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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]

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In Conversation With: Zankhana Mehta, a wildlife short-film maker talks about her journey

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”…!!!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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CHAPTER 3: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION WITH INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY BY MYVETS

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

[rujvie07]

Conservation of Himalayan Birds Habitat Through Community Participation in Western Himalayas, India

ABOUT THE FUNDRAISER

Welcome my friends to my fundraising webpage on Ketto. I am Virat an Environmental Biologist from New Delhi. I completed my education from Delhi University from where I got trained in understanding the natural ecosystem. During my PhD research work, I carried out field studies on mountain birds in Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Himachal Pradesh, India to understand the impact of dam building on their habitats. Ever since then my interest in the field of environment and ecology deepen. As a result, I carried out field studies on bird monitoring in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. I have been engaging local youth in conservation science by giving them short training in bird identification and vegetation sampling.

Western Himalayas is known for its rich avian diversity and is an important bird area as identified by Birdlife International. The region is amongst 200 Global Ecoregions and inhabits some rare and Threatened bird species like Cheer pheasant, Alexandrine parakeet, Himalayan griffon, Western tragopan and Himalayan Quail.

Considering this the region is of high value from the conservation perspective. However, we have witnessed rapid modification of rural as well as city landscape owing to increasing human population and various developmental activities like the expansion of villages and towns, construction of roads and dam building in Himalayan mountain regions. Such activities will degrade and affect the quality of bird’s habitat.

The target of this project is to identify rural and town areas of Himachal Pradesh where dam building activity has significantly degraded the natural habitats of Himalayan birds. E.g. Parvati Hydro Power Project in Kullu and Chamera Hydro Power Project in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh where dam building activity has been carried in since 2000. As these both projects lie close to protected areas, therefore, their impact on habitats of Himalayan birds need to be investigated further. In order to achieve this, I will identify a group of native people and provide them training in the monitoring of birds using standard published protocols. Environmental awareness programme will also be launched to educate the local youth and Gram panchayat. Later these individuals will collect data and the results will be shared with Gram Panchayat and local level authorities including Forest Department wherever necessary.Suggestions will be provided for taking necessary steps in restoring degraded habitats and ultimately promoting bird diversity in their respective villages. The project will not only provide livelihood to rural youth but will also help in conserving birds outside the protected areas.

We are raising the money as the collection of field data require frequent travelling to distant places. We will also purchase and distribute binoculars and relevant books to students. The team member will be recruited on daily wages basis and food allowance will also be provided.

This is an ambitious project and requires monetary support.

In Collaboration with: Ketto

Published in: Ketto

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[rujvie07]

“I’VE BECOME NUMB SINCE THAT FATEFUL DAY. I DON’T EXPERIENCE ANY HAPPINESS OR SADNESS ANYMORE” – HUMANS OF DELHI

“I’ve become numb since that fateful day. I don’t experience any happiness or sadness anymore”

“As a child, I belonged to a family of limited means. When my father couldn’t fulfil my demands, he would pacify me by saying that I’ll experience happiness after getting married. He’d say that my husband would keep me pampered by taking good care of me. I realised that he was right when I got married in 1983, but just after a year, the 1984 riots happened. The mob burnt alive all the male members of our family including my husband. I would run to save one of them but then they’d catch hold of another one of them. I kept running around in circles to help but couldn’t save anyone. They started throwing my 1-year-old son amongst each other by holding his limbs but later left him alive after assuming that he’d not survive for long. Luckily, he did survive. However, he’s developed gaps between the bones on his wrists and ankles, which don’t allow him to put stress on his limbs for too long.

“I’ve been doing a clerical job at a bank for almost 3 decades now. I’m able to make ends meet for my family, but unable to heal the scars of my family members. What else can I do? I just spend most of my free time sitting on this chair outside the house and keep myself engaged in a productive activity like knitting. I’ve become numb since that fateful day. I don’t experience any happiness or sadness anymore. Life is just moving ahead aimlessly, but I’ve at least learnt to put a smile on my face.”

This is a part of the series which the Admin of the page, Humans of Delhi had run with 31st October to bring stories of people who survived the anti-Sikh pogrom which happened in Delhi in 1984. These stories of agonising injustice were lost in the abyss of time.

31st October is the feature film which attempts to initiate a conversation on this issue.

