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Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh PalHow do the forests of the Western Ghats serve as the life supporting system? What role played by the shola forests in acting as the water resource of the Nilgiris? The key role played by the mangrove forests during cyclone and tsunami. The importance of halophytes in helping the establishment of the mangroves. The valuable medicinal plants that are facing extinction. Why should we preserve the Wetlands? Rare trees that quench the thirst of the forest dwellers. Rare and endangered tree species and their revival mechanism. Wonderful heritage trees such as Baobab, Talipot Palm, Malai Naval,Ulakkaippaalai and Iluppai. Giant tree that hides an elephant. World’s oldest Teak tree. The tree named ‘Tholkappiar’. The great personality who loved to live among the woods even after death. The unsung women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the trees.
Ecosystem services that are provided by the tiger reserves. Capturing of an old tiger that started killing cattle. Earth can’t survive without elephants. How to protect the elephants from the fast moving trains? Memorable events of encountering the wild animals in the Western Ghats. How was the pachyderm brought under control when it ran amok? The training school meant for elephants. Nilgiri Tahr, the state animal which is at the verge of extinction. Perfume yielding cat. Musk deer and its significance. Grizzled Giant Squirrel that attracts nature lovers. The captured ant eater which disappeared for ever. The disappeared Python which was recaptured. What happens to the mammoth marine animals which are caught or stranded? The call of the flying lizard for its protection. Hornbills that are facing extinction. Interesting birds that inspire even home makers. Bird banding of the migratory birds in Kanyakumari district. Amazing Butterflies that need our support. The ecological services of the Eastern Ghats . Depleting water resources and the needs of protecting the same . Ecological role of the coral reefs in enriching the marine ecosystem. Interesting life history of the cicadas. The great ecosystem services provided by the dung beetles. What are the needs of protecting the wetlands? Tamiraparani, the lifline of southern Tamil Nadu. Cultivation of medicinal plants-a boon or a bane! Fast disappearing sand dunes and the need to protect them. Compassion towards the underprivileged. Sir Arthur Cotton who builds check dam across Kollidam. The flowering trees that can add beauty to the houses and the surroundings. The great woman who sacrificed her life to redeem the downtrodden.
‘Uyirththidum Ulagam’ discusses not only the above inspiring topics but also narrates the adventurous experiences of V.Sundararaju, a former Indian Forest Service Officer while he served in Tamil Nadu Forest Department, over a period of 36 years. Interesting encounters with denizens of deep forests and the secret life histories of certain less important life forms may definitely be quite informative. The ideas suggested by the author in protecting the rare and endangered trees, medicinal plants, mangroves, shola forests, feathered bipeds and greater animals may give rise to intriguing questions.
The book is dedicated to the serving Officials of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department with deep involvement, dedication and devotion.
If anyone wants to know about forest and management in Tamil Nadu, then this simple, interesting and down to earth book will be certainly quite handy
V.Sundararaju
Born in an agricultural family of Vyrichettipalayam village, Trichy District of Tamil Nadu, V. Sundararaju, with Master’s degree in Mathematics, has served in Tamil Nadu Forest Department for more than 36 years in various capacities such as Forest Range Officer, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Regional Manager, Divisional Forest Officer, Deputy Conservator of Forests and District Forest Officer till he retired from service on 31st January, 2011. While in service he has published 6 books in Tamil. Recently he has published the book ‘Jungle Chronicles’containing certain notable events that had taken place during his service in Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Many of his talks and poems were broadcast through All India Radio on many occasions. Besides he has delivered conservation oriented lectures in various schools, colleges and other public forums.
After retirement he gives special talks and lectures on invitation. Presently he is serving in ‘Society for Social Forestry Research and Development Tamil Nadu’ (SSFRDT) as a Consultant. His scientific articles are being published in various English and Tamil newspapers.
He is the President of the forum called ‘Society for Conservation of Nature’ (SOFCON). Awareness programmes are organized periodically in a college or in any training institute related to Nature and Environment through SOFCON
