THE OTHER SIDE: Ashok Mahindra

Save These Species

Nature has created life on earth in such a way that everyone here has a role to play whether they are humans, trees, insects, birds or animals. There role are distributed in such a way to maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Humans being the most intelligent of all species in their quest to know to discover and to have more unintentionally or intentionally disturbed this natural balance which is resulting in extinction of some species. While we can't do anything to bring back the extinct species we can do many things to preserve and save the endangered species not for their sake but also for our own sake.

Ashok Mahindra in his book Capturing Wildlife Moments of India have photographed some endangered species of India to highlight the need of conserving them.

1. Bengal Tiger : What a PM is to India the Tiger is to the Jungle. He is the ultimate king. We have few tigers left in the country thanks to shrinking forests and increase illegal hunting. Although there are efforts to conserve them but still the threat of there extinction is not over. We all knew the famous story of formation of Sahara desert the mass hunting of carnivores increased number of herbivores resulting in eating up of all greenery of that area which later became reason for their own deaths when a green forest turned into a desert. Conservation of tiger is necessary to maintain the balance of nature and to restrict the extinction of other species of flora and fauna.

2. Gharial : Indian crocodile species is known as Gharial. They mainly eat small fish,insects and frogs. They are among the critically endangered species. Their conservation is must to save them from extinction. This species is beautiful example of nature's way of maintaining the balance. They are found in the regions favorable for fish growth, since their main diet is fish they keep check on the numbers of fish thus maintaining balance of that particular water body.

3. Indian Peacock : Only those who have seen a dancing peacock knew what others are missing. The joy felt by peacock in rain transfers to the onlookers with much high magnitude feeling their hearts with joy and positive energy. Their extinction would mean the end of that pleasure bestowed by nature on us. The peacock regarded as national bird of India need to be conserved for its beauty and purity. Its numbers are degrading in spite it being auspicious for many traditions which is alarming and needs our urgent attention.

Moreover these species are unique to India. There identities are associated with our country, when one see them one remembers India. It is for this reason that their conservation required collective efforts of the nation. Each one of us must understand their value and further instill love for them in our generations to come.

” I am participating in the Save the Species contest for the book “Capturing Wildlife Moments in India” in association with Saevus Wildlife India, read the reviews for the book ‘Capturing Wildlife Moments in India’ here “

Book Review : Capturing Wildlife Moments In India

Capturing Wildlife Moments In India is the coffee table book by Ashok Mahindra of The Hem Chand Mahindra Foundation. It contains 120 photographs of animals and birds of India, photographed from visits to over 30 parks,sanctuaries and other locations. It is being published by Oxford University Press(OUP) & Bombay Natural History Society(BNHS).The book will be available at most of the major retail outlets across India and also through online retail sites like Amazon, Flipkart etc.It will also be available for sale through the BNHS website and is priced at Rs.1450.

Cover : Half submerged Bengal Tiger is fascinating and captivating on the cover. This first image prepared you for the beauty of nature you are going to experience in this book. I can only imagine the hard work required for such precision and patience in capturing this image. Full marks for the cover. The rear image of a peacock is also superb.

Content: This book contains 120 photographs of animals and words showing rich heritage and range of wildlife and its habitats in India. I am allowed to show few images from the book which make you aware the kind of work in the book. It contains images of almost all animals and birds species unique to India which includes Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Rhesus Macaque, Little Egret, White Ibis, Crested Serpent Eagle,etc. Ashok Mahindra have covered almost all National Park and Bird sanctuaries of India like Corbett National Park - Uttarakhand, Ranthambore National Park - Rajasthanto, National Chambal Sanctuary - U.P, Bharat Bird Sanctuary - Rajasthan, to have these images.

Aim : The aim of this book is to create awareness of the real danger to wildlife in India and to promote the preservation of that wildlife by encouraging youngsters to appreciate beauty of nature so that they can understand the importance of forests and wildlife. We often see and appreciate wildlife on Discovery and National Geographic Channels and wish to see such animal by visiting Africa without knowing the natural beauty of our own country. This book brings you closer to Indian wildlife.

Verdict : This book is a must for every Indian household to inculcate in our children the interest in wildlife and nature which is must for the preservation of wildlife.

Rating : I would give it 5/5 for the dedication and quality.

"This post is a part of the book review program of at Saevus Wildlife India in association with The Hemchand Mahindra Foundation for the book Capturing Wildlife Moments in India"