In Association with: Humans of Delhi

Published in: Humans of Delhi

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“I’M GOING BACK TO END OF THE WORLD” – MISSION ANTARCTICA: V2.0 – KETTO

Antarctica had been my dream for over 4 years. I was 14 when I first got introduced to Robert Swan. Ever since, I was amazed by the idea of going to the icy continent, not only to see how beautiful it is but also to go there with an agenda- SAVE THE ANTARCTIC. I had been inspired since I was 14 to do this, and I was 18 when this dream finally came true!

We were 143 diverse people from 30 different nations. All of us came from different cultures, all of us fought our own battles, but for one thing that was common and most important was our aim of going to the Antarctic- which was to help protect our environment and help combat Climate change. We were accompanied by some of the best Leadership mentors and Environmentalists from across the globe, which not only inspired us but also showed us the right track and what we as common people can do in our own way to contribute to the betterment of the environment. Those 15 days were the most incredible days of my life.

REASONS I WANTED TO BE A PART OF THIS LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE, again?

Having been closely associated with TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) and TETRA PAK, I understand the importance of Antarctica’s deteriorating ecosystem. I wanted to experience and learn more about Antarctic and the effect that its melting will have on the environment, globally. That will empower me to become a Global Crusader to stand firmly by the cause of saving the Antarctic and hence the Global Environment. To imbibe the values set by 2041 and “Leadership on the Edge” program and sensitize the World especially the younger generation to become more aware of the depleting ice cover of the Antarctica and further motivate them to become crusaders too.

Our aim on the last expedition was to learn about climate change, sustainability and energy use- and how they affect us worldwide and what we can do. While we stepped on the continent, a team consisting of experts from companies like ‘Shell’ and ‘3M’ tested the solar panels. The thought behind doing so was to promote the use of renewable energy.

This year, we plan to scale up on our knowledge download and experiments. The expedition that’s heading to the Antarctic soon this year will be heading to the heart of the continent where the expeditioners will camp on the ice and will survive totally on renewable energy. This means that if people can survive successfully on renewable energy on this icy continent, then we can definitely live here in our own countries and cities through renewable energy.

Why would you fund me?

Valid question. Well,

Handpicked from over 6000 applicants worldwide, TWICE in 3 years.

My initiative “Cycle to Recycle” did media rounds, catching the eye of Robert Swan, OBE, himself.

Speaker at a TEDx talk on “International Antarctic Expedition”

2041

2041 was founded by polar explorer, environmental leader and public speaker Robert Swan, OBE, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South Poles. Swan has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica by the promotion of recycling, renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.

We build on Swan’s dedication by informing, engaging and inspiring the next generation of leaders to take responsibility, to be sustainable, and to know that now is the time for action in policy development, business generation and future technologies.

In Collaboration with: Ketto

Published in: Ketto

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[rujvie07]

NO SELLING OF FIRECRACKERS: NEED TO BE OKAY WITH IT

Sticking to the traditions is not the only way to showcase your love for a particular religion and being against should not be considered the disrespect towards it.

The ban on selling of firecrackers in Delhi has triggered many arguments and different logics.

In one of the speeches by Leonardo DiCaprio who runs a foundation to work for the long-term health and well-being of all Earth’s inhabitants quoted that Climate change is the scientific fact. There is no argument about it.

But such cases where the rules are passed and citizens violating it shows that we need to give a serious eye and ear to issues like Climate Change and Global Warming because we don’t seem to be much serious about it. It may be because we don’t see the glaciers melting with our own eyes or we haven’t faced the extreme conditions of drought in person or we haven’t witnessed the major migrations of many species to find ideal environment to survive or haven’t had to go through the increased precipitation in the region where you live.

But what about the drastic and abnormal changes we experience in the environment affecting our regular lives? What about the introduction of a variety of disease in living beings due to inconvenient weather? What about the lacking of natural resources affecting your daily life? What about the effect of it on your social, physical and economic conditions? Aren’t they enough to get alert and see the change in climate with our bare eyes?

Now in such extreme condition, the Supreme Court bans the selling of firecrackers to try to restrict the noise and air pollution which are considered the prominent factors causing climate change. And what do we do? Relate it to a religion and snap at the people supporting the decision along with openly breaking its rule. Are we serious?

Why the ban on something which has been the part of our ancient tradition and culture? It is purely because of our insensitive and excessive way of celebrations in the name of rituals. Tell me there is no selfishness in humans’ expressions towards the festival/rituals. I mean I don’t see the need of Bollywood peppy numbers to be played during Ganesh Visarjan. Do you ever even consider the residents around your area of celebration? They can have toddlers or older people or patient who might not be able to tolerate such high-frequency noise.

