Kirugavalu Village (Malvadi Taluk, Mandya District), KARNATAKA :
Passionate efforts
Farmer Syed Ghani Khan has brought back the use of traditional varieties even as farmers are lured into buying unsustainable varieties.
Some farmers have been the victims of forceful marketing and have opted for commercial varieties of rice and other crops promoted by seed firms.
In effect, they have switched from native varieties — which suit the soil and climatic conditions — to the ones that consume more water and fertilisers, and are easy prey for insects and pests. But it does not take farmers long to realise that the yield comes down after a few years, leaving the soil toxic.
Remedy lies in returning to traditional grains. But wooing farmers away from commercially promoted seeds, fertilisers and insecticides is a task.
Syed Ghani Khan, a farmer from Kirugavalu, a village in Mandya district, has been pursuing that task as a lifetime passion.
He has set up a museum in his village home by setting apart two rooms for the purpose.
He has conserved over 700 varieties across 15 and more acres of land. These crops are harvested carefully, and the panicles laden with grain are bunched, marked with names and numbers, and arranged systematically on the walls of the two-room museum.
Some of them are even stored in bottles to be given away to farmers around the village to experiment with the heritage crops they lost in the race to boost harvest with new varieties.
Khan is a graduate from Mysore University with a degree in Archaeology and Museology. After completing his studies in Mysuru, Khan joined his father in tending to his farm.
He was pained at the sight of farmers getting addicted to industrial products and giving up the traditional varieties and practices.
He took up the task of preserving traditional seeds in packets and supplying them to those who were converts to his cause. Yet, he was not satisfied with what he did. He thought he needed more systematic efforts to create awareness about the usefulness of the old varieties and the supply of seeds.
According to Khan, continuous onslaught of publicity for industrial farm products has misled farmers into switching over to newer seeds — be it cereals, lentils, vegetables or fruits. This has led to enmasse shift to high-yielding varieties like MTU-1001, IR-64, Jaya etc.
Khan says traditional varieties hold the key to sustainable farming that is less expensive, does not erode the fertility of the soil. “In our pursuit of bumper harvest, we have damaged the soil and have made paddy an aquatic crop, which it is not,” he laments.
He began collecting varieties like Rajmudi, Ghamgadale, Doddibatta, Parimala Sanna, Basmati, Ratnachudi, Gandhasale, Mysore Mallige, Jeerige Sanna, Burma Black, Rasakdam, Thai Jasmine etc in earnest. Several of these varieties harbour medicinal properties while others emit aroma while being cooked.
According to Khan, varieties such as Doddibatta, Ghamgadale and Biddi Doddi can be grown in farms that receive just one or two spells of shower.
Ratnachudi, HMT, NMS-II are high-yielding traditional varieties while Jeerige Sanna, Rasakdam, Gandha Sale, Parimala Sanna and Mugadh Sugandh turn aromatic while being cooked.
He says most of the seeds of paddy varieties collected by him have a shelf life of 18 months. In contrast to the practice of preserving seeds in freezers, he applied on-field conservation methods where no synthetic chemicals were used.
Propagator
Farmers from all over South India have been approaching him for seeds of the native varieties.
Shiv Prasad, who has a farm in the outskirts of Hyderabad, took seeds of nearly 200 varieties from him. He has since been a promoter of the cause in his region.
Khan maintains a meticulous record of all those who have procured seeds from him. During the last two decades, nearly 10,000 farmers have accessed supplies from him.
Krishna, a farmer from a village in Maddur taluk, is a regular visitor to his farms. Rachanna, from Hosamalangi village in T Narsipura taluk, successfully grows around 25 varieties in his farm. He had visited him a decade ago.
A corner of his museum displays several medals, certificates and awards. He was conferred with Krishi Pandit Prashasti by the Govt of Karnataka (2008). National Genome Seed-saver Recognition Award was conferred on him a year later by Plant Protection Variety Forum. Govt of Karnataka chose him for ‘Biodiversity Award’ in 2010, while Directorate of Rice Research in Hyderabad presented him ‘Rice Innovative Farmer Award’ for the year 2011-12.
Ghani Khan says one should not be surprised to find one variety being replaced by another after every 40 km as India is home to thousands of varieties of rice.
He says several of them carry medicinal properties.
He says while Karigajivili and Ambe Mohur from Karnataka are said to be good for lactating mothers, Navara of Kerala is good for those who have joint pain. While Mappillai Samba from Tamil Nadu improves virility, Mehdi is held to be good for healing of bone fracture. Khaima provides relief for those suffering from piles.
Mangoes, too
Ghani Khan has taken up the conservation of native varieties of mango, too. He has registered himself with the National Bureau for Plant Genetics, New Delhi.
He has trees that have been there in the family farm for the last six to seven generations. These trees yield native varieties like mosambi ka aam (tastes like sweet lime); seb ka aam (tastes like apple); pheeka aam (bland mango) for those with diabetes; kaale malghoba, bada gola; mangamari; manji bi pasand and mittmia pasand.
His family has been supportive of his efforts and to this day help him in maintaining their farms and marketing the produce.
Womenfolk of his family use paddy in making decorative art.
Syed Ghani Khan can be reached on 9901713351 or muhinuha786@gmail.com
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herala / Home> India> Karnataka / by M A Siraj / October 12th, 2019
In 2023, India issued more than 13 million passports, using about 468 metric tons of paper. Globally, about 100 million passports are issued each year, requiring about 3,600 metric tons of paper—the equivalent of cutting down about 86,400 trees.
At this scale, using recycled paper passports could save thousands of trees each year and greatly reduce environmental damage. These statistics were compiled by six-year-old environmentalist Roohi Mohazzab of Kerala.
In a handwritten letter to world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the heads of 195 countries, Roohi has asked the leaders to replace traditional passport paper with recycled paper to save trees and protect Mother Earth.
Roohi Mohazzab also set a remarkable global milestone by delivering the keynote address during the Global Conference on Education for a Sustainable Future (GCE 2026) at the United Nations Asia-Pacific Headquarters in Bangkok.
A Historic Moment for India Roohi Mohazzab’s invitation to a UNESCO-led global platform is not merely a personal milestone—it is a historic moment for India. It reaffirms that age is no barrier to leadership, courage, or impact.#RoohiMohazzab#Roohi#ClimateCompassionpic.twitter.com/GN4AcWhFIQ
Roohi Mohazzab has taken on a challenge that many adults might never even consider – to revolutionise the way passports are made.
Their idea is not only profound but also practical—a step that could make India the first country in the world to issue passports made from recycled paper, setting an inspiring example for global sustainability.
