With improved technology and a much greater appetite among the young for books to remind them of the wonderful biosphere in which they live, it is heartening to see how many new, high-quality publications are emerging from within India. Here are two books that Sanctuary believes should be in every public library and in the homes of all those whose hearts beat to nature’s drum.
The Light of Wilder Things
By Ishan Shanavas
Published by Stark World Publishing
Paperback, Pages: 265, Price: Rs. 499
As he crawls through thickets to set up camera traps or travels on local buses to reach remote forest villages, sits quietly on a hill near a school as the sun sets or takes off alone into Himalayan forests, Ishan Shanavas doggedly searches for his north star, his raison d’etre. This debut book by the 21-year-old is a wonderfully detailed, vulnerable and candid coming of age story – a real-life story – as the naturalist-explorer-author-researcher evolves from being an enthusiast to finding his path as a student and learner, lost in the light of wilder things, discovering something worth living for. I would highly recommend it for any young person remotely interested in the wild, for Ishan showcases the wonders of the natural world and the many ways one may connect with it, or dive head first into work that makes a difference.
The memoir is punctuated with illustrations and photographs by the author, a multi-faceted person determined to forge his path. The chapters follow him chronologically over seven years. With a style reminiscent of a diary, a blog, and a book, Ishan shares his observations and insights about the wild and himself. “I wrote my story not because I made any earth-shattering discoveries, but because the natural world holds a spellbinding power to transform lives, as it did mine,” he writes, and, “If my words inspire you to pause and contemplate a world larger than our own, I will be content.” Ishan has also already authored two field guides, and contributed to publications such as Sanctuary Asia, Nature inFocus, and Roundglass Sustain.
One aspect of Ishan’s life is a highlight in my perspective – his family, his parents, who created the space and provided opportunities for him to bloom. To know about a school like Rishi Valley (a Krishnamurti Foundation residential school located in a forested valley) is a blessing, but to be able to study there is truly a privilege. With his parents working on water conservation projects in rural Ladakh, he makes several trips to the fascinating landscape, absorbing principles and memories that will guide him for life. For instance, when he gets his scuba diving certificate in the Maldives, he ends up sparking a beach clean-up by chance! He goes out of his way to learn about his environment, from tracking elephant herds near their property to volunteering with countless researchers and organisations, learning with zeal. Ishan seems to be making most of his opportunities, and taking every moment seriously to shape his mind and soul in a way that this generation may take pride in.
Each chapter begins with an illustration, and a moving quote. He shares his influences throughout the book, such as wildlife doyens E.P. Gee, F.W. Champion, Kailash Sankhala, M. Krishnan, Bittu Sahgal, and Mahesh Rangarajan. The book can easily work as a guide and reference for aspiring wildlifers. I particularly like how he ends each chapter on a high that makes the book a page-turner – for instance a coveted writing scholarship. I truly enjoyed the turn of his pen, with fun ideas – “Agumbe is a land that God, if she exists, created when she was high.” He writes reflectively and honestly, even about transgressions such as breaking school rules to find wildlife! He talks about the presence of women in field research, the politics of language, and of course related subjects such as poaching.
The memoir ends with a lovely list of books for aspiring naturalists, ensuring that I will pass it on to my young nieces and nephews for inspiration and a great read!
Reviewed by Shatakshi Gawade
