It’s not just a coffee table book but a careful documentation of the changing scenario of wildlife in the country. While rummaging through the pages of wildlife photographer Baiju Patil’s new book Wildscapes, one gets a sneak peak into the wildlife sanctuaries in India and their precious inmates.
"From wild birds to animals, this book transports the reader into the forests of India. The book contains the memoirs of my jungle expeditions through the years. It contains images and stories of my tryst with various animals and birds at the Bandhavgarh National Forest, Pench Tiger Reserve Forest, Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat, Sukhna Dam in Aurangabad, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the Botanical Garden in Darjeeling,” says Baiju.
According to Baiju, the book is an attempt to create awareness about the fading wildlife sanctuaries in India. “Man is God’s smartest creation and it is our duty to protect nature and all its inhabitants. But we have failed in this regard. God has blessed us abundantly, but there are times when we tend to take things for granted. So it is imperative that we acknowledge the possibility of losing this treasure,” says Baiju.
The author is of the view that instead of encouraging a peaceful co-existence; human beings are out only to prove their supremacy, which at times results in disastrous ecological imbalances. “Now, the existence of our future generations is in grave danger. We must strive to set things right,” says Baiju who is trying to do his bit through Wildscapes.” Rajya Sabha member, Vijay Darda is also supporting Baiju in his efforts. He is involving students from his various educational institutes and is encouraging them to study wildlife and forestry, for starters.