Roohi Mohazzab, a first-standard student of Common Ground International Academy, Kozhikode, was formally invited as a keynote speaker and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Impact Award winner.
The event was organised by the UNESCO Youth Education Research Centre and the Sustainable Development Council, which has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC.The conference was held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, on 11-12 February 2026.
At the conference, the young environmental activist spoke about the devastating impacts of paper use on forests and climate change.
He stressed that a common item like a passport, which is issued in millions every year, can become a symbol of sustainability rather than being harmful to the environment.
In a symbolic moment on the UN platform, Roohi officially launched her global initiative, “The Children’s Movement for Climate Action.” The foundation aims to foster environmental responsibility and civic awareness among children so that young minds can become active participants in climate policy and sustainability solutions.
Roohi was recognised as one of the world’s youngest environmental voices and is known for her impactful local initiatives.
Other initiatives launched on the occasion:
The Country Tree Project – Launched on World Environment Day 2025, aims to plant 10 million trees through one million school micro-nurseries.
Tree Bank Nursery Project – Inaugurated by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, which aims to create a green educational environment in 10,000 schools.
Recycled Paper Passports Campaign – At the age of five, Roohi wrote a letter to Narendra Modi and 195 world leaders, recommending eco-friendly passports to save trees.
The conference sent out a message that Children are not just the future – they are the present custodians of Mother Earth.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / February 18th, 2026
Assistant Professor Ejaz Ahmed further informed that the carbon nanotubes produced during the separation of hydrogen from methane are a high-strength material.
Jharkhand IIT-ISM students develop eco-friendly fuel by enriching coal bed methane with hydrogen.(Photo | Special Arrangement)
Ranchi :
Second-year students of the Chemical Engineering department at IIT-ISM Dhanbad have developed a technology to convert greenhouse gases like coal bed methane into environmentally friendly fuel, which can be used directly in CNG cars.
The eco-friendly fuel has been named as H-CBM (Hydrogen Enriched Coal Bed Methane). Chemical engineering students Kailash Krishna, Nitin Gaur, and Devashish Das, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Ejaz Ahmed, have also developed a hydrogen-enriched coal bed methane-powered car. Professor Alok Das of Mechanical Engineering Department also helped them in research work.
Coal-bed methane gas is released during coal mining. It is a dangerous greenhouse gas, considered to be approximately 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Ahmed said they are using a waste product that previously polluted the environment and creating an environmentally friendly fuel that can be used in any CNG car without any modifications.
Coal bed methane contains sulphur and methane, he said. “It is purified to produce pure methane. Then, a portion of the methane is cracked, through which hydrogen and carbon nanotubes are obtained. The hydrogen-enriched coal bed methane, produced through this process, can be used directly in cars as a substitute for CNG,” said Ahmed.
He further informed that the carbon nanotubes produced during the separation of hydrogen from methane are a high-strength material. They are used in bulletproof jackets and the steel industry. Its market price is up Rs 500,000 per kilogram, he said. The associate professor said that since carbon nanotubes are produced alongside hydrogen, the cost of the hydrogen becomes virtually zero.
Ahmed informed that the release of coal bed methane significantly increases environmental pollution. However, capturing coalbed methane offers considerable benefits. “Capturing 1 kilogram of coalbed methane is equivalent to reducing pollution by the same amount as 25 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which is crucial for environmental protection,” said the professor. It will prove to be a game-changer in the field of green mining, he added.
Second-year student Devashish Das, who is also a part of the research team, explained that CNG cars emit less carbon dioxide than petrol and diesel vehicles, but the emissions are not completely eliminated.
“Coal bed methane gas, extracted from the coal mines of Dhanbad, is far more dangerous. Considering this, hydrogen fuel has been developed from CBM,” said Das. Because hydrogen has a higher calorific value than CNG, it also provides better fuel efficiency for vehicles, he added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Nation / by Mukesh Ranjan / February 09th, 2026
Chhattisgarh, the youngest of Indian states, is a repository of culture and antiquity and also home to spirited people. Some of them have set the trends and become changemakers. Here, we present 10 Changemakers from Chhattisgarh, whose work, grit and initiatives not only set examples for their state but also changed the lives of millions.
These 10 personalities are establishing benchmarks across art, politics, education, science, health and social servicein the state.
Karan Khan: Superstar of Chhattisgarhi Cinema
Karan Khan is a superstar of the Chhattisgarhi cinema, popularly known as “Chhollywood.” His work extends beyond feature films into music albums, video songs and live cultural events. In recent years, he has appeared in hundreds of Chhattisgarhi songs and albums, many of which have gone viral on YouTube and other platforms, such as the “Ditto Karan Khan Mona Sen” album.
Born Syed Tahir Ali, Karan Khan worked from cinema and music to broaden his reach and fan base. He has been a strong advocate of raising production quality in the regional films. His upcoming filmis being shot on an Arri Alexa—a professional-grade camera rarely seen in Chhattisgarhi productions, which usually face limited budgets and access to high-end technology. Khan strikes a balance between tradition and contemporary presentation to meet the expectations of changing audiences.
Mir Ali Mir: Poetic genius
When you hear the lines “Nanda jahi ka re… kamra au khumari, araitutari…” one name instantly comes to mind: Mir Ali Mir. His real name is Syed Ayyub Ali Mir, but in the world of literature, he is popularlyknown as Mir Ali Mir. Famous for expressing deep thoughts about life in simple words, his ghazals portray love, longing and life’s contradictions, while his Chhattisgarhi compositions are steeped in the fragrance of folk life.
Chhattisgarh has always been fertile ground for literature, art and culture, and Meer Ali Meer carries this legacy forward. His writings strengthen the pride of the Chhattisgarhi language and give voice to the pain, struggles and sensitivities of common people. Born on 15March 1953 in Kawardha, Meer Ali Meer enriched the Chhattisgarhi language and gave it a new identity.He is not only a poet but also an indefatigable promoter of Chhattisgarhi literature, actively working to connect younger generations with the region’s poetry and verse.
Aijaz Dhebar: transforming Raipur
The story of Chhattisgarh’s transformation is incomplete without the mention of Aijaz Dhebar’s name. He is more than just the mayor of Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh; he is a symbol of struggle, commitment and secular politics.
