Those were the days! 1

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”– John Muir

Once asked, as to when I embarked on my ‘wildlife journey’ – I was unable to answer because as-far-as I can remember, my earliest memories are predominantly about forests, travelling with my father and/or uncle (my mother’s elder brother), reading or just sitting – looking at nothing and everything and at the same time not missing anything.

My entire demeanour goes through a change from inside and being in a forest makes me cry – absolute and sheer joy – with tears that only I can see and feel. Something happens!

Most people (at least in India), when asked about their interest in wildlife, talk about being influenced by the writings of Jim Corbett. It cannot be denied that I too have thoroughly enjoyed reading Corbett and others but I grew up reading books written by my maternal grandfather.