There is only one thing that is primordial after the existence of cosmic matter, and that is Mother Nature. The love of nature has drawn many admirers over the years from all spheres of life. And to describe the ecstatic rejuvenation one gets in the lap of nature, the famous lines by American country singer John Denver are ideal – “I am the eagle, I live in high country, in rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky; I am the hawk and there’s blood on my feathers, but time is still turning they soon will be dry; All those who see me, and all who believe in me, share in the freedom I feel when I fly. Ms. Kahini Ghosh Mehta is someone who has made nature her home and as it is often said, passion is a force that fuels actions. A love for forests that was always an inborn feeling in her she has emulated what the prophets believe to be the secret to happiness – “Happiness comes from doing what you love with people you love”. She started in the corporate world initially but then, Ms. Ghosh Mehta always knew where her love and passion lay. Trips into the wilderness have been her way of living and she has literally lived up as a person who has reciprocated nature’s love. For people lost in urbanism today, her story is an eye-opener, a lesson, and above all, exemplary!
Q. Please brief us on your career and how you shifted your focus to ‘nature’ from ‘corporate’?
A. My passion and love for forests existed since childhood as I belonged to Chhindwara – a small township that borders the popular Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Post my schooling in SKV Gwalior and my MBA at IIPM Delhi, I joined Daily Indian Media in Delhi. The job was rewarding but the forests remained my first love.
My husband – Shivang started his career as a journalist with Business & Economy and later became a PR professional and worked for leading edge companies including Evalueserve and Bharti Telesoft. He joined Daily Indian Media in Delhi and I took him for his first encounter with wilderness that transformed him into a strong custodian of the environment and its denizens.
We started our passion by learning more about the wilderness of Corbett – the forest we loved and gradually we discovered a talent within ourselves. We started shooting wildlife and tried our hands at filming when we planned, conceptualised and filmed ‘Wild Saga of Corbett’ – Corbett’s only travelogue in the year 2007. The film went on to become a hot-seller as people considered it as one of the most comprehensive travel film on Corbett. The park authorities also used this particular film as a part of a curriculum for training of guides and drivers in Corbett.
Q. Share some details about Nature Wanderers – Its inception, the activities, initiatives like Canon Wild Clicks etc.
A. In 2007, we decided to bring like minded people on a common platform and founded Nature Wanderers (NW) – an organisation that would help spread awareness around conservation and related issues in an innovative form. The NW team started by organising nature and photography workshops on a small scale in Corbett.
The big break came when NW joined hands with Canon to realise their innovative dream of organising India’s first LIVE wildlife photography contest in Corbett National Park. With over 30 participants who came from over 10 cities, the response was overwhelming. NW’s prior experience with environment events and the team’s passion for wildlife ensured that the event was a grand success as prominent local and national media gave excellent reviews and feedback for the event.
NW under the leadership of this wild couple is now aiming to achieve new wild frontiers and is now busy conceptualizing unique photography and nature related events aimed to spread awareness around conservation of rare species across national parks.
Q. Where does the awareness level about nature stand with respect to today’s generation? Do you think people today are too caught up in urban life?
A. Awareness levels are very low. As denizens of urban cities we fail to realize that our survival on this planet is dependent on the forests and its resources. We fail to realise the importance of the tiger in the entire ecosystem. We fail to realise how a 200 kg cat plays an instrumental role in our survival in the cities. Even tourists going to National Parks have abysmal awareness levels. In today’s era which is so heavily dependent on technological modes of communication, environment and wildlife related issues takes a complete backseat which is an obvious cause of concern.
Q. Share some light on whether the government of India has taken the right steps towards preservation of wild life.
A. The Government does take necessary steps to conserve the ecosystem but we as humans have exploited the environment to an extent that steps alone would not suffice. Enforcement and execution is the key. Red tapism and corruption is prevalent everywhere and forest and wildlife are bearing the brunt.
Q. In what ways do you feel that organisations can cater to the above mentioned area of concern
through CSR measures? Any suggestions or examples.
A. CSR practices in corporate india need to evolve to the next level. Plantation of trees or providing support to orphaned children are no-brainer activities. In case a corporate is ready to pool in funds and resources for CSR activities it becomes imperative to think from a macro perspective and figure our various aspects of environmental conservation that they can get involved into. An issue may or may not be directly related to the core business of a brand.
Q. Going back to your days at IIPM & Planman, what are your cherished moments and learning?
A. IIPM and Planman helped me to think big and have the zeal to achieve those bigger dreams. My entrepreneurship emerged itsef seeing all the top level management in the organisation and their ability to dream big. I feel the institute plays a critical role in not only creating managers but grooming leaders who can bring about a change in the lives of people.
Q. Your advice to today’s youngsters who seek to contribute to ‘mother nature’.
A. Be sensitive to Mother Nature for if you don’t understand its value, life for your children will be tough in the times to come. Contribute, learn and be aware of environmental issues and its impacts and see if you can get involved in any way.
The CULT team wishes that nature keeps bestowing her with incessant love and care, forever!!!!