Born in a modest Muslim family in Maulana Abdul Rauf Ward of the Old Raipur, Dhebar helped run his household while pursuing his education. “My circumstances didn’t hold me back; they propelled me forward,” he often says. In January 2020, he was elected Mayor of Raipur Municipal Corporation, defeating his opponent, Mrityunjay Dubey. “I never considered myself a representative of just one religion,” he says. Recognising his leadership, he was appointed National Vice-President of the All India Mayors Council—the first mayor from Chhattisgarh to hold this post. His message to youth: “Don’t waste your energy on hatred and negativity. Politics and society today need constructive, innovative young people.”
Dr.Saleem Raj: Restructuring Waqf Board
Dr.Saleem Raj stands tall among a few who have played a crucial role in Chhattisgarh’s minority politics and social reform movement. A long-time member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Raj serves as Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board, a position with cabinet rank.
His rise is not just a story of political success but of a man determined to transform religious institutions from centres of controversy into engines of social and national development. “Religious institutions should be partners in the nation’s progress, not centres of disputes,” he often says. Raj joined the BJP in 1992 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving at district, state and national levels in the party’s Minority Morcha. From 2016 to 2020, he chaired the state Minority Morcha, earning a reputation for Muslim outreach and consensus-building.
Tauqeer Raja: Accessible Politician
Tauqeer Raja embodies a rare blend of political activism, entrepreneurship, sportsmanship and cultural pursuit—serving as a model of dedication in Chhattisgarh’s public life. He is widely recognised as the BJP’s state spokesperson, a sharp debater, a successful entrepreneur, a sports and music enthusiast, and a committed social worker.
What sets him apart is his ability to pursue society, politics and business with equal commitment. He focuses on issues likeeducation, healthcare and employment, with special attention to integrating youth into the mainstream. Born on 15 September 1973 into a modest family, Raza displayed leadership qualities from an early age, excelling in studies as well as sports and cultural activities. Today, he is actively involved in all three fields and is known for his approachable nature—equally accessible to the public and party workers.
Dr Shams Parvez: Keeping air clean
Professor Dr Shams Parvez guides students and the public with an approach that blends scientific rigour with social responsibility. An expert in air pollution, environmental health and chemistry, Dr Parvez is one of the few scientists in Chhattisgarh to link academic research with societal needs.
His extensive studies on changing air quality in Raipur and surrounding areas have given policymakers a solid scientific basis for interventions. Defined by simplicity, rigour and dedication to students, he is a key figure in Chhattisgarh’s academic landscape for environmental protection. His research has been published in numerous national and international journals, informing state environmental policies and public health programmes. Collaborations with prestigious institutions such as NASA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences reflect the high quality of his work, through which he has led multimillion-dollar projects.
Dr Abbas Naqvi: Building a Medical Centre with a Human Touch
Dr Abbas Naqvi is a prominent name in Raipur’s healthcare sector. He is not just any other doctor but is known for his unmatched dedication, honesty and an unshakeable spirit of service. Dr Naqvi is among a select few who take their profession not just as a career but as a means to serve society.
In 2004, Dr Naqvi founded Ramkrishna Hospital, which has become one of Chhattisgarh’s leading multi-speciality healthcare centres. He currently serves as Director and Consultant in the Department of Medicine. Patients know him as a sensitive human being. Born and raised in Raipur, he chose to return to his hometown after completing his medical education rather than seek opportunities in larger cities. He treats thousands of patients daily using a blend of modern technology and empathy and compassion.
Mohsin Ali Suhail: Positive Reporting
Amid a changing media landscape, Hajji Dr Mohsin Ali Suhail has preserved the dignity, integrity and responsibility of the profession of journalism. He is one of Chhattisgarh’s most respected journalists, known for fearless, people-centred reporting and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Suhail hopes the next generation of reporters will retain honesty and care for depth in their stories. His advice: “Don’t just chase breaking news. Dig deep into society’s roots. Journalism means bringing change, and change comes only when we show the truth.”
Born on 7 May 1953, Suhail displayed curiosity and social awareness from an early age. He recalls deciding as a child that he would speak up whenever his village faced problems.
Shamsad Begum: Chhattisgarh’s Women Commando
Padma Shri awardee Shamsad Begum is living proof of how a woman’s determination can transform an entire community. With unwavering honesty and a focus on inclusion, she has built one of India’s most inspiring grassroots networks, empowering thousands of women in Chhattisgarh to live safer, more self-reliant lives. She is the driving force behind the women’s commando movement.
Her journey began in the small town of Balod, where she witnessed firsthand the obstacles women faced. “If I ever get the chance, I will work for women’s education and empowerment,” she resolved. Coming from a modest family, she drew inspiration from her mother, Aamna Bee, who balanced work and education to ensure all six of her children studied. Her impact was nationally recognised when she was included in the list of 100 Muslim women honoured for their role in India’s development.
Faisal Rizvi: A Lawyer with an Unyielding Sense of Justice
Faisal Rizvi has made his nameas a leading criminal lawyer in Raipur. His arguments, cross-examination skills and strong command of legal intricacies have made him one of Chhattisgarh’s most respected legal figures.
From a young age, Rizvi displayed keen observation and a natural inclination towards law, with a deep interest in social issues and legal awareness. Understanding the importance of nurturing the next generation of lawyers, he has distributed more than10,000 books on the Indian Penal Code and Constitution to law students in memory of his father. Born into a cultured, educated family, Rizvi completed his LL.B. from CLC College, Raipur in 1995 and later earned an LL.M. During his studies, he immersed himself in judicial perspectives, constitutional principles and the workings of society and administration.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa / October 05th, 2025
Lover of wildlife, celebrated hunter, sharp-shooter, tranquillising expert and more…
Dwindling forest covers, rampaging rogue elephants, man-eating tigers and man-animal conflict are all very frightening realities in today’s world, especially in our country. The Forest Departments across the country are faced with these huge challenges. In spite of their best efforts, the problems persist.
However, the solutions by a few who have grown up understanding wildlife like the back of their hand are hardly taken.
One such Wildlife Conservationist is Nawab Shafath Ali Khan from Hyderabad, who had been invited by the Jharkhand government last month to put down a rogue elephant that had killed 15 people. He is the most celebrated hunter and the only tranquillising and culling expert in the country.
He also runs a chain of resorts in Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu.
Star of Mysore Features Editor N. Niranjan Nikam travelled all the way to meet the Sharp-Shooter at his den in the midst of the jungle at the Safari Land Resorts in Masinagudi.
The Nawab opened his heart out for nearly two hours in this exclusive interview and spoke about royalty, how to manage forests, man-animal conflict, radio-collaring, culling, animal right activists and his anguish about the villagers and forest-dwellers. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): You are not only a Nawab at heart but also a real Nawab from Hyderabad. How much of ‘Nawabipan’ is still there in you?
