The Song of the Wild : Kabini

Kabini On My Mind by Vikram Nanjappa is a heartfelt and evocative tribute to the Kabini region, a gem nestled in the southern part of India. Known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes, Kabini has long been a sanctuary for nature lovers, and Nanjappa’s book captures its essence with remarkable depth and passion.

The book is a blend of personal memoir, travelogue, and natural history, offering readers a multifaceted view of Kabini. Nanjappa, a naturalist and conservationist, brings his extensive knowledge and deep connection to the region to the forefront, making the narrative both informative and deeply personal. His writing is imbued with a sense of reverence for the natural world, and his descriptions of the flora, fauna, and landscapes are vivid and immersive.

“Nature has this uncanny ability to catch us off guard, of surprising us
when we least expect it. Just when we think that we have seen it all
it pulls something out of its hat and makes us rethink everything that
we thought we knew. It is this that keeps drawing us back time and
time again. Sometimes I feel that one can spend a lifetime studying
one small patch of forest and still, at the end of the day, feel that one
has not progressed beyond the first few chapters. For a decade or so,
Kabini was my patch of forest.”

One of the standout features of Kabini On My Mind is its ability to transport readers to the heart of the jungle. Nanjappa’s detailed accounts of wildlife encounters—whether it’s the majestic tiger, the elusive leopard, elephant or the vibrant birdlife—are both thrilling and educational. His anecdotes are not just about the animals themselves but also about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation. The book serves as a reminder of the fragility of these habitats and the urgent need to protect them. Nanjappa’s prose is elegant and accessible, making the book a pleasure to read for both seasoned naturalists and casual readers. His passion for Kabini is infectious, and his storytelling is enriched by his deep understanding of the region’s ecology and history.

Beyond its natural history, Kabini On My Mind also delves into the cultural and human dimensions of the region. Nanjappa reflects on the lives of the local communities, their traditions, and their relationship with the land. This adds a layer of richness to the narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of humans and nature.

” A book on the Jungle often made our mind believe that to be enriched with goosebumps hunting tells or incidents of escaping death by an inch. “Kabini on My Mind” shakes your pre-dominant thoughts of that in a very gentle and subtle way. Though divided into chapters, the narrative and representation often feel like reading a journal or diary. The author has meticulously punched the information while merely describing a day-to-day life or telling a bedtime story. Also, the sketches play the role of a catalyst for readers for an enthralling journey to the wilds of Kabini through words. The language of this book has added another jewel to the enthralling Kabini I must say. It’s very easy to get diverted while describing any goosebumping moment with snakes or tigers as wild has always been considered as “The Amphitheatre of Life and Death”, Vikram has kept his wordings very subtle and natural without adding any extra spices to accelerate readers mind leaving a corner for imagination. “- Pamela Bhattacharya (Professional Linguist, book lover and travel enthusiast) 

Personally, the book has made me live in Kabini through its pages. It stimulates the mind with one incident as well as soothes it with another and that is what Jungle is all about. It’s called the wild but it also allows birds to have their neverending concert. One can witness the bloodied face of a hunter and the mutilated body of the prey and can also enjoy the charm of wildflowers just by turning the neck. Hence Vikram’s book has rightly proven that the Jungle is actually “The Amphitheatre of Life and Death”.

I found Kabini On My Mind is a beautifully crafted ode to one of India’s most enchanting landscapes. Vikram’s love for Kabini shines through every page, making this book a must-read for anyone who cherishes the natural world. It is a call to appreciate, protect, and celebrate the wonders of our planet, and it leaves readers with a profound sense of awe and responsibility. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this book will leave you with Kabini on your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

Book: Kabini on My Mind, Musings of a Naturalist
Author: Vikram Nanjappa
Publisher: Notionpress

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Author: Anirban