February 11, 1999, Thursday, sunny, 7-21C

 

[14:42 @ Pradeep’s office in Delhi]

     Just came back from a most satisfying slideshow presentation to a group of about 70 college level students at the College of Vocational Studies who specializes in tourism.  Nina Rao, one of Pradeep’s friends whom I met back in 1997, is a teacher there.  She checked out several rooms with us, most being too bright, and finally we settled for the computer lab, which is quite suitable.  They gave me all the time I needed, so I gave an unhurried, and therefore quality, presentation, with an ecotourism slant.  And I did get their full attention.  More than that, the best indicator was that a group of computer students who initially were not a part of the audience after awhile closed down their computer to listen.  They all agreed that the gate charge for foreign tourists at all India parks should be raised at least 10 fold.  We thought that only younger children could be idealistic, but these young adults showed us how fired up they too could be.  They wanted to write to various powers-that-be as well as the media.  They are organizing a bus to go to the Love-the-Tiger Walk enmasse.  Pradeep added one point, that there was draw-prizes in the walk.  I’ve never been one for gimmicks like prizes, and one of the students voiced our opinion, “If they came for the prize, they should not come.” 

     Back at the office, another surprise.  I thought yesterday’s Springdales presentation was a bit of a wash out.  Well, Sucheta came in with a whole batch of student art and slogans from that school.  Following are some excerpts from the slogans:

     “Tiger’s soul is our life, so why kill ourselves?”

     “Tiger conservation is the need of the hour; save it, because you have the power!  Save the King, save the Kingdom!”

     “Tiger’s eyes are very bright.  Don’t take away their light.  The tigers are the forest’s soul.  Don’t make a bullet hole.”

     “We have to heed the tiger’s scream, for we have to save this earth, which is turning into a ghastly dream!”

     “Shoot the tigers with a camera, not with a gun.  Capture them on film, not in cages.  Save the Tigers!”

     “We can afford to buy gold, but tigers are priceless.”

     “If my family can have generations, why can’t the tigers have some too?”

     “Save the Pride of India, before it becomes India’s forgotten glory!”

     “We can recreate Taj Mahal, but only God can recreate the tiger.”

     How about that, people?  Take note, Canadian kids! 

    

[16:35 @ Pradeep’s office]

     Right now, Pradeep and Sucheta are scrambling to make the Love the Tiger Walk work.  In opposition is the Indian bureaucracy.  Witness the following letter, dated Feb. 11, 1999:

     “From:  Government of India, National Zoological Park, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110003

     To:  Tiger Trust

     Sir:  I am referring to your letter regarding “Save the Tiger Walk” at National Zoological Park.  I am to inform you that no function is allowed which is not related to the zoo.  If at all the function is to be conducted, then you are advised to approach Ministry of Environment & Forest for Approval.

     Yours faithfully,

     Dr. B.R. Sharma, IFS

     Director”

     Verbally, they have told Pradeep: no loud speakers, no speeches, no Bara Bacha (Big Cub), no food, perhaps no banners.  Pradeep and Sucheta are right now trying to find an alternative, perhaps the Project Tiger office about 0.5 km from the zoo for speeches, Bara Bacha, etc. 

     Sucheta, who calls Pradeep “sir” and is very efficient in carrying out Pradeep’s orders, just received a phone call from an Indian television station who wants to interview me at the Tiger Walk for their On the Edge conservation program.  We’ll see what the Walk will bring.