About the Book
Book: ‘Kabini on my Mind: Musings of a Naturalist’
Author: Vikram Nanjappa
Publisher : Notionpress
Discover the inspirations, experiences and insights behind Vikram Nanjappa’s compelling wildlife narratives in Kabini on my Mind: Musings of a Naturalist
Vikram Nanjappa likes to be described as an interested and well-informed amateur. He draws inspiration from the band of men called the Orientalists, most of whom were amateurs. Like them, his field of inquiry is ‘Man and Nature; (with an emphasis on Nature) whatever is performed by the one or produced by the other’.
Vikram’s first exposure to wildlife came through the shikar tales he had heard from his friends while studying at Mayo College in Ajmer in Rajasthan, one of the country’s oldest and celebrated institutions of learning. Vikram cites the writings of Billy Arjan Singh and Jim Corbett as having played a pivotal role in inclining him passionately and committedly towards wildlife.
After completing his Bachelor’s in History and Political Science from St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi, Vikram joined the tea plantations. It was during the thirteen years he spent in Kerala and the Duars of West Bengal that he found the opportunity to hone his twin hobbies of wildlife and photography. In 2002 he moved to Kabini and took up organizing wildlife tours full time. He is one of those rare gems who managed to turn his passion into a rewarding and fulfilling vocation.
After leaving Kabini, in a manner of natural progression, Vikram ventured into the field of wildlife conservation (Non-profit Organization Management) with the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation for a few years. He also explored the world of fashion as a freelance writer and as a photographer. His current avatar is that of a marketing professional.
Vikram avers that traditional knowledge and field skills coupled with good science and common sense is the best way to understand, expose and preserve our wildlife, which is alarmingly on the decline. He strongly disapproves of what he calls the ‘tabloid portrayal’ of wildlife, where aberrant animal behaviour is highlighted to reinforce false myths and stereotypes. This has to be eclipsed by an attitude of respect and reverence for the animal kingdom if we are to continue enjoying sightings of our wild brethren in their natural habitats.
In an informal chat, he talks about his book and more …..
Firstly, let’s hear about your book….
In the winter of 2002-03 I found myself in Kabini managing a farmhouse that was taking its first baby steps towards becoming a wildlife resort and if you had asked me a year earlier if that was where I saw myself a year hence, I would have laughed in your face. As the 1900s turned to the 2000s I was happily living on the Bhutan border, managing a tea estate and indulging in my love of photography and wildlife.
I did not know then that the previously dreaded but now forgotten Y2K problem would culminate in me reaching Kabini in the middle of the night to discover that my quarters had an outdoor toilet without a door. Not wishing to make a fuss, I decided to tackle the problem in the morning by catching the first available transport out. As day broke and I got my first look … the rest, as they say, is history.
I was shortly joined by my wife Gowri, my daughter Tara and our dog (a St Bernard mix) Bernie. We later added another member to our family – Bruno, a dachshund. In Kabini I eagerly embarked on the next phase of my wildlife journey, exploring the forests and honing my skills as a Naturalist. Up until then I had been happily engrossed in tackling the human-elephant conflict prevailing in the Duars and keeping track of the resident leopards on the estate. I enjoyed my wild life in the Duars, observing elephants and, to a lesser degree, leopards.
We stayed in Kabini for nearly ten years, finally leaving in 2011 when I had become the Chief Naturalist at Evolve Back, and Kabini had become one of the premier wildlife destinations in India.
This book is a compilation of various musings, natural history notes, opinions and incidents that occurred in Kabini during my stint there. While they are arranged in no particular order, they were written as they occurred and accurately reflect my mood, opinions and emotions as the incidents played out. A lot of water has flowed by since but I have resisted the temptation to ‘update’ them as I feel hindsight is not always a good thing – it can be unfair to those who actually lived through the moment.
How did you get the idea or let’s say inspiration behind the book?
During my childhood my interest in wildlife was fueled by wildlife books written by various authors. Most of these books were written by western authors and were mostly about Africa. As I grew up, I realized that a lot of researchers from the west were writing and publishing ‘popular’ books about their research experiences while at the same time imparting knowledge on wildlife in a very easy to absorb manner. This unfortunately was missing in India and information on Indian wildlife was difficult to get. Sometime ago I realized that instead of complaining maybe I should write a book on my experiences as a naturalist in Kabini.
What is the target audience for the book?
The book is a compilation of various incidents that occurred during my stint and written in a very easy to read manner – the aim was to cater to both young adults and adults. It is also targeted at those who are not into wildlife as well as those who are. It’s not really targeted at hardcore wild lifers – but I am sure they will enjoy the stories.
Any specific aim of writing on this subject?
The idea is to get young people interested in wildlife by presenting facts in an easy to read format. The chapters are independent of each other and easy to digest, the book can be read at leisure – it’s not a heavy and laborious read. With today’s declining attention span this was a deliberate move on my part.
Your favorite chapters?
I love elephants and I think that comes out very strongly in the book. My favorite parts are the ones about elephants – the following chapters in particular:
Spirit of Kabini
A Trunk Full of Tales
A Tale of Two Giants
The Amphitheatre of Life and Death
You had mentioned the book is not tiger centric?
I have purposely not focused too much on the tiger – I feel that too our tourism industry is too tiger centric to the detriment of other species. There is much more to Indian wildlife and therefore I have given more attention to other lesser known and charismatic species.
Any personal opinions / beliefs you have shared in the book?
Yes, I have also touched upon my personal beliefs which are not quite conventional but at the same time tried not to sensationalize aberrant animal behavior reinforce false myths and stereotypes.
Are you a Critique of current trends in wildlife guiding?
It ends with a mild critique (Last Chapter: The Mystic Naturalist) of the current trends in wildlife guiding which I feel is getting too ‘professional ‘with scripted storytelling and more. I hope that this critique will be taken in the spirit it is intended and lead to a more mindful approach to guiding.
Is this your first book ? Were you always into writing ? You wanted to be an author ?
Yes, it's my first book. I have always enjoyed writing and maintaining an online blog for a long time. I also briefly freelanced as a writer, writing articles on wildlife and men’s style. Also dreamt of writing a book so one dream was fulfilled.
Why Kabini ?
I spent nearly ten years of my life in kabini. I know it very well and it’s my home jungle. It’s my karma Bhoomi as far as wildlife goes
How and when did you become a naturalist?
I became a naturalist in 2003 when I decided to quit my job as a tea planter and work in the wildlife field. As I was not ‘qualified’ to do research it was the only viable option for me.
How has your journey been as a Naturalist ? Pls share a couple of milestones or anecdotes to share.
It was great. The biggest learning was when my boss Krishan Prasad or KP for short who is a great wildlifer himself advised me to ditch my camera for a pair of binoculars. Best advice I ever received- the learning that followed was stupendous.
Also getting the opportunity to interact with Dr Ullas Karanth and other such greats.
My outlook and philosophy towards wildlife was formed and greatly influenced by these individuals.
What did you enjoy the most about the book ?
Writing it. I love to write.
What next ? Which book ? What subject?
Nothing definitive but I would like to write something from a foresters perspective about the day to day challenges of managing a national park in India.