Nawab Shafath Ali Khan: Well, in well-bred horses the genes carry on in the blood. So I am a Nawab. But I devoted my life to the cause of poor Indians who suffer silently, like forest-dwellers, tribals, aborigines, having lost their lives and property to wild animals.
SOM: You are the most celebrated hunter in the country. Where did it all begin?
Shafath Ali Khan: Hunting was a family ritual. And my grandfather Nawab Sultan Ali Khan Bahadur was Advisor to the British Government on man-animal conflict. I grew up at a time when the Wildlife Protection Act came into being and from controlled hunting the transition to a total ban on hunting was introduced in the country. With the royalty and nobility hanging up their hunting rifles there was a vacuum of traditional knowledge of tracking animals that had generated over generations. I tried to fill this vacuum and worked for saving India’s wildlife as a Conservationist. Hunting is a tool of conservation and all advanced countries across the world are practicing and encouraging controlled hunting and their wildlife is growing.
SOM: You are the only authorised tranquillising expert and culling officer in the country. When there is a Forest Department, which has a rich history, what are the Officers doing?
Shafath Ali Khan: As I said, traditional knowledge acquired over generations cannot be found in textbooks. The art of reading pug marks, identifying it as a tiger or tigress just by seeing it or coming to conclusions about the height of an elephant by measuring the circumference of pad mark of the forefoot is traditional knowledge. Rulers had Shikaris who managed their forests with a vested interest of hunting. The rulers’ passion for hunting not only saved trees and grasslands but also kept a check on excess animal population. Unfortunately, after Independence forest management came into the hands of Officers who were bereft of ground realities. Large scale deforestation started and wildlife mismanagement reached its apex. Certain species grew in numbers beyond controllable figures like wild boar and blue bull. Across the country, tiger population reduced due to habitat destruction and revenge killings.
Large scale destruction is caused by elephant herds that have strayed considerable distances away from protected areas into agriculture fields. Neglected National Parks are overridden with noxious weeds like lantana and parthenium forcing our precious wildlife outside protected areas.
This is the crux of man-animal conflict that has frustrated farmers and forest-dwellers; giving them no option but to poison or electrocute elephants. According to project elephant figures, there were 15,700 elephants in the country in 1980 and today we have over 32,000. The forest cover on the other hand has reduced. The think-tanks who manage wildlife in the country did not plan this explosion in elephant population resulting in excessive man-animal conflict that we face today.
SOM: As a boy of 19 years you were in Mysore Race Club (MRC) as Assistant Secretary. How did this happen?
Shafath Ali Khan: My grandfather was India’s senior-most Handicapper (a person appointed to fix or assess a competitor’s handicap, especially in golf or horse-racing) and my father was Senior Stipendiary Steward and Secretary of Bangalore Turf Club (BTC).
High taxation on horse-racing was killing the industry and both BTC and MRC were finding it difficult to even pay salaries to their staff. My father Nawab Arshad Ali Khan started off-course betting between BTC and RWITC (Royal Western India Turf Club) in 1977 and this gave a new lease of life to the racing industry across the country.
Jawa motorcycle factory Founder Farookh Irani whom I always called Uncle Irani, Chairman of MRC, in consultation with my dad, started off-course betting between BTC and MRC and soon the fortunes of MRC blossomed. MRC was setting up photo-petrol cameras to record the races and I was sent, raw out of school, to Mysore to identify where the twin towers of the cameras had to be installed. I was already a National Champion in Equestrian sports and a top rider in the country. When I finished identifying the setting up of photo-petrol camera towers, having worked under Uncle Irani for a week, he decided to absorb me under MRC and I had the good fortune of learning from him. I was there for three years.
The crux of the man-animal conflict today is that old, weak and handicapped species are pushed out of the forest by the younger and stronger animals. These animals before they could create havoc were eliminated. The village folks were happy, revenge killing was never heard of and we didn’t have elephants straying into private lands like Hassan and Coorg like we are facing today.
Star of Mysore (SOM): The fight between humans and elephants, in other words man-animal conflict is resulting in shocking number of deaths. Planters in Kodagu are facing the heat with their crops being destroyed because of huge elephant menace there. What do you think can be done about this?
Nawab Shafath Ali Khan: The problem is not only in pockets of Karnataka but across the country. Any wild animal requires space. We cannot comprehend compressing them into smaller forest areas. With the number of elephants increasing in the country, the land to animal ratio has gone haywire. National Parks are not being de-weeded and cleared of noxious weeds; to provide enough fodder to the elephants and to restrain them within the parks. Hungry elephants are forced to stray out into agricultural lands for their survival.
Elephant is wise to the fact that nutritional value is found more in sugarcane, bananas, paddy and jackfruit compared to what it gets in barren government-controlled forests. So the Department is putting animals under tremendous pressure. This pressure is changing the metabolism of elephants making them aggressive, attacking people and raiding crops with impunity.
This man-made pressure on elephants and tigers have changed their psychological persona and they are also attacking humans. We have left the problems drift so much that it’s hard to find a win-win situation at this point of time. Anyway my thinking after spending 40 years in the field is that 70 per cent of our wild elephants are outside the forests. This is a very alarming figure. There is no shortage of fund as far as Forest Department is concerned. We are sitting on Rs. 35,000 crore of CAMPA (Compensation Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Funds. The States can utilise this money and have an elephant-proof trench all around government protected forests. All stray elephants outside this trench will be herded in or translocated.
The carcass of the man-eating leopard stretched out on the lawns of Thunag Rest House in Himachal Pradesh.
Wildlife management and human habitations have to be compartmentalised. Solar powered borewells have to be erected every 5-km radius within the National Parks. Clean and sufficient drinking water should be provided to the animals. However, the hard decision that we need to take but from which we have drifted for decades is, how many animals can survive in the relatively small National Parks and buffer areas.
Excess animals sadly will have to be culled not only for their own survival but also to maintain a healthy forest. Overgrazing and over-browsing is casting tremendous pressure on our precious forests.
SOM: There is a story that late Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar fell in love with the Land Rover you were driving and bought it. Is this true?
Shafath Ali Khan: Yes, it is true. We were all fond of cars and I had a Land Rover that I had maintained in immaculate condition. The Prince (as Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar was called by many who were close to him) fell in love with it and wanted to buy it. But, I was reluctant to sell it. Soon, the Prince and the Princess (Pramoda Devi Wadiyar) came to attend my wedding and the Prince brought a Convertible Red Triumph Sports Car which he gifted to me at the wedding. Now, I had no option but give my Land Rover to him. He enjoyed the Land Rover and I and my wife, newly-married, thoroughly enjoyed the Convertible Sports Car. Prince was very close to me and I was one of the few who had access to the gun rack that was just beside his bedroom. I had the pleasure and honour of cleaning and repairing those beautiful rifles which belonged to the late Highness Jayachamaraja Wadiyar.