And what about the regular days when you feed cows the leftovers? We have made the cattle our scavengers in the name of worshipping them.

We need to be more sensitive towards the issues which are affecting our environment and the humankind. We are supposed to be helping hand. Let’s not relate every single issue to politics and religions. Sometimes, humans need to be secular to come up with a solution. Let’s work collectively and let our efforts lead towards saving the Mother Nature. Let it be our priority for the sake of Mother Nature and future generations.

Image Courtesy: Google Search

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A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER WHO BROUGHT THE CONCEPT OF ‘METRO-DOODLE’ TO INDIA

“Being inspired by the subway doodle, I started my own version of it, drawing over the photographs that I take while travelling.”

Thousands and lakhs of people travel in Metro in their routine lives. You may find them reading, listening to music, talking to the fellow passenger, or just leaning doing nothing. But wait; there is a man who draws in the Metro.

Samar Khan is a software developer. Doodling has been his hobby. You can define doodle as a rough drawing made absent-mindedly (as per Google).

But in Samar’s doodles, he adds his own creativity in each doodle he creates. I found stories in it. He has brought the concept of ‘Metro-Doodle’ to India. And it is loved and appreciated by people all around.

Let’s hear it in Samar’s words:

“I’ve been doodling all this time since I was a kid. I have never been to any art school. It started with doodling on the last pages of the notebooks during the school. You can always find something in there. As I spend so much time in my commute, and there is so much that keeps happening in my head, I thought of bringing it to life through my drawing. Being inspired by the subway doodle, I started my own version of it, drawing over the photographs that I take while travelling. Metro-doodle basically started for me to put my time in travelling to some use. One thing is that I was able to create Doodles for people to enjoy and another was that it was a daily practice for me to work and improve my skills.

“Things have been changing. I now take art related freelance work too that I work on my weekends.”

Why Metro?

“As I travel almost every day in the metro, giving a couple of hours from my day in commute, I thought it would be great to put it to some use. As I draw in the metro, I prefer my artwork to be based on the metro. There is no reason for it though. It’s just that the metro scenes are the scenes that I see every day and there is always something to draw on.”

What inspires you to doodle?

“There isn’t any specific area the inspiration comes from rather it’s a mixture of so many things. The stuff I like to watch, read and think about; the people, the conversations and almost everything. The metro gives me a huge canvas to imagine things and draw. When I am creating my artwork, I try to keep it different from reality. Science fantasy and fiction have always been my preferred genre of choice for TV, movies, books and games. All these creatures that I use in my artwork come from here. It’s fun.”

On his choosing this unique art of Doodles:

“The purpose I create these is to entertain people. Doodling these makes me happy, keeps me entertained and the people I draw these for enjoying it. That keeps me going. And I will keep creating as far as people will keep appreciating and enjoying my creations.”

How do you create it?

“There isn’t a fixed process for me creating my doodles. But it starts from capturing photographs. Sometimes, the doodle idea comes first that inspires me to click a particular scene. Sometimes, the photograph inspires my doodle. Once I know what I need to draw, I import the photograph into my drawing application in my phone and I start sketching. It usually takes me around 3 4 hours in total to finish one.”

Tell us something about the characters you choose for doodling:

“I draw monsters and aliens because humans are boring! I used to love thinking, reading, watching about space and extra-terrestrial life. I still do. I try to keep my doodles a little different from reality, to give them that fantasy look which takes you to some other world for some time giving you a break from reality.”

How was the response from people?

“When I started, I never expected metro-doodle to become this big. It was unexpected. I had no plans when I started. And I have no plans as well. Earlier, I used to do it for myself, but now I do it for my audience and I just want to keep creating for them. – My work has been received very well on Instagram. People appreciate my work. And that keeps me going! Things have started to change for me since metro-doodle has gained popularity. And I constantly try to impress my audience even more. For an artist, it feels great to have an audience to showcase his work. And I am lucky to have such a big one. Let’s see what’s waiting for metro-doodle down the line!”

Your favourite doodle till now:

“Well, there are many. But the one in which there is a monster giving a hug to a sad man is my favourite so far.”

