologists and green teachers.

They’ve also got the most to gain – with the right resources, they can free themselves from the cycle of poaching and poverty. They can take their rightful place as conservation leaders, stepping into roles that have been dominated by city kids with access to fancier degrees.

And so, KFT opened its first “tiger reserve” chapter… in Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore.

Why Govardhan?

Govardhan Meena, KFT’s local coordinator, is a conservation legend. In the last one year alone, he has interacted with over 30,000 kids and almost as many adults in the villages around Ranthambore. Through secondary exposure, his message has reached 1,74,650 people across the reserve. That’s more people than all of Shimla.

He drives around in his Tiger Express, the Magic School Bus of India. Kids get on that bus and find themselves tracking tigers on safari, planting trees and reforesting degraded lands, cleaning up underserved villages, showing off their artistic skills in competitions, chilling with tiger-themed movies… and receiving much-needed, free healthcare services.

Govardhan runs all that and still finds the time to rescue trapped wild animals for the local Forest Department.

The Part Where It’s Not About Me But I Make It About Me Anyway:

Full disclosure: I’m one of those “degreed city kids” that get the jobs that should be going to the Ranthambore community. KFT Mumbai introduced me to the Indian jungle in 2000 and sent me on a canter into Ranthambore in 2002. Since then, I’ve received every imaginable form of backing from the organization in my conservation career. KFT, and its selfless staff, never forget. It’s a lifelong support system.

Ranthambore’s kids have been able to benefit from at least some of that over these past few years. Now, as KFT weans the program off its current corporate sponsor, Govardhan needs your $ to keep his sustainability workshops sustainable. This is a personal request to join me and give what you can to keep the Tiger Express roaring.

Funding goal: Rs. 1 for each person he has reached in Ranthambore.

In Collaboration with: Ketto

Published In: Ketto

[Keep yourself updated at]

C4N India’s Facebook Page

www.c4n.in

[You can also share your story on]

c4n.india@gmail.com

Share Your Story

CONTRIBUTE NOW