The young bridegroom Nawab Shafath Ali Khan (third from left) seen with (from left) late Sirdar K.B. Ramachandra Raj Urs, late Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, bride Begum Shaheen Khan, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and the Nawab’s mother Begum Arshad Ali Khan at his wedding reception in Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) in 1976. Picture right shows Jawa Factory Founder F.K. Irani greeting Nawab Shafath Ali Khan at the wedding.
SOM: Isn’t there a contradiction when you say nobility indulged in hunting but they also protected forests?
Shafath Ali Khan: It was a paradox that controlled hunting that had a code and a strict set of rules where only males of deer were shot subsequent to the breeding season. Old rogue elephants and dying tigers beyond breeding age were painlessly shot using high-powered rifles in the hands of our expert shooters. Survival of the fittest is the law in the jungle.
The crux of the man-animal conflict today is that old, weak and handicapped species are pushed out of the forest by the younger and stronger animals. These animals before they could create havoc were eliminated. The village folks were happy, revenge killing was never heard of and we didn’t have elephants straying into private lands like Hassan and Coorg like we are facing today.
Wildlife management was much better balanced compared to what it is today. Across the world animal population have reduced or gone haywire wherever government imposed total ban on hunting.
Meet Nawab Shafath Ali Khan- 3 (September 08th, 2017)
When Star of Mysore Features Editor N. Niranjan Nikam travelled all the way to meet the Sharp-Shooter at his den in the midst of the jungle at the Safari Land Resorts in Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu, Nawab Shafath Ali Khan and his son Asghar Ali Khan, drove this writer in the jungle in their American Jeep M-38 A1, a 1952 model four-wheeler late in the evening and it was a hair-raising experience as the young driver at the wheel negotiated the tough, lovely, Blue Nilgiri Hills range.
Both of them are attuned to every sight and sound in the forest even as the Nawab spotted two elephants and a calf at quite a distance instinctively. Later, the Nawab sat in his unique restaurant and for nearly two hours spoke freely in this exclusive interview about royalty, how to manage forests, the officials in the department, man-animal conflict, his views on radio collaring, culling, animal right activists and his anguish about the forest-dwellers and the villagers living in the fringes of the forest.
Star of Mysore (SOM): How much of preparation goes when you shoot man-eating tigers and rogue elephants?
Nawab Shafath Ali Khan: Bascially physical fitness and mental alertness are the major factors. A hunter is a complete man. He knows how to repair his vehicle, stitch his shoes in the forest, carry out minor repair to his weapons and who could read the forest, pick up the slightest sound and check the direction of the wind. Patience has to be in abundance. I don’t remember how many nights I have spent on a tiny machan on a tree in freezing cold and rainy night.
Tracking rogue elephants one has to walk 10-20 kms a day and this can be quite taxing. Preparing for these operations has become a way of life for me. I live on the most wildlife rich area of the sub-continent where I see wild elephants, tiger, leopard and sloth bear in my morning and evening walk. This keeps my mind alert and greatly helps in dangerous and close encounters with dangerous beasts that I have to tranquillise or eliminate as per government orders.
When Star of Mysore Features Editor N. Niranjan Nikam travelled all the way to meet the Sharp-Shooter at his den in the midst of the jungle at the Safari Land Resorts in Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu, Nawab Shafath Ali Khan and his son Asghar Ali Khan, drove this writer in the jungle in their American Jeep M-38 A1, a 1952 model four-wheeler late in the evening and it was a hair-raising experience as the young driver at the wheel negotiated the tough, lovely, Blue Nilgiri Hills range. Both of them are attuned to every sight and sound in the forest even as the Nawab spotted two elephants and a calf at quite a distance instinctively. Later, the Nawab sat in his unique restaurant and for nearly two hours spoke freely in this exclusive interview about royalty, how to manage forests, the officials in the department, man-animal conflict, his views on radio collaring, culling, animal right activists and his anguish about the forest-dwellers and the villagers living in the fringes of the forest.
SOM: There is no scientific basis in culling and it is not very successful in Africa as you claim, criticise a few. How do you react to this?
Shafath Ali Khan: There is no place for sentiment and religious connotation in wildlife management. I have been asked this question in several national workshops that I have attended. But when I ask them for an alternate solution no doable common sense approach has come forth.
I basically don’t like culling or shooting. I am now an authorised tranquilliser and resource person for six States and run an NGO ‘Wild Life Tranquil Force.’
SOM: What do you do here in the NGO?
Shafath Ali Khan: We are training front-line forest staff and veterinarians of six States in the country. I don’t see any alternative to scientific culling as far as our country is concerned. As an advisor and culling officer to Forest Department of Bihar, I have conducted several experiments to arrest the exploding population of blue bulls. Bihar is a fertile State with Ganges and several rivers flowing. The Gangetic plains are rich in crops. Overpopulation of the blue bulls from the forest, which consist of only 5 percent has found its way into agricultural fields causing as much as 35 percent damage to the farmers.
If at all there is a substitute to culling, it would have been adopted long ago and population controlled. Today UP, Jharkhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand are reeling under the problem of overpopulation of wild boar and blue bulls and no solution is in sight.
Animal right activists might have a vested interest. These organisations get funds from abroad and with politicians and muscle power they arm-twist the senior forest officers to do what they want them to do rather than what is in the interest of the country. They are often bulldozed to falling in line and let matters drift.
Don’t be surprised if the price of Dal becomes Rs. 600 a kg as blue bulls, antelopes deliver two calves annually and wild boar sow delivers anywhere up to 19 piglets in a span of three months. There are virtually no carnivores to control this population explosion outside the forest. So, what are we heading for is anyone’s guess.
Shafath Ali Khan with his son Asghar Ali Khan.
SOM: As a wildlife conservationist, what is your view on radio collaring of tigers and other animals?
Shafath Ali Khan: In my opinion it is an utter failure. The reason why I say this is, it affects the breeding of tigers. Because when the tiger mounts a tigress, he starts biting on the top of her neck and it is a natural instinct. When the radio collar is there, the tiger bites into the radio collar and finds something hard and abnormal and it withdraws. I have seen this phenomenon physically.