You can see Samar's work here:

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/metrodoodle/

Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/metrodoodle/

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CHAPTER 2: PROJECTS OF MYVETS

In the earlier episode of MYVETS, we had the introduction of MYVETS CHARITABLE TRUST & RESEARCH CENTRE, the founders, its origin and initial phase. Dr Madhurita Gupta, Wildlife veterinarian and President of “Myvets Charitable Trust & Research Centre” talked about their journey, difficulties & turning points, strength & support, climate change & the awareness about it. Also, she had shared their best experience and talked about the volunteers.

Their extraordinary skills and determinant passion is inspirational & their philanthropic journey is beyond academics, profession or even personal goals evolved with time & hard work in spite of all criticism, challenges & sacrifices and today they are standing with a mission to conserve wilds of INDIA though Myvets Charitable Trust.

Together they have sailed the boat against all the tidal waves to break the traditional practices in wildlife conservation and have made the Wildlife innovations acceptable worldwide with the technological revolution in wildlife conservation.

In this episode, they talk about the states and countries their projects are undergoing, plus the various sectors they work in. The details of the projects are also talked in detail here.  

In how many cities and countries do you work?

Our conservation and wildlife projects are undergoing in various states in India from Jammu to Kerala wherein we have made self-sustainable eco-friendly India’s biggest Aviary for Exotics species in 2 Acres for E3 THEME PARK for birds in foothills of Wayanad, Kerala for exotics birds conservation, protection and proliferation in the natural environment.

In Maharashtra alone, we have given 3 patented wildlife technologies like 1. Wildlife Rescue bike for Tigers at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Rescue Bike for Leopard – Human Conflicts Mitigation at Thane forest and most importantly “Wildlife Rescue Ambulance for Leopard – Human Conflicts Mitigation at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in association with esteemed organization TATA TRUSTS.

We have been extending our research and innovation under outreach in various countries like USA, UK, Netherlands and various other countries where our wildlife conservation projects and inventions have got great applaud, scholarships and recognition.

Our work in Wildlife Conservation # Reptile Conservation & Tiger – Leopard – Human Conflicts Mitigation is widely covered in reputed International Media like BBC and we have been instrumental in bringing the Wildlife Technologies to International platforms and Making India Proud at the global level with the social innovations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05fzdsb

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03k95sh

In how many and which sectors do you work?

MYVETS INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS PVT. LTD – START-UP COMPANY into zoo consultancy, Zoo designing & Wildlife Technology Development.

MYVETS CHARITABLE TRUST & RESEARCH CENTRE – A NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION – Social Innovations, Wildlife Technology Development, Rural Empowerment, Sustainable Livelihood Programmes for Tribal Community Development , Species Conservation, Marine Mammals Conservation , Tiger & Leopard – Human Conflicts Mitigation in National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries , Gynaecological Health Awareness, Paediatric Care in Forests for Tribals.

MYVETS REHAB & RESCUE CENTRE – This set up is established under the direction of Hon’ble Bombay High Court and is supported by the State Forest Department of Maharashtra. It works closely with Forest Department & Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB ) Western Region for keeping the wildlife & Exotics Species captured & saved from illegal trafficking for the successful rehabilitation & veterinary care. So far the centre has successfully rehabilitated hundreds of Star Tortoises to their natural habitat in Bannerghatta National Park in the association of WCCB.

SHELTER FOR STRAYS – DEVGAD – This project is working for Rabies Control, Animal Birth Control Programme and to provide immediate emergency veterinary care, In-Patient Care and Ambulatory Services for injured & distressed stray animals and birds in the Sindhudurg.

List of our projects and wildlife conservation work:

PEACOCK HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT

Peacock conservation project was initiated by “Shri CH Vidyasagar Rao”, Honourable Governor of Maharashtra. This project is financed by TATA TRUSTS and implementing organisation is MYVETS CHARITABLE TRUST & RESEARCH CENTRE for the National Bird Protection Programme under “Species Conservation Project” at RAJ BHAVAN, Mumbai.

SEMI – WILD ENVIRONMENT – OPEN

OPEN AVIARY: The fencing is increased to 12 feet. Thus, the area is protected against the mongoose, reptiles and rodents. SAND BATH PITS: The small white sand bath pits are developed for the peacocks for taking the sand bath. ARTIFICIAL FEEDERS: The artificial feeders are designed in such a way that the mongoose and other rodents will not reach the top and compete for peacock feed. ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL NESTS: The nests are provided in the semi-protected area so that the peahen can complete the incubation of the eggs successfully without disturbance from rodents. WATER BODY: Waterbody is provided so that peacocks can get the clean water for drinking as well for grooming. ISOLATION & TREATMENT WARD: The isolation and treatment ward is provided so that the peacocks can be kept in this isolation & treatment ward during the treatment, till they recover from illness or injuries. KITCHEN & STORAGE ROOM: The kitchen and storage room is created for storing the grains, and other feeds for the peacocks. The incubator is also provided so that eggs which are abandoned by the peahens can be incubated in the artificial incubator.

