Nature in many frames: Corbett Literature Festival brings together stories of wildlife, food and people
Explore the Corbett Literature Festival's deep dive into Himalayan ecology, Pahadi culinary traditions, and the art of wildlife photography.
The second day of the Corbett Literature Festival in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, transformed into a vibrant tapestry of human connection to the natural world. Moving far beyond the singular focus on the tiger, the event brought together a diverse group of historians, conservationists, photographers, and food experts to celebrate the intricate relationship between the landscape and its inhabitants.
The Living Heritage of the Himalayas
In a profound session titled 'Jeevan Daayi Himalaya: Nature, People and a Changing Landscape', Dr. Pathak and Padma Shri awardee Anup Sah, moderated by Sushil Bahuguna, delved into the ecological and social significance of the mountain range. Dr. Pathak emphasized that while the Himalayas represent less than half a per cent of the world's geography, they house approximately 10 per cent of its global biodiversity.
Key insights from the discussion included:
- A Shared Responsibility: Dr. Pathak argued that the protection of the Himalayas is not just a duty for mountain dwellers but a vital necessity for those living in the plains.
- Beyond the Tiger: The Corbett landscape was described as a vibrant representation of biodiversity, noting that the Kosi and Ramganga watersheds are essential to the lives of pastoralists, farmers, and local businesses.
- Ecological Threats: The speakers raised alarms regarding unscientific construction, road building, and tunneling, which threaten fragile ecosystems and elephant corridors.
"The real wilderness has been lost," Dr. Pathak remarked, stressing the urgent need to protect natural habitats that cannot simply be replanted or recreated.
A Taste of Uttarakhand: Pahadi Culinary Traditions
The festival transitioned from the vastness of the mountains to the intimacy of the kitchen during the session 'Pahadi Bhaddu: Tales, Traditions and the Flavours of Uttarakhand'. Hosted by Ayu Tripathi, the session featured Padma Shri awardee and food historian Pushpesh Pant.
The conversation explored the deep connection between regional ingredients, slow cooking methods, and local folklore. This exploration of Pahadi food was not merely theoretical, as participants continued the dialogue over a traditional Kumaoni lunch, bringing the history of the region directly to the table.
Capturing the Wild: The Art of Wildlife Photography
The session 'With a Camera in Tigerland: The Wild Through the Lens' offered a unique perspective on how humans document the natural world. Conservationist Prerna Singh Bindra opened the segment by revisiting the pioneering photography of FW Champion, followed by a discussion with photographers Akash Das and Anup Sah, moderated by Avni Tripathi.
Akash Das shared a unique philosophy regarding his minimalist approach to wildlife photography:
- The Importance of Habitat: Das explained that he often keeps the animal small within a larger frame. By showing the animal in its environment, he ensures the viewer understands the habitat that sustains it.
- The Unobtrusive Observer: Reflecting on a tense encounter with a mother elephant and her calf, Das highlighted the necessity for photographers to minimize noise, scent, and movement to ensure animals feel safe.
"If we forget what the habitat is and show only the head-on shot of an animal, it could be anywhere," Das noted, explaining that his wider compositions serve as a tool for broader conservation awareness.