In Siriska Tiger Reserve, when they introduced tigers with radio collar there was no breeding at all and I had predicted this 30 years ago.
Each radio collar weighs almost 1.5 Kgs and when a wild tiger is all of a sudden burdened with it then his entire movement and body language changes. This famous tiger Jay, which was tranquillised and radio collared, his home range, which was 38 sq. metres before the radio collaring, increased to 58 sq.mtrs.
SOM: Why is that?
Shafath Ali Khan: When you have something implanted in an animal, then its entire movement changes and it may come closer to human habitation also.
Also, the battery life which is supposed to last one year, never lasts that long. For instance, in this tiger Jay in Umed Sanctuary in Maharashtra, the battery ran out in two months and it disappeared. It was a pretty tiger and later it even died.
Then each radio collar costs about Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh and the cost involved in catching a wild tiger is another Rs. 5 lakh. With all this operation, it does not come cheap.
There is my own experience of a leopard that I tranquillised in Gundlupet in Muntipara village. This leopard had a radio collar, which had gone dead long time back. This animal entered a house and but for my early intervention, the girl living in that house would have been dead. It was a problematic leopard which was caught, radio collared and released and it again entered human habitation. The biggest problem of radio collaring is it gives the Forest Department a false sense of temerity to release the animal that should not be released. As a result the lives of villagers and poor forest dwellers are shackled.
SOM: Have you had any near-death-like experiences as a sharp-shooter in all these years?
Shafath Ali Khan: The most memorable day in my life was on Dec.17, 1976, when I was called by Van Ingen and Van Ingen (the famous taxidermists in the country) to shoot a rogue elephant that had killed 12 people. Since, late Uncle Joubert Van Ingen (who, at the age of 100, had written a foreword to the book ‘Man-Eaters And Wildlife Challenges’ by the Nawab. He dictated the foreword at one breath without a single mistake!) thought he was too old to trace the rogue elephant, he requested the Forest Department to invite me to shoot it at H.D. Kote. I traced the elephant and shot it and this incidence is rich in my memory.
The other near-death-like experience I can recall was just last month, on Aug. 11, 2017, when I was invited by the Jharkand Government to put down a rogue elephant that had killed 15 people and we tracked it for three days in most difficult terrain and thick impenetrable jungle, the rogue tusker turned around and came for us.
My two trackers fled leaving the Veterinarian Dr. Ajay Kumar and me. I saw the 10-foot tall tusker from hardly 10 metres coming for us like a railway engine with a loud trumpet. He raised his head to grab me with his trunk covering the forehead which is the only vital spot to shoot at that close range. A wrongly placed shot would have ended me in a fraction of a second. I took him at 9 metres and shot him in the mouth. The heavy bullet from .458 Magnum brought him to his knees. But he tried to get up in a fraction of a second. Working the bolt fast I fired the second shot in between the eyes and brought him down painlessly and death was instantaneous.
I often strive hard to see that the animal is put out with least pain and agony. Shooting, for me is the last option, when all other remedies have exhausted.
SOM: What about the experience of shooting a man-eating tiger?
Shafath Ali Khan: In July 2017, I was invited by the Maharashtra Government to tranquillise a man-eating tigress that had claimed four human lives. I darted from a distance of 15 metres when she was galloping away. But the most hair-raising incidence was shooting a man-eating tigress in 2009 in UP, where I tracked her for 35 days and nights and shot her when she charged from a distance of six metres.
SOM: Asghar Ali Khan, your son is also an authorised shooter. So, the family tradition continues?
Shafath Ali Khan: Asghar, is an authorised shooter and a crack shot. He has a .470 double rifle on his licence and helps me in dangerous tranquillising operation. But he along with my wife Shaheen keep the fire burning and looks after our chain of resorts in the Nilgiris. Often when a long drawn operation is coming to a conclusion, I summon him to join me as a backup.
SOM: Running Safari Land Resort must be a great experience for you and your family?
Shafath Ali Khan: Definitely yes. The very thought of living in a deep jungle arouses a sense of bliss within me. Forests and wildlife are very close to my heart. Riding in the jungle every morning is a thrill that I have no words to explain. Safari Land has given what no other luxurious Palace in the world can give us.
SOM: But are you related to the Nizam family of Hyderabad?
Shafath Ali Khan: Yes, yes. We are from the royal family of Hyderabad. We were equal to the Nizams, like you had the Maharajas and Ursus in Mysuru. The Nizam married into our family, our daughters were given in the Nizams family. So we were equals.
SOM: How long do you think you can carry this crusade of yours as a hunter and sharp- shooter?
Shafath Ali Khan: My priorities are no longer shooting. Having worked for several assignments for the past four decades, I have been involved in 24 dangerous operations and have culled thousands of animals. No one in the country has shot as many animals as I have done. My priority is not shooting or culling any more. My focus is to help those five crore people who are living in 1,87,000 villages and the forests across the country in most adverse conditions. Since I have worked, stayed and eaten with them, I know what it means by hunger.
Several interior villagers are living in a state of anarchy, in constant fear of wild elephants that raid the villages, break their huts, and eat away their rations. Women with infants in their arms run in the middle of the night to the next village 3 kms away. There is no one to wipe their tears. This is fresh in my mind from Jharkhand. I sometimes wonder whether the Constitutional rights, the right to life and liberty is guaranteed only for the elite and not my brothers and sisters who suffer in silence.
My passion now is to work for them, get them the due compensation, get the government to erect solar fencing to protect them. I don’t charge the government for service and time that I give. Tears of gratitude from underprivileged forest-dwellers when I shoot down a rogue elephant or a man-eating tiger, give me energy to work for them for another 100 years.
[Concluded]
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by N Niranjan Nikam (3 part feature articles) / September 18th, 2017
FORGOTTEN HERO OF BHOPAL GAS LEAK TRAGEDY: The saviour Ghulam Dastagir, the Deputy Station Superintendent at Bhopal Railway Junction who saved thousands of lives on December 2 and 3 went unrecognised and was buried in the history.
Much has been said and written about the fateful Bhopal Gas Leak Tragedy in 1984 that claimed around 5,479 lives while affecting over six lakh people with serious skin disorders. However, the saviour Ghulam Dastagir, Deputy Station Superintendent at Bhopal Railway Junction, who saved thousands of lives on December 2 and 3,1984 went unrecognised and was buried in history.
Ghulam Dastagir’s case isn’t an isolated one as thousands of Muslim freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Indian freedom struggle were more often than not either concealed or forgotten by the Union Government on one pretext or the other. This scribe flipped through the pages of history to zero in on the world’s deadliest industrial tragedy which sent shockwaves among the people across the globe.