MYVETS TRUST WORK AT SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK, BORIVALI, MUMBAI

ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT OF EXHIBTS

Myvets Trust was officially taken on board in Sanjay Gandhi National Park to provide consultancy for the well being of the Man Eater Rescued Leopards and to provide proper veterinary healthcare management to them.

PROBLEMS

Captive Man Eater Leopards were obese They Had In- Grown nails due to the lack of physical activity and lack of any kind of enrichment in the captivity. Exhibiting Stereotypic behaviour SOLUTIONS

Surgical removal of In – Grown Nails Enrichment was provided to prevent any kind of stereotypic behaviour in them.

“Two new wildlife technology coming up in For Forest & Ranthambore for Lion & Tiger conservation by Myvetd Trust which is going to be revolutionary.” WILDLIFE VETERINARIANS IN ACTION

MYVETS TRUST has worked with dedication & saved many endangered species during emergencies and provided the best wildlife care and management.

SNAKE CONSERVATION TRUST

OBJECTIVES

Conservation of Asian Reptiles of India REPTILE RESCUE BIKE Prototype – R & D King Cobra Conservation Breeding Programme Women Reptile Conservation Unit Reduce response time during reptile rescues INDIA’S FIRST GLASS SNAKE PARK

Under the Myvets Trust, we have designed and conceptualized the India’ss first Glass Snake Park and got the approval for Master Layout Plan from Central Government to keep this old Reptile Park.

LOCATION: KOLHAPUR

OBJECTIVES

To develop State – Of – Art REPTILE PARK IN INDIA Education & Awareness on Reptile Conservation King cobra conservation breeding Rescue & Rehab for snakes of India

DOCUMENTARY ON LEOPARD – HUMAN CONFLICTS MITIGATION IN INDIA (WATCH IN www.c4n.in)

Read  CHAPTER 1 here. (http://www.c4n.in/articles/episode-1-myvets-and-the-founders/)

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WHEN WILL WE STOP CATEGORIZING HUMANS?

Humans can also be categorized in many manners. What? Don’t you believe me? Well, you too are, maybe one of them…

On seeing a kid who is just a few months old, how do you react? “Oh… How cute he is!” Right. That is the instant reaction. But what next? “He just looks like his mommy or daddy!” True.

What next? “He has got his mother’s complexion, no?” There you are! I proved my point, milord!

By the ‘complexion’, you mean, ‘skin colour’ or ‘skin tone’. In short, black, white, or wheatish! (I wonder, if ‘wheatish’ is a type of complexion, then why not ‘rice’ish? Just saying!)

That kid has not even uttered his first word, and you have put him in a particular category. This is the issue among the kids of the same age too:

“There was a group of boys playing in the garden. One kid ran to his house, crying and calling his mommy. He started complaining that the rest of the boys were calling him ‘black crow’. The mommy came to his rescue and scolded the other kids and told them to play peacefully.”

The issue is not solved yet because this shows the mentality among the kids of such young age. This is not a healthy condition. If we, ourselves are already having the ‘complexion’ factor in our mind, then how is it possible to keep our kids away from it?

Now, the kid grows. He goes to school and after a certain age, he faces the world of competition. He is put in the race of marks, scores and numbers. A healthy competition is good for the progress, but it can also be proven dangerous if they are not taught that marks are not everything:

“In my school, there was a scholar student. He was so used to with this word. Standing first in exams was not a new thing for him. Everybody praised him. He was an ideal student for the rest. For the higher studies, he went to the new school in the new city. There he came across many students who were better and brighter than him. He had to face even tougher competition. Maybe he was never prepared for it. For him, the competition increased. Someone who was habituated with the highest marks and 1st rank was now struggling to survive in the competition. He was too shocked to handle this healthily. So after a few months, he got severely depressed.”

How many of you teach the kids that proper training, teaching, knowledge, and excellence is more important than marks and 1st rank? (I am talking about ‘before-watching-3 Idiots’)

How many of you have never scolded your kids on getting a low score?

How many of you have never done any kind of comparison between your kid and his classmate/friend/competitor?

