Shawshank Redemption
Oft in the midst of noise and haste, one tends to forget that there is a battle going on, a quiet, stealthy battle waged against that which cannot speak in its own defence – Nature. Irreplaceable ecosystems are being lost, too many species are going extinct to keep a count, and others are at the brink of extinction… floods and droughts have become permanent ‘seasons’ across the globe. And in this face of aridity and hopelessness, we have Earth Heroes who give silent Nature a voice, while risking their lives everyday for us. That is what makes them out of the ordinary. They give us hope for a better tomorrow. For our children, and our children’s children… For this, we honour them.
Earth Heroes Awards for the year 2001
Qasim Wani
Retired Forest Guard, Dachigam National Park in Kashmir, sacrificed all to patrol and protect the Himalayan home of the Himalayan home of the critically endangered hangul deer. In the course of his long and dedicated life, he has tackled poachers, been attacked by black bears and taught animal behaviour to virtually all scientists, wildlifers and children who have visited Dachigam.
Gopal Chandra Tanti
Laboratory Assistant, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve His life is spent in boats and walking the muddy creeks and mangroves of the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve.
Tejvir Singh
Field Director, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Singh has helped restore life and security in Sariska, a forest plagued with more than its fair share of problems ever since its inception. He was Field Director of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in the early 1990s and has been the Field Director of Sariska since July 1996. He has been working with the NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh to stop the rampant illegal mining. For his wisdom, warmth and perseverance, his dedication and valour, we honour and recognise this valuable green soldier.
Biswajit Mohanty
Honorary Wildlife Warden, Dhenkanal, wildlife activist, Mohanty networks with groups across the country, and immediately comes to mind, when issues regarding Orissa crop up. Orissa's 'one-man army’, Mohanty became the first Secretary of the Wildlife Society of Orissa in 1994.
A.M. Annaiah, IFS
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagarahole, he joined the Karnataka Forest Department in 1982 and, battled illegal sandalwood and timber smugglers in the Shimoga district. He has helped consolidate the protection and management of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. As DCF Chikmagalur Division he launched a record number of cases against well-connected coffee planters and encroachers. He also helped resotr several anti-poaching camps.
Nitin Kakodkar
Deputy Conservator of Forests in charge of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, he has boosted the protection and management of the prime tiger habitat. The results of his efforts are bearing fruit, with tiger sightings increasing in frequency. His approachability to all, dedication and understanding have earned him praise from NGOs, senior officers and government officials alike.
S. Rangaswami
Tall, with a ramrod-straight figure and binoculars strung around his neck, 80-year-old S. Rangaswami seems to be living proof of Sálim Ali’s observation: “Those who watch birds need not age.”
Rangaswami’s range of interests is wide. Birds, however, are his overriding passion.