Even after four decades after the Union Carbide Factory gas leak episode, the scars still remain in the hearts of the victim families. What is irking is the fact that a memorial erected at Bhopal Railway Junction for 23 railway men, who lost their lives while rescuing people, have been inscribed but there is hardly any mention about Ghulam Dastagir who played a pivotal role in the rescue operations on the dreadful day.
Sources from various news portals revealed that a deadly gas leak from the Union Carbide factory engulfed the Bhopal city, killing thousands and injuring many more. Amidst the chaos and panic, one man acted swiftly and bravely to save lives: Gulam Dastagir, Deputy Station Superintendent at Bhopal Railway Junction. Few people know that during the Bhopal gas tragedy, a heroic stationmaster risked his own life to save others. But for him the causalities in the catastrophe would have been much higher.
On the fateful night of December 2, 1984, Ghulam Dastagir found himself in the midst of routine paperwork. Little did he know that this night would forever alter the course of his life. As the Bombay-Gorakhpur Express was due to arrive, Dastagir’s routine took a drastic turn when he sensed something was amiss. His swift action would soon prove to be the difference between life and death for many. Upon stepping out of his office, Dastagir experienced burning eyes and a bitter throat – a tell-tale sign that something was terribly wrong. Shockingly, he discovered the lifeless form of Dhurva, the station superintendent, in his cabin. Acting swiftly, Dastagir communicated with nearby stations to halt incoming trains, potentially saving countless lives. Despite the looming danger, he ordered the immediate departure of the Gorakhpur-bound train, ensuring the safety of its passengers.
As the deadly gas claimed the lives of 23 station staff members, including Dastagir’s own son, he and his team worked tirelessly to manage the crisis. Despite struggling to breathe, Dastagir remained composed, coordinating medical help, and providing a ray of hope in the face of impending doom. The station became a scene of chaos as large crowds desperately sought escape from the poisonous air, and Dastagir’s leadership became a beacon of strength.
While Dastagir’s selfless actions spared countless lives, the tragedy took a heavy toll on him personally. The toxic gas led to health issues, with a lump forming in his throat, and subsequent years were marked by frequent hospital visits. The heavy personal cost included the loss of his son to the gas and another developing a permanent skin infection. Despite the challenges, Dastagir continued to exhibit resilience until his demise in 2003.
At Bhopal Junction, a memorial stands in honour of 23 railway personnel who lost their lives on that tragic night. Unfortunately, Ghulam Dastagir’s name doesn’t grace the memorial, as his demise occurred nearly two decades later. However, during those critical hours in December 1984, Dastagir exemplified the truth in Gerard Way’s famous quote, proving that heroes emerge from ordinary people who rise to extraordinary challenges.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s series, “The Railway Men” made headlines based on the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984. Amidst the widespread acclaim for the show, this review reflects on one of the unsung heroes of that tragic night – the deputy station master of Bhopal railway station, Ghulam Dastagir. His extraordinary actions saved lives and offered a glimmer of hope in the face of an unimaginable disaster.
Shadab Dastagir, youngest son of late Dastagir, while speaking to a media in 2023, said that his father’s heroic role in the entire episode on Bhopal Railway Junction on the night intervening December 2 and 3, 1984, has mainly remained unsung.
“Little official acknowledgment and appreciation came his way in these four decades. And now when an OTT series has been made on the episode, it is upsetting that we were never consulted about the actual happenings,” he told The Week.
“I have watched the teaser and the official trailer and I can make out that the character being portrayed by Kay Kay Menon is based upon my father. But then we are highly apprehensive as to how much close to truth the character has been made,” Shadab, who is into the family business of chemicals and fertilisers, said.
He also mentioned that the family had already sold out the copyright of a script on Dastagir’s life and work – based on narration by his father himself during his lifetime – to a production house called Small Box Media. The Mumbai-based production house was planning a full-length movie based on the script when YRF cut in with the miniseries.
A forgotten hero whose sense of duty and commitment saved countless lives, Dastagir’s story deserves to be recognised and remembered by his fellow countrymen.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Social Service / by M Rafi Ahmed / September 02nd, 2025
In the bustling suburb of Mumbra, on the outskirts of Mumbai, a young Muslim woman is emerging as a fearless leader—breaking stereotypes, raising her voice for justice, and empowering her community through bold, grassroots activism.
“People often underestimate how critical basic amenities are,” she says. “But when citizens lack even clean streets or functioning drains, how can we talk about empowerment?”
Marziya Shanu Pathan is not just addressing civic issues—she’s rewriting the script for what political and social leadership can look like, especially for women in marginalized communities.
From an early age, Marziya has been at the forefront of local activism, particularly in areas where Muslim women have historically faced barriers to education, mobility, and leadership.
Marziya Shanu Pathan at a Public rally
Through perseverance and determination, she overcame those challenges, completed her education, and entered public life. Now, through her NGO, the MSP Care Foundation, Marziya is creating lasting impact, one initiative at a time.
Mumbra struggles with overpopulation, inadequate civic infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. Marziya works tirelessly to bring attention to these problems—rallying for better roads, clean water, improved sanitation, reliable healthcare, and quality education.
Through her Foundation, Marziya leads campaigns to clean drains, address waste management issues, and pressure local authorities to respond to citizens’ needs. She doesn’t just talk about change—she gets her hands dirty doing it.
In 2012, the world was shaken when Malala Yousafzai was shot for advocating girls’ education in Pakistan. That same year, in a quiet corner of India, 12-year-old Marziya Pathan led a march through the streets of Mumbra, demanding access to education for girls. That moment was a turning point—not just for her, but for many in her community.
Marziya Shanu Pathan at a Eye surgery camp organised by her Foundation
Since then, she has remained at the frontlines of social reform.
Marziya is the daughter of Ashraf (Shanu) Pathan, a dedicated regional politician in the Thane Municipal Corporation. The father-daughter duo has long worked to address the region’s pressing issues—from water shortages and garbage collection to healthcare and crimes against women.
But Marziya is not content to walk in her father’s footsteps—she’s paving her path. Her focus on youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and constitutional awareness has brought new energy to Mumbra’s civic landscape.
She organizes workshops in schools to educate students about their constitutional rights. She arranges monthly eye camps for senior citizens, ensuring access to free cataract surgeries for those who can’t afford them.
Marziya Shanu Pathan meeting common people during her campaign on civic issues
Two years ago, a video of Marziya managing traffic during Ramzan went viral. Wearing her hijab, she was seen directing traffic late into the night in the congested Mumbra-Kausa market.