And now, the same question in different tone,

Have you ever patted your kid on getting marks which are slightly closer to the marks of the ranker?

Have you ever said “It is Okay” with a smile to your kid on getting the lowest score just not to let him down more and give him a strength to perform better next time?

Have you ever told your kid to go and discuss with his friend/classmate/competitor about his methods of preparation instead of comparing him to them?

Think about both the sets of questions. And don’t answer. Just think.

“Does your kid talk? In which language? English? How smart!”

Why does smartness depend on the language? The kid speaks. That is important. He communicates. He loves to talk to people. He loves to ask questions. He is curious about things around him. He wants to know more about everything possible. Sometimes, you may be short of words, but he never is! Agreed? Then why the language is a barrier?

This was about the kids. Now put yourself here. A group of people is discussing something in English and on asking, you have to speak, and you fumble a little. You get conscious. And try to speak as stylish language as possible. And how can we forget the accent? Our love for the particular accent is not hidden anymore. We give the tongue a hard time just to speak a sentence! Well, it also depends on your choice and comfort, but why to do this just to make yourself fit in a particular category?

What do you notice in a stranger? His appearance? Attire? In short, clothing? Flaunting a name or two of some international brand is way enough to make your point. Attire is important. It is important for your self-confidence more than anything else. You may notice someone by their attire but you come to know them actually only after talking to him for some time. Your judgments based on the attire could be proven all wrong sometimes.

“Cars make statements.” This is the common mantra of the car lovers. But as far as I remember, it is a vehicle which is used to travel from one point to another. This is how a primary requirement of any vehicle sounds like. Then why to put someone in a particular category based on the Sedan or SUV he owns?

Why do you ask someone’s full name even if you are not a teacher, officer or anyone who is supposed to do some paperwork, registration, or any materialistic work with the person? You are just a passerby, then why do you want to know the last name? How does it matter? On hearing the last name, we directly connect it to the particular caste and then the religion he belongs to and if we are confused, we directly ask. Why? Just to convey your good wishes, why do you need to know his caste? Well, this one is still unanswered even after trying to figure this one out many times. But still asking the same again and again!

There are many more factors which make people put you in the particular categories, for example, your gadgets, your job, the people you hang out with, the places you visit for vacations, and many more surprising ones. We all are the “victims” of such situations as well as the “makers” of the same situations. It just depends on time, thought and mindset.

The final question is,

“When will we stop categorizing Humans instead of prioritizing ‘Humanity’?”

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[rujvie07]

END SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN INDIA – KETTO

ABOUT THE FUNDRAISER

Let’s Get On!

We have begun marching.

We are marching to make sure that a child is not abducted every 6 minutes.

We are marching to stop a minor girl child, from delivering a baby.

We are marching to stop trafficking of children into bonded sexual labour.

We are marching to express our moral outrage at this scourge and end it here and now.

Our Bharat Yatra has one goal – we want to express our outrage towards and stop all instances of child sexual abuse in India.

Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi is leading his team at the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation to reach out to every Indian and have them pledge to stop every instance of Child Sexual Abuse and Child Trafficking. It is a pledge to listen to the silence of these children and fearlessly challenge their perpetrators – it is a warning that we are watching and listening and we will track them down. In doing this we are asking for you to be alert, aware and act when you sense sexual violence against children.

Our journey is ambitious but exciting. We will cover 11,000 kilometres and 22 states to touch every Indian we can and tell them about our cause. We will not rest till 10 million people have pledged their support and joined us. Some of our partners have already offered us places to stay and others have arranged our food and water. We will travel to and cover 200 towns and villages during our Yatra. We believe that in places where we don’t know where our shelter or food will come from – you will come forward and pave our way with your generosity, commitment and support. We know that there will still be places where arrangements may not be made – there will simply rely on the grit and resilience of 150 crore marchers. We will at all times and galvanize each resource to be able to assure that our 150 core marchers walk these seven routes. We know when we are tired we will be carried by the power of our cause. We will be staying at schools, hostels, dharamshalas, but we will march on and finish the Yatra on Oct 18, 2017.

We want you to walk with us, talk to us about this pledge, and commit to us that you will be a part of building an India that does not, will not, and cannot tolerate sexual abuse and violence against its children. We have planned to raise 50 lakhs to complete this Yatra and we need your support today to meet this target. Join us, lend us your voices, so that children’s voices can be heard across India. Help us meet this commitment – we owe to our children.

#makeindiasafe

In Collaboration with: Ketto

Published in: Ketto

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