The Book That Led Me to the Forest

Yesterday I came across an interesting interview by Kerala Speak as part of their Service Speak series, featuring Adheesh R, who recently retired as a Range Forest Officer of the Kerala Forest Department. This interview reminded me of a book which was the idea behind this blogpost.

Almost fifteen years ago, as a schoolgirl, I read The Wilderness Family. It was my first introduction to the life of a forest ranger, the wilderness, and the extraordinary bond that can exist between humans and wild animals. Back then, buying books wasn’t something I was allowed to do. This one found its way to me only because a relative visited our home and accidentally left it behind. It’s one of those books that can quietly spark a lifelong curiosity about forests, wildlife, and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting them like forest rangers. For many young readers, it’s less about the plot and more about the feeling it leaves behind: a sense of wonder and a desire to understand the natural world a little better.

Ever since, I’ve been deeply curious about forests and wildlife especially Kerala’s. I’ve always wanted to befriend someone from the Forest Department not just to hear stories of the wild, but to understand their lives, experiences, and the lessons that come from living so closely with nature.

That curiosity only grew stronger after a memorable experience in 11th standard, when my school took us on an educational trip to Eravikulam National Park. We spent three days at a forest guest house and trekked through the park’s core zone. The evenings were filled with fascinating sessions conducted by forest officials, and I still remember being taught how to react if we ever encountered a tiger or a wild elephant during the trek.

It’s one of those experiences that has stayed with me ever since.

If your are a Keralite and is interested to watch such interviews I suggest you, a 11 part Vetinary doctor interview on Safari Channel (Dr.Arun Zachariah- Chief forest veterinary Officer of Kerala) and another interview on The Podcassette Show of Dr.Vinod Kumar he is the first pet clinician who used FNAC for cancer diagnosis in pets- this wasn’t about Wild life experiences yet we get to see a version of human who is in love with animals.

Do comment if you have any suggestions.

 Farhan Akhtar was 18 when he wrote this poem. I happened to listen to him reciting it, on Simi Garewal`s rendezvous (2003). I searched on the internet to find the whole piece of this poetry but it was unavailable so I decided to post it on the web for those who are in need of some burst of thoughts.


You've grown into a fine young tree
The pride of the neighborhood
Standing tall
Flashing green
Home to all your insect friends.

Oh..How everybody loves the tree!

Then suddenly a day appears in pain
An axe chopping through your flesh and blood
You look down
You recognize the face.
Its the man who nurtured you, caressed you.
Its the same man who gave birth to you.

Oh..How he loved the tree!

One final chop
You lye still,dead.
The green fades
The insect leaves
The neighborhood cheers
They get a better view of the sea now.

Oh..how they love the sea! 

The Green Leaf

I wonder when such a dawn would rise

That sees the sparkle in a woman’s eyes

Coz I can’t stand the way she cries

So it’s high time that we be wise

For centuries she was caged by guys

And made to believe all their lies

She wasn’t allowed to reach the skies

But even in lows she dreamt of highs

Her life was surrounded by the spies

Some her own, some other with no ties

Someday we’ll have to pay the price

For all the agony that led to their demise

The green leaves that falls and dies.
-D