“After Mohammad Ali Road, Mumbra hosts Maharashtra’s largest Ramzan market,” she explains. “Women come from far-off areas to shop. We, the women of Mumbra, took it upon ourselves to ensure their safety and convenience.”
That viral moment wasn’t just symbolic—it was transformative. It showcased a new kind of leadership: visible, grounded, and unafraid.
Marziya’s foray into politics is not about power—it’s about purpose. “When I talk to people or address their issues, I don’t just see myself as a politician. I see myself as a citizen standing up for others,” she says.
Marziya Shanu Pathan with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut
Marziya initially aspired to be a government officer and moved to Pune to prepare for competitive examinations. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she returned to Mumbra where after watching her father serve during the crisis made her take up social work as full-time work.
She believes more women must enter politics—but acknowledges it’s not easy. “Patriarchy and rigid mindsets create obstacles. But women who persist, who claim their space, can change the narrative,” she says.
“I admire every woman who carves out her identity, no matter the field. It takes courage and resilience.”
Quoting the findings of the 2009 Sachar Committee Report, Marziya points out that Muslim neighborhoods remain critically underdeveloped. “Not much has changed since that report. It’s our responsibility to bring attention to these gaps,” she says.
Whether through organized protests, petitions, or direct engagement with officials, Marziya ensures that issues like education, sanitation, and women’s safety stay at the top of the agenda. Her efforts have already led to the resolution of several long-standing civic problems in Mumbra.
Though born into a politically active family, Marziya has never relied solely on that legacy. Instead, she has chosen the harder road—working alongside the people, from the ground up.
Marziya Shanu Pathan courting arrest
Her courage, vision, and consistent community engagement have made her a role model, especially for young Muslim women and girls.
Marziya Pathan is more than just an activist—she’s a symbol of what young leadership in India can look like: principled, people-first, and fearless. Through constitutional values, civic engagement, and community-led solutions, she is reshaping not just Mumbra, but the larger discourse around women’s rights, minority representation, and participatory democracy.
In her quiet determination and bold action, Marziya proves that true leadership starts not in offices or headlines—but in the streets, schools, and hearts of the people.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Bhakti Chalak / July 09th, 2025
Three decades of selfless environmental work in the lush hills of the North East have become a beacon of inspiration in the region
New Delhi :
While Manipur continues to recover from the scars of communal violence, a quiet yet powerful story of hope has emerged from the lush hills of the North East. Anees Ahmed, a humble resident of the Bualjang Hills, has become a beacon of inspiration in the region, earning the title of ‘Green Hero’ for planting over one lakh trees in the past three decades.
At a time when the world races towards rapid modernisation and faces the harsh realities of climate change, Anees has chosen a different path, one rooted in soil, seeds, and selflessness.
Born and raised in the Bualjang Hills, often referred to as the jewel of the North East, Anees developed a fascination with nature from a young age. “I was always curious about trees, plants, and the mysteries of the forest,” he said.
Now in his fifties, Anees has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to greening his surroundings — not for fame or money, but for the pure love of nature. With no external support, no government grants, and without access to advanced facilities such as greenhouses or water tanks, he continues to nurture thousands of saplings from his modest home nursery.
Remarkably, Anees funds his entire campaign from his own pocket. He uses traditional, eco-friendly methods to collect seeds and cultivate saplings. “Each seed I plant, I treat it like a child. I make sure it grows strong,” he explained.
His nursery has produced and planted more than one lakh trees, while over 40,000 saplings have been distributed free of cost to individuals, schools, and village groups across the region. “What I do may seem small, but if many of us do it together, it becomes big,” he said with a smile.
From remote hilly terrains to urban public spaces, Anees’s green footprint can be found in every corner of Manipur. His plantations dot school campuses, roadsides, cremation grounds, and local parks. “In the early days, I focused on neglected public spaces like crematoriums and roadside areas,” he shared.
Over the years, he has also organised numerous plantation drives, particularly involving children and villagers. “I believe educating the next generation is the key. Once they start loving trees, they will protect them for life.”
Anees’s methods are as grounded as his values. Instead of relying on expensive tools or technologies, he uses simple techniques like seed balls — a method of enclosing seeds in a mixture of clay and compost, which are then scattered across barren areas to encourage natural growth.
“These methods are cheap, effective, and easy for anyone to follow,” he noted. “You don’t need to be rich or educated to plant a tree. You just need care.”
In a state often marred by ethnic tensions and civil unrest, Anees’s story offers an alternative narrative — one of unity, peace, and environmental stewardship. While violence has driven many to leave or take sides, Anees chose to stay rooted, literally and metaphorically.
“The hills are my home, and I owe something to them,” he said. “No matter how dark things get, nature always offers a path forward.”
Initially a lone effort, Anees’s campaign has gradually evolved into a small but growing movement. Inspired by his unwavering commitment, many locals have joined hands with him in recent years.
“His work gives us pride,” said Lalramsanga, a school teacher in Imphal. “He’s not doing this for publicity. He’s doing it for the earth, for our children.”
Another supporter, college student Anjali Devi, echoed the sentiment. “He made us realise that saving the environment isn’t someone else’s job — it’s ours too.”
Manipur’s ecology is under increasing pressure due to rampant development, illegal logging, and shifting cultivation practices. Environmental experts have long warned of the long-term consequences of deforestation in the region — including loss of biodiversity, increased landslides, and depletion of water sources.
In this context, Anees’s decades-long dedication to reforestation is not just admirable — it’s vital.
“His work shows how grassroots efforts can counterbalance environmental damage,” said Professor T. Indumati, an environmentalist from Manipur University. “We need more people like him.”
Anees’s mission is guided by a simple yet powerful motto: ‘Green Earth for Better Tomorrow.’ It’s a vision that goes beyond trees — it’s about fostering a culture of care, sustainability, and hope in a troubled world.
“The earth gives us everything. Isn’t it our duty to give something back?” Anees asks.
His answer comes not in words but in leaves, roots, and branches — in the quiet forests he has brought back to life with his bare hands.
As Manipur heals and rebuilds, the work of people like Anees serves as a reminder that peace and progress are not always forged in grand gestures or political speeches. Sometimes, they grow silently — in the shade of a sapling, nurtured by one man’s faith in the future.
His story speaks to people far beyond his village, offering a model of sustainable activism that resonates globally. At a time when climate anxiety is on the rise and ecological despair is mounting, Anees Ahmed stands as a symbol of what one determined individual can achieve.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 28th, 2025
