MY FAVOURITE KIND OF TRAFFIC HALT is one caused by a large flock of sheep on a cloudy monsoon day. We were driving from Bhuj to Mandvi on the approach road to National Highway 41 when we came upon the flock. They seemed to like my father's blue WagonR, which he had lent me for my fieldwork.
The flock moved at its own pace, like changing seasons, brushing against my car, not particularly curious about the vehicle blocking their grazing path. Once in a while, some of them would look up at their shepherd, a leisurely gentleman from the Rabari indigenous community of Gujarat, and blink, seemingly in approval of the route he had taken.
My co-researcher and co-passenger (in the car and life), Manya, clicked some nice pictures of the sheep.
The role of Indian indigenous communities in conservation has largely been ignored. Our school textbooks don't mention them, our wildlife parks have had a history of displacing them, and our caste-based society has always marginalised them. It is shameful that it took me-an upper-caste, ex-software engineer-a career change and a stint in the conservation sector to know more about them and how they help preserve our natural resources. Also known as "Scheduled Tribes" in India, these communities have always lived as one with nature.
I find long drives along the countryside particularly therapeutic. My mind appreciates everything I drive pasttrees, lush farms, sheep, cattle, colourful trucks. For some reason, all the nice things I appreciate on the way remind Manya of work.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?
Love The Himalayas, But Worried About Its Future? Hear From Three Experts On The Future Of The Region And How It Can Be Protected
EATING MINDFULLY
SUNITA NARAIN FROM THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK WHICH COMBINES THE JOYS OF EATING WITH CARE FOR THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WHO TILL THEM
The Jewels Of Costa Rica
A Long-time Birdwatcher Describes His Travels To The Lush Rainforests Of Costa Rica
WINGED WONDERS
The story of migrating birds is the story of a promise to return, flying thousands of miles beset with dangers.
THE LOOMINARIES
THE ROLE OF THE GREAT REVIVALISTS WHO GAVE INDIA'S TEXTILES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE CANNOT BE STATED ENOUGH. WE TRACE THEIR CELEBRATED LEGACY
KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT
FROM REVIVING TRADITIONAL WEAVES TO CONTEMPORISING THEM WITH MODERN SILHOUETTES, THESE DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE LOOM TURNING WITH A FRESH TAKE ON HERITAGE TEXTILES
SONGS OF THE SOIL
WITH INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FACING THE WRATH OF FAST FASHION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE RALLYING TO REVIVE AND PRESERVE THESE PRECIOUS WEAVES
CRAFT CRUSADER
THROUGH HER TEXTILE EXPLORATIONS ACROSS INDIA, DR PRITHA DASMAHAPATRA HAS BEEN PRESERVING ANCIENT CRAFTS, EMPOWERING ARTISANS, AND INSPIRING TRAVELLERS TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HYPERLOCAL EXPERIENCES
ON THE GRID
THE VIBRANT MADRAS CHECKS, NATIVE TO SOUTHEASTERN INDIA, HAS NOT JUST TRANSCENDED BORDERS BUT ALSO TRADITIONS AND STYLES
GOLDEN SILK
THE PROPERTIES THAT MAKE MUGA SILK UNIQUE COULD SEE IT BEING USED IN THE BIOFUELS